Introduction

This Macro Friendly BBQ Ranch Chicken Bowl is a delicious and balanced meal perfect for those looking to enjoy flavorful food without compromising their nutrition goals. Combining tender chicken with creamy cottage cheese, tangy ranch, and smoky BBQ sauce, it’s a satisfying dish that’s quick to prepare and great for meal prep.

A large white bowl filled with a colorful layered salad is shown on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer consists of dark green leafy lettuce, topped with light green cucumber cubes on the left and black beans on the right. Bright red chopped tomatoes are scattered mostly on the left side. Over these vegetables, grilled chicken pieces with a golden brown texture are placed on the right side. The salad is covered with a layer of shredded yellow cheese and thin crispy fried onion strands. White creamy dressing and dark brown barbecue sauce are drizzled over the top, adding contrast to the vivid layers underneath. In the background, there is a bunch of fresh green herbs and a partially visible white dish with golden-brown food. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 Just Bare (or similar) chicken filet
½ cup low-fat cottage cheese (Good Culture brand recommended)
2 tbsp Ranch dressing (Bolthouse Farms recommended)
2 tbsp BBQ sauce (G.Hughes recommended)
2 tbsp shredded cheddar cheese, reduced fat

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the chicken by grilling, baking, or pan-frying the filet until fully cooked and it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This usually takes about 6-8 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
Step 2: While the chicken cooks, scoop ½ cup of low-fat cottage cheese into your serving bowl.
Step 3: Once the chicken is cooked, slice it and place it on top of the cottage cheese in the bowl.
Step 4: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of ranch dressing and 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce evenly over the sliced chicken.
Step 5: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor.
Step 6: Serve immediately for best taste, or refrigerate if preparing for meals later in the week.

Tips & Variations

For added veggies, mix in chopped lettuce, tomatoes, or cucumbers for extra crunch and nutrition.
Swap the cottage cheese for Greek yogurt if you prefer a creamier texture.
Use your favorite brands of BBQ sauce and ranch to suit your taste preferences.
If dairy is a concern, omit the cheddar or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
For a spicy kick, add a sprinkle of chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce on top.

Storage

Store the assembled bowl in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best texture, keep the sauces separate until ready to eat if preparing in advance. Reheat the chicken gently in the microwave or enjoy cold for a quick meal.

How to Serve

A close-up image of a layered salad in a white bowl, showing the bottom layer with green romaine lettuce leaves, followed by bright red tomato chunks and fresh cucumber pieces. On top, there are crispy brown croutons and slightly melted shredded yellow cheese scattered around. Some pieces of grilled chicken with a light brown, slightly charred texture are visible mixed in. The salad is lightly drizzled with creamy white and dark brown dressings. A woman's hand holds a white fork scooping some of the salad. The entire scene is set against a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, just be sure to fully thaw the chicken before cooking to ensure even cooking and safety.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. The bowl holds up well in the fridge and makes a convenient, protein-packed meal to take on the go.

Macro Friendly BBQ Ranch Chicken Bowl Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 56 reviews

A healthy and macro-friendly BBQ Ranch Chicken Bowl featuring tender grilled chicken filet, low-fat cottage cheese, tangy ranch dressing, smoky BBQ sauce, and a sprinkle of reduced-fat cheddar cheese. Perfect for a high-protein, flavorful meal prep or quick lunch.

Author: Lila
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 12-16 minutes
Total Time: 17-21 minutes
Yield: 1 serving 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

1 Just Bare (or similar) chicken filet

Dairy

½ cup low-fat cottage cheese (Good Culture brand recommended)
2 tbsp shredded cheddar cheese, reduced fat

Condiments

2 tbsp Ranch dressing (Bolthouse Farms recommended)
2 tbsp BBQ sauce (G.Hughes recommended)

Instructions

Cook the Chicken: Grill, bake, or pan-fry the chicken filet until fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. This generally takes about 6-8 minutes per side depending on the thickness of the filet. Make sure the chicken is juicy and cooked through.
Prepare the Bowl: While the chicken is cooking, scoop ½ cup of low-fat cottage cheese into your serving bowl, creating a creamy base for the protein.
Assemble the Bowl: Once the chicken is done, slice it into strips or bite-sized pieces. Add the sliced chicken on top of the cottage cheese in the bowl. Drizzle 2 tablespoons each of ranch dressing and BBQ sauce evenly over the chicken for a flavorful punch.
Finish the Bowl: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese over the top for a melty, sharp finish that complements the BBQ and ranch flavors.
Serve: Enjoy the bowl immediately while the chicken is warm, or refrigerate it for meal prep to enjoy later as a convenient, balanced lunch or dinner.

Notes

Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
You can substitute the chicken filet with skinless chicken breast or thigh if preferred.
Use low-fat or reduced-fat dairy options to keep the recipe macro-friendly.
The ranch and BBQ sauce brands suggested are low in sugar and calories, suitable for a health-conscious diet.
This dish can be served warm or cold, making it ideal for meal prep or quick meals on the go.

Keywords: BBQ Ranch Chicken Bowl, healthy chicken bowl, macro friendly meal, low-fat chicken recipe, high protein bowl, meal prep chicken bowl