High‑Protein Cottage Cheese Enchilada Bowl
This quick and easy enchilada bowl is a protein-packed twist on classic comfort food. Featuring low-fat cottage cheese, shredded rotisserie chicken, salsa, bell peppers, and bold spices, it’s topped with melty Mexican cheese and ready in minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup low‑fat cottage cheese
- ½ cup cooked shredded rotisserie chicken
- ¼ cup chunky salsa
- ¼ cup chopped bell pepper
- ¼ cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins
- Black beans
- Corn
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Cooked rice
Instructions
Drain the cottage cheese
- Place the cottage cheese in a mesh strainer or gently blot it with paper towels to remove extra liquid. This step helps keep your bowl from turning soupy.
Mix the base
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the drained cottage cheese, shredded chicken, salsa (drain excess liquid if needed), and chopped bell pepper. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Add cheese
- Evenly sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend over the top.
Microwave or bake
- Microwave on high for 1–2 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the bowl is heated through.
- Alternatively, bake in an oven-safe dish at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes until hot and bubbly for a cozy, enchilada casserole feel.
Garnish
- Top with fresh garnishes like diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, cilantro, green onions, or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- 🔥 Cook Time: 2–10 minutes (2 minutes for microwave, 10 minutes for oven)
- Drain your cottage cheese: This isn’t just a suggestion — it’s a must. Excess liquid from cottage cheese can turn your bowl watery. Use a fine mesh strainer or blot gently with a few layers of paper towel until it’s thick and creamy.
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience: Shredded rotisserie chicken adds great flavor and saves time, but any pre-cooked chicken (grilled, poached, baked) works perfectly here.
- Pick the right salsa: A thick, chunky salsa will give you the best texture and help avoid excess moisture. If yours is runny, simply spoon off some of the liquid before mixing it in.
- Make it heartier: Add black beans, corn, or cooked rice to bulk it up and make it more filling. Great for leftovers or stretching the recipe for multiple servings!
- Add crunch with tortilla chips: Crushed tortilla chips add a fun, crispy texture — just stir them in right before eating so they don’t get soggy.
- Microwave vs. oven — choose your style: If you're short on time, the microwave will have your bowl ready in under 2 minutes. Want that bubbly, cheesy casserole finish? Pop it in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes instead.
- Meal-prep friendly: Prepare the base mix and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It reheats well in the microwave, and you can add your favorite toppings fresh each time you serve it.
- Vegetarian swap: Skip the chicken and use black beans, tofu, or plant-based protein crumbles to make this a satisfying meatless meal.
- Dairy-free version: Look for dairy-free cottage cheese and shredded vegan cheese — the flavors hold up really well and still give you that creamy, cheesy bite.
- Great for picky eaters: Let everyone customize their bowl with toppings they love — avocado, green onions, hot sauce, jalapeños — or keep it simple and mild.