This chicken bacon ranch cottage cheese bowl is a high-protein, flavor-packed meal you can enjoy anytime. It’s simple, quick to make, and combines creamy, tangy cottage cheese with savory chicken and crispy bacon. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a post-workout bite!

Protein: 56 grams per bowl
This bowl is a protein dream! Cottage cheese brings casein protein, great for sustained energy, while chicken and bacon add lean and hearty protein. Personally, I love whipping this up after a heavy workout—it’s a balance of nutrients and pure comfort food in one bowl. The best part? You can customize the seasoning to make it just right for you.
Why you will love this recipe
- Quick and easy: Minimal prep and ready in minutes.
- High protein: Keeps you full and energized.
- Meal prep friendly: Perfect for prepping ahead and assembling later.
- Customizable: Adjust the herbs and toppings to suit your taste.
- Big flavor, low effort: Creamy, savory, and satisfying without the fuss.
Key ingredients and substitutions

- Cottage cheese: The creamy base packed with protein. If cottage cheese isn’t your thing, Greek yogurt could work as a substitute for a tangy twist.
- Shredded chicken: A lean protein superstar. Use rotisserie chicken, leftover grilled chicken, or even pre-cooked frozen options to save time. If I don’t have leftover chicken, I always make instant pot shredded chicken.
- Bacon strips: Adds a smoky crunch. Turkey bacon or plant-based bacon work great if you want a lighter or meat-free option. Leftover bacon can be quickly zapped in the microwave, or try making air fryer bacon in just a few minutes.
- Garlic powder: Enhances the savory flavor. Fresh minced garlic could also do the trick.
- Dried herbs (parsley, chives, dill): These create the ranch flavor profile. You can swap fresh herbs for a brighter taste.
- Onion powder: Brings subtle sweetness and depth.
- Ground black pepper & salt: A must for balancing and boosting all the flavors. Adjust to taste!
How to make a chicken bacon ranch cottage cheese bowl
- Mix the base: In a bowl, combine cottage cheese with garlic powder, parsley, chives, dill, onion powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir it well until all the seasonings are evenly distributed. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Prep the protein: Warm your shredded chicken and bacon if you prefer it hot. You can also enjoy them cold for a refreshing twist—both options are delicious.



- Assemble the bowl: Spoon the seasoned cottage cheese mixture into your serving bowl.
- Top it off: Add your shredded chicken and chopped bacon on top of the cottage cheese ranch.
- Mix or not: Stir it all together for a homogenous, flavor-packed bite or enjoy it layered for different textures in each forkful.
- Serve and enjoy: Grab a spoon or fork and savor this protein-rich bowl of creamy, savory goodness!

Recipe notes and tips
- Season to taste: Start with the recommended amounts for the herbs and spices, but feel free to adjust them to suit your flavor preferences.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor if you have them on hand—just double the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
- Prep ahead: Make the shredded chicken and bacon in advance to save time during assembly.
- Choose your texture: Cottage cheese comes in small and large curd varieties; pick the one you prefer for this recipe.
- Keep it simple: If you’re short on time, pre-cooked chicken and microwaveable bacon are fantastic shortcuts.
Storage instructions
- Separate: Store cottage cheese, chicken, and bacon in separate airtight containers to keep everything fresh.
- Refrigerate: Keep all ingredients in the fridge and consume within 3-4 days for the best flavor and texture.
- Reheating: Warm the chicken and bacon in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or in a skillet before assembling, or enjoy them cold for a no-heat meal.
- Avoid freezing: Cottage cheese doesn’t freeze well, as it can become watery and lose its creamy texture.
Variations
- Spicy: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce for a fiery twist.
- Super cheesy: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or parmesan on top for extra indulgence.
- Veggie packed: Toss in some diced tomatoes, cucumbers, or shredded lettuce for added freshness.
- Herb swap: Experiment with basil, thyme, or oregano for a unique flavor profile.
- Buffalo style: Mix in a splash of buffalo sauce for a tangy, spicy ranch vibe.
- Extra crunch: For an extra crunch, sprinkle a few sunflower seeds or crushed nuts on top.
- Meat-free: Use plant-based bacon and swap the chicken for chickpeas or roasted tofu.
- Low-sodium: Use low-sodium cottage cheese and seasonings to control the salt content.
What to serve with this recipe
- Light and fresh: Pair this bowl with a crisp green salad topped with a light vinaigrette or enjoy with carrot, celery, or cucumber sticks for extra crunch.
- Carb lovers: Scoop it up with whole-grain toast or crunchy crackers, or try crispy pita chips for added texture.
- Comfort food: Warm things up with a cozy bowl of tomato or vegetable soup, or complement it with roasted broccoli or zucchini.
- Extra protein boost: Add sliced hard-boiled eggs for even more protein or grilled shrimp for a seafood-inspired twist.
Frequently asked questions
Yes! Greek yogurt works well and offers a similar creamy texture with a tangy flavor.
Definitely! Just store the components separately and assemble when you’re ready to eat.
Pop them in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or crisp up the bacon in a skillet for extra texture.

More chicken recipes you will love
- BBQ Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl
- Air Fryer Chicken Legs
- High Protein Curry Chicken Salad
- High Protein Chicken Salad
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Chicken Bacon Ranch Cottage Cheese Bowl
Ingredients
- 160 g cottage cheese - 3/4 cup
- 60 g shredded chicken - 1/2 cup, warmed or cold, see notes
- 2 cooked bacon strips - chopped, warmed or cold, see notes
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried chives
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Pinch of salt - to taste
Instructions
- Begin by adding the cottage cheese, garlic powder, dried parsley, chives, dill, onion powder, black pepper and salt to a bowl and mix them together well. Taste and season.160 g cottage cheese, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley, 1/2 teaspoon dried chives, 1/2 teaspoon dried dill, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, Pinch of salt
- (Optional) Warm the chicken and bacon in the microwave for 30-60 seconds if desired.
- Top the cottage cheese ranch with chicken and bacon.60 g shredded chicken, 2 cooked bacon strips
- Either mix it all together or leave it as is. Enjoy!
Notes
- For meal prepping 5 portions, I used my instant pot shredded chicken recipe for the chicken, and air fryer bacon for the bacon.
- You can heat the chicken and bacon in the microwave if you’re not cooking it fresh.
- Season to taste: Start with the recommended amounts for the herbs and spices, but feel free to adjust them to suit your flavor preferences.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor if you have them on hand—just double the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
- Prep ahead: Make the shredded chicken and bacon in advance to save time during assembly.
- Choose your texture: Cottage cheese comes in small and large curd varieties; pick the one you prefer for this recipe.
- Keep it simple: If you’re short on time, pre-cooked chicken and microwaveable bacon are fantastic shortcuts.
Storage instructions
- Separate: Store cottage cheese, chicken, and bacon in separate airtight containers to keep everything fresh.
- Refrigerate: Keep all ingredients in the fridge and consume within 3-4 days for the best flavor and texture.
- Reheating: Warm the chicken and bacon in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or in a skillet before assembling, or enjoy them cold for a no-heat meal.