This bowl is packed with flavor and comes together super fast. You get creamy cottage cheese, crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and all the ranch vibes in one bite. I’ve been obsessed with this combo lately—it hits all the textures and flavors. Perfect for lunch or dinner when you want something hearty but still feel-good.
Why I Love This Recipe
I came up with this one after making a post-gym bowl and just throwing together what I had in the fridge. It turned out so good I had to make it again—and again.
- No cooking if you use pre-cooked chicken and bacon
- High-protein and super filling
- Creamy, crunchy, savory, fresh—all in one bite
- Easy to meal prep or whip up on the spot
Makes: 2 big bowls
Time: 10 minutes if using pre-cooked chicken and bacon
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
- 2 tablespoons ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onion (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pro Tips
- Use rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time
- Make your bacon in the oven for less mess
- Full-fat cottage cheese gives extra creaminess
- Ranch too thick? Thin it with a splash of milk
- Season your chicken well—salt and pepper go a long way
Tools Needed
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowls
- Spoon
- Serving bowls (preferably round)
Substitutions & Variations
- Swap bacon for turkey bacon or crispy chickpeas
- Use Greek yogurt instead of ranch
- Add cucumbers, avocado, or bell pepper for more crunch
- Try mozzarella or feta instead of cheddar
Make Ahead Tips
- Pre-chop your toppings and store in airtight containers
- Cook and shred chicken ahead of time and keep it in the fridge
- Pre-crumble bacon and store separately
Chicken Bacon Ranch Cottage Cheese Bowl Instructions
Step 1: Add Cottage Cheese
Scoop 1 cup of low-fat cottage cheese into a round serving bowl.
Step 2: Add Shredded Chicken
Top the cottage cheese with 1 cup shredded cooked chicken breast, spreading evenly across the top.
Step 3: Add Crumbled Bacon
Sprinkle 4 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled over the chicken.
Step 4: Add Cheese
Add ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Step 5: Add Fresh Veggies
Top with ¼ cup diced red onion and ½ cup sliced cherry tomatoes.
Step 6: Drizzle Ranch
Drizzle 2 tablespoons ranch dressing over everything.
Step 7: Finish with Green Onions
Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (optional) and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Leftovers & Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the ranch separate if you want to avoid soggy toppings. Great for meal prep!
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Cottage cheese is high in casein protein, which helps keep you full longer. The mix of fat (bacon, ranch, cheese) and protein (chicken, cottage cheese) balances blood sugar and gives you steady energy. Plus, the fresh veggies add crunch and contrast.
Common Mistakes
- Using watery cottage cheese – Strain it a bit if it’s too loose
- Not seasoning the chicken – Bland chicken will drag the whole bowl down
- Using warm bacon – Let it cool so it stays crispy
- Overdressing – Too much ranch can drown the textures
What to Serve With
- Tortilla chips for scooping
- A side of roasted broccoli or green beans
- Lemon water or a light iced tea
- Toasted pita or flatbread
FAQ
Can I use canned chicken?
Yes! Just shred it and season it a little before adding.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free ranch and plant-based cottage cheese (or swap for hummus).
What if I don’t like cottage cheese?
Try Greek yogurt, ricotta, or even mashed avocado.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Cottage Cheese Bowl is one of those throw-together meals that feels fancy but takes almost no time. It’s super satisfying, totally craveable, and easy to make your own. Try it, then come back and let me know how you liked it—or if you made your own twist!