Microwave Cottage Cheese Chicken & Broccoli Bowl (High Protein)

August 5, 2024

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Published: Aug 4, 2024 by Cathy Chenard · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

This microwave cottage cheese chicken and broccoli bowl tastes just like the casserole dish and is high in protein, low in carbs and much healthier!

Cottage cheese broccoli, chicken and cheddar bowl topped with crushed pork rinds.

This high-protein cottage cheese, chicken and broccoli bowl is a nutritional powerhouse and much healthier than a very similar-tasting chicken, broccoli and cheddar cheese casserole!

Not only that, it’s just as delicious as the popular casserole dish and is low in carbs, keto-friendly, and quick to make (cooks in less than 2 minutes in the microwave).

This high protein bowl combines store-bought rotisserie chicken, cottage cheese, fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese and crushed pork rinds (a perfect crunchy topping!) for a filing, all-in-one meal that will keep you satisfied for hours.

And since it uses store-bought rotisserie chicken (ideal when you have leftovers!) and the microwave to heat, it’s a fast and easy lunch or dinner when you’re short on time.

This protein bowl is a testament to the fact that healthy eating can be delicious, fast and easy.

Why This Recipe Rocks

High protein: Forty-nine percent of calories (39 grams) come from protein, making it a healthy, high-protein bowl that will keep you full for hours.
Low carb: This filling, low-carb bowl is just 6 net carbs per serving.
Quick and easy: This dish uses the microwave for heating and comes together in less than 10 minutes total, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
Flavorful and versatile: The combination of rotisserie chicken, crunchy broccoli, cheddar cheese and creamy cottage cheese is not only delicious, but can easily be customized to your liking.

Key Ingredients

Cottage cheese chicken and broccoli bowl ingredients in bowls and labeled

Low-fat 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.

Fresh broccoli: Fresh broccoli is best since you’ll break our chop the broccoli into smaller ½- to 1-inch pieces. You’ll steam the chopped broccoli in the microwave for a minute or so before combining in the bowl.

Shredded cheddar cheese: Like chicken and broccoli casserole, we top this bowl with shredded cheddar cheese, which makes it deliciously cheesy. You could use another cheese of choice like shredded mozzarella, a Mexican blend or parmesan.

Crushed pork rinds: Many chicken and broccoli casseroles are topped with crushed crackers for texture. To keep this bowl low in carbs and high in protein, we top with crushed pork rinds. You can use any flavor of pork rinds for the topping.

Instructions

STEP 1: Chop or tear rotisserie chicken and broccoli into small chunks. In a food processor, pulse cottage cheese with paprika and garlic powder until smooth.

STEP 2: In a small microwaveable bowl, add chopped broccoli. Cover with plate or other microwaveable cover for steaming. Heat for 1 minute. Remove and taste for doneness (should be just tender). If not tender, heat for another 15 seconds until desired tenderness. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cottage cheese, paprika and garlic powder pulsed to a smooth consistency in food processor.

STEP 3: Spoon mixture into medium-size, microwavable bowl and combine with chicken and steamed broccoli. Evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.

STEP 4: Heat in microwave, uncovered, for 1 minute and 30 seconds . When done, cheese topping should be melted and interior thoroughly heated. Heat in additional 15-second increments as needed. (Our bowl is fully heated after 1 minute and 30 seconds).

broccoli, chicken and cottage cheese mixture in a microwavable bowl

Bowl topped with shredded cheddar cheese

STEP 5: Top with crushed pork rinds as desired. Serve immediately.

Finished broccoli and chicken cheddar bowl topped with crushed pork rinds

Tips and Variations

Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of your favorite hot sauce for some heat.
Swap Veggies: Feel free to use other veggies in this bowl, such as red onion, mushrooms or bell pepper.
Swap cheese: If you don’t like cheddar, you can swap with shredded mozzarella, a Mexican blend, or grated parmesan.
Meal Prep: Make this dish in advance and store in covered container in the fridge until ready to heat in the microwave. You can store in the fridge for up to 2 to 3 days.

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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