This bowl is one of those meals that feels way fancier than it really is. It’s creamy, spicy, savory, and packed with protein. The best part? You throw it all together in under 30 minutes.
The spicy peanut sauce gives everything a bold kick, the chicken is juicy, and the cottage cheese adds this unexpected creamy base that cools the spice just enough.
Perfect for lunch or dinner when you want something filling but not heavy.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe was born on a busy weekday when I had leftover chicken and not much brainpower left. I threw some stuff in a bowl, made a quick peanut sauce, and scooped it over cottage cheese. I didn’t expect it to be so good, but it hit every craving. It’s now one of those back-pocket meals I make on repeat.
- Takes 25 minutes or less
- Super high in protein
- No fancy ingredients
- Totally customizable
- Tastes like takeout, but better
Serves: 2
Total Time: 25 minutes
What You’ll Need
- 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 8 oz total)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup cottage cheese (full fat or low fat)
- ¼ cup shredded carrots
- ½ cucumber, sliced thin
- 2 tbsp crushed peanuts
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
- Optional: red pepper flakes, lime wedge for topping
For the spicy peanut sauce:
- 2 tbsp creamy peanut butter
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup (or honey)
- 1 tsp sriracha
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 1 tbsp warm water (to thin sauce)
Pro Tips
- Slice your chicken thin after cooking so it soaks up more sauce.
- Warm the peanut butter slightly to help it mix smoother.
- Want extra crunch? Add shredded cabbage or crispy onions.
- Cottage cheese not your thing? Swap with Greek yogurt.
- This bowl is amazing cold or warm — you decide.
Tools Required
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Small mixing bowl
- Medium skillet
- Measuring spoons
- Cooking spoon or spatula
- Serving bowls
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap chicken with cooked shrimp or tofu
- Use almond butter instead of peanut butter
- Add rice or quinoa to make it more filling
- Use Greek yogurt if you don’t like cottage cheese
- Swap maple syrup for honey
Make Ahead Tips
- You can cook the chicken and make the sauce ahead of time. Store both in the fridge up to 3 days. Assemble when ready to eat.
Recipe + Instructions
Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken
Sprinkle both chicken breasts with ½ tsp salt and ½ tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook 5–6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and golden. Remove and let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
Step 2: Make the Spicy Peanut Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp creamy peanut butter, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tsp sriracha, 1 grated garlic clove, and 1 tbsp warm water. Mix until smooth.
Step 3: Slice the Chicken
Once rested, thinly slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips.
Step 4: Build the Bowl
In a round bowl, spoon ¼ cup cottage cheese on one side. Add ¼ cup shredded carrots, half the thin cucumber slices, and sliced chicken. Spoon over half the peanut sauce. Top with 1 tbsp crushed peanuts and 1 tbsp chopped cilantro. Add red pepper flakes and lime if using.
Leftovers & Storage
Store everything separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Chicken and sauce last 3 days. Cottage cheese bowls are best assembled fresh.
Macros (Per Serving – makes 2 bowls)
- Calories: ~425
- Protein: 42g
- Fat: 24g
- Carbs: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Peanut butter + acid (vinegar) + spice = the perfect umami combo. The vinegar cuts the fat, the sriracha brings heat, and the cottage cheese cools it all down with protein-rich creaminess. It’s all about balancing bold flavors with creamy textures.
Common Mistakes
- Overcooking chicken – it gets dry fast, so pull it off as soon as it’s cooked through
- Skipping the resting time – sliced too soon, juices run out
- Not thinning the sauce – peanut butter thickens fast; add that water!
- Not seasoning the chicken – bland chicken = boring bowl
What to Serve With
- Steamed jasmine rice or quinoa
- A simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar
- Garlic edamame
- Chili oil noodles on the side
FAQ
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yep! Just slice and warm it slightly before adding.
Is cottage cheese weird in this?
Not at all! It cools down the spice and adds a creamy layer. Promise it works.
Can I double the sauce?
Absolutely. It’s great for dipping veggies later, too.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Peanut Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl is one of those recipes that sounds a little different—but once you try it, you’ll crave it all the time. It’s the kind of bowl that hits creamy, spicy, crunchy, and fresh all at once. Try it, then come back and tell me how you made it your own!