Cottage Cheese Avocado Chicken Cups (Print Version)
Tender chicken, creamy cottage cheese, avocado and fresh herbs tucked into crisp lettuce cups for a protein-rich meal.
# List of Ingredients:
→ Chicken
01 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Salad Base
04 - 1 cup cottage cheese (4% milkfat recommended)
05 - 1 ripe avocado, diced
06 - 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
07 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
09 - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
10 - 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
11 - Juice of 1/2 lemon
→ Cups & Garnishes
12 - 8 large butter lettuce leaves (or romaine hearts)
13 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
14 - Extra fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
# Step-by-step Instructions:
01 - Season chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook for 6 to 8 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest briefly, then shred or dice into bite-sized pieces.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, diced avocado, chopped celery, sliced green onions, parsley, dill, chives, and lemon juice. Fold in the shredded chicken gently until evenly incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
03 - Arrange butter lettuce leaves on a serving platter. Spoon the chicken salad mixture evenly among the lettuce cups, dividing it into 8 portions.
04 - Finish with a generous twist of freshly ground black pepper and scatter additional herbs over the top. Serve immediately while the lettuce is crisp.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Cottage cheese sounds unusual in a chicken salad but it creates the creamiest texture without needing mayo.
- These cups come together in under thirty minutes and feel fancy enough for guests without any real effort.
02 -
- Pat the lettuce leaves completely dry after washing or the salad will slide right off and create a soggy mess on your plate.
- Adding the lemon juice directly to the avocado before folding in the chicken preserves the bright green color for much longer.
03 -
- Use a potato masher to break down the cottage cheese slightly before mixing for a smoother consistency that clings to the chicken better.
- Chill the lettuce cups in ice water for five minutes before assembling and they will stay impossibly crisp.