This cottage cheese chicken enchilada bowl is everything you love about cheesy, spicy enchiladas—just without the tortilla. It’s creamy, satisfying, and made in minutes. All you need is one bowl, a microwave, and a big appetite.
Why I Love This Recipe
This bowl has become a go-to when I want something fast, high-protein, and still super comforting. It tastes like a cheesy chicken enchilada, but skips the tortilla and cuts carbs without cutting flavor.
- You only need 8 ingredients
- It’s ready in under 5 minutes
- The microwave does all the work
- It keeps you full for hours
- No fancy tools, just a bowl and a spoon
What You’ll Need
- ½ cup low-fat (2%) cottage cheese
- ⅓ cup rotisserie chicken, chopped into small chunks
- 2 ½ tablespoons chunky salsa (like Tostitos Medium)
- ¼ cup green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning (sugar-free)
- 1–2 pinches cayenne powder
- 3 tablespoons Mexican shredded cheese
- ¼ cup chopped avocado (optional, for topping)
Pro Tips
- Blend the cottage cheese until smooth—it helps make the texture more like a creamy sauce
- Use freshly shredded rotisserie chicken for best flavor
- Don’t skip the cayenne—it gives just the right amount of kick
- Add the cheese after the first microwave round so it melts perfectly
- Prep your toppings (like avocado and cilantro) while it heats
Tools Required
- Food processor or blender (to whip cottage cheese)
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Cutting board and knife
Substitutions and Variations
- Protein: Swap chicken for ground turkey or beef
- Cheese: Use cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack
- Veggies: Add red onion, spinach, jalapeño, or mushrooms
- Spice: Skip cayenne if you don’t like heat
- Cottage Cheese: Use full-fat for a creamier bowl
Make Ahead Tips
- You can chop your chicken and bell pepper ahead of time
- Store whipped cottage cheese in the fridge up to 2 days
- Assemble everything but the cheese topping, store in fridge, and microwave when ready
- Servings: 1
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Calories: 279
- Protein: 29.4g
- Net Carbs: 9.6g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Blending cottage cheese gives it a smooth, creamy base that mimics the inside of enchiladas. Rotisserie chicken adds fast protein, and salsa plus taco seasoning layers in bold, Mexican-inspired flavor. The microwave melts everything together quickly for an ultra-satisfying bowl.
Common Mistakes
- Not blending the cottage cheese: It’ll be too lumpy and won’t coat everything
- Overcooking in microwave: It can get rubbery—heat in short bursts
- Using watery salsa: Go for chunky to avoid a soupy bowl
- Skipping seasoning: The flavor really depends on taco seasoning + cayenne
What to Serve With
- A side of tortilla chips (if not low carb)
- Cauliflower rice for extra volume
- Fresh side salad with lime vinaigrette
- Guacamole or sour cream on the side
Recipe + Instructions
Step 1: Prep and Mix
Chop ⅓ cup rotisserie chicken into small chunks. Chop ¼ cup green bell pepper. Blend ½ cup cottage cheese in a food processor until smooth. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine blended cottage cheese, 2 ½ tbsp chunky salsa, chicken, bell pepper, 1 tsp taco seasoning, and 1–2 pinches of cayenne. Stir well.
Step 2: First Microwave
Microwave the bowl on high for 1 minute. Remove and stir.
Step 3: Add Cheese & Reheat
Sprinkle 3 tablespoons Mexican shredded cheese evenly on top. Microwave again for 30 seconds to 1 minute until cheese is melted and mixture is hot.
Step 4: Add Toppings and Serve
Top with ¼ cup chopped avocado (optional) and fresh cilantro if you like. Serve immediately.
Leftovers & Storage
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days
- Reheat in microwave for 1 minute
- Stir before eating; add fresh toppings after reheating
- Not ideal for freezing (dairy separates)
FAQ
Can I make this without a microwave?
Yes, heat it in a small saucepan on low heat until warmed through, then melt cheese on top.
Is it spicy?
It has mild heat—control it with the cayenne or your salsa choice.
Can I use full-fat cottage cheese?
Definitely—it makes the bowl creamier and more filling.
What salsa works best?
Chunky, low-sugar salsas like Tostitos Medium or homemade versions work great.
Final Thoughts
This bowl proves that fast and healthy doesn’t have to mean boring. It’s rich, satisfying, and packs a punch of flavor—all in one bowl, in five minutes. Try it for lunch or dinner, then come back and let me know what you added or changed. I’d love to hear how you made it yours!