High Protein Cottage Cheese Enchilada Bowl

July 2, 2024

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Published: Jul 2, 2024 by Cathy Chenard · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

This quick and easy high-protein, low-carb cottage cheese enchilada bowl is deliciously cheesy, creamy, spicy and full of enchilada goodness!

Cottage cheese enchilada bowl topped with chopped avocado and fresh cilantro.

This high-protein cottage cheese enchilada bowl is similar to our cottage cheese pizza bowl, except the flavor is all about delicious cheesy, chicken enchilada!

This protein bowl is basically a creamy chicken enchilada without the tortilla. But, it’s got all the good stuff like melted, gooey cheese, chunky salsa, tender chunks of rotisserie chicken, crunchy bell pepper and Mexican seasonings.

And you don’t have to like cottage cheese to love this bowl since most of the flavor comes from the Mexican seasoning, chunky salsa, shredded cheese, chicken and bell pepper. The cottage cheese serves as more of base and makes the bowl more substantial and filling while also driving up the protein.

Additionally, with store-bought rotisserie chicken, this cottage cheese enchilada bowl comes together fast for busy weekday lunches or dinners. You simply combine all the ingredients in a bowl, stir and microwave. It’s simple, fast and healthy, but the flavor is all there!

Key Ingredients

Cottage cheese enchilada bowl ingredients in bowls and labeled

Cottage cheese: We use a low-fat cottage cheese (2% milkfat) in this bowl since we found little difference in taste between the low- and high-fat cottage cheese when done. If you use low-fat cottage cheese, the bowl will be slightly lower in calories and fat, but it may be a little more runny or not as creamy in consistency as the full-fat. However, it’s best to buy whatever cottage cheese you prefer.

Store-bought rotisserie chicken: To keep the bowl easy, we simply use store-bought rotisserie chicken, which we cut into small chunks. We recommend buying a rotisserie chicken that is organic, free-range, and free of hormone.

Chunky salsa: Be sure to get a sugar-free salsa with clean ingredients. We use Tostitos Medium Salsa, which uses simple ingredients, doesn’t include sugar and is just 1 net carb per 2 tablespoons. See our full review of low-carb salsas here.

Seasonings: We use store-bought taco seasoning (without any added sugar) and a pinch or two of cayenne to add some spice and heat. Mexican inspired seasoning is a must!

Mexican shredded cheese: We love using a Mexican Cheddar Jack blend of grated cheese to top the bowl. However, you can also use all grated cheddar, Monterey jack or even mozzarella.

Green bell pepper: To enhance the flavor and texture, we also add chopped green bell pepper. If desired, you could replace with another low carb veggie like chopped red onion, jalapeno peppers, spinach or mushrooms.

HOW TO MAKE

STEP 1: Chop rotisserie chicken and bell pepper into small chunks. In a food processor, pulse cottage cheese until smooth. In a small microwaveable bowl, add cottage cheese, chunky salsa, chicken, bell pepper, taco seasoning and a pinch or two of cayenne powder. Stir until well combined.

STEP 2: Heat on high in microwave for 1 minute. Remove and stir. Sprinkle the top with shredded cheese.

Whipped cottage cheese mixed with salsa, seasoning, chicken and bell pepper in a bowl.

Enchilada bowl topped with mexican shredded cheese in the microwave

STEP 3: Heat for another 30 seconds to 1 minute (each microwave heats differently) until cheese is melted and mixture is thoroughly heated. Top with chopped avocado or other desired toppings. Serve immediately.

Finished cottage cheese enchilada bowl topped with chopped avocado and cilantro.

WHAT IS CONSIDERED HIGH IN PROTEIN?

We love high-protein meals, snacks and desserts since they help keep you full for longer periods of time. Therefore, you’re less likely to overeat.

Wikipedia defines a high-protein diet as more than 20% of calories from protein while Diet Doctor uses 25% to 35% of calories. For more information about a high-protein diet, check out Diet Doctor.

More High Protein Recipes

If you try this recipe, we would love to hear your feedback! Leave a comment, rate it, and tag @lowcarbsimplified on your photo of this recipe on Instagram or Facebook. We hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do!

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