Mediterranean Spicy Chicken Stack (High Protein)

This bold, high-protein chicken stack recipe is inspired by Mediterranean ingredients, and delivers layers of flavors in a fun, healthy, and protein-forward dish.

By combining Good Culture Cottage Cheese with Kaizen Rice and tender chicken thighs, we're tripling up on the protein while adding vibrant flavors and contrasting textures in every last layer. It's the chicken stack of chicken stacks and you'll savor every bite!

Cottage cheese is front and center in this chicken stack recipe which starts with a whipped cottage cheese and feta base paired with our seasoned Kaizen Mediterranean Rice.

Stacked with shawarma-spiced diced chicken thighs, Persian cucumbers, quick-pickled red onions, and a bright and herby cottage cheese drizzle, this dish proves cottage cheese isn't just the sideshow, it's the star. 

why you'll love it

We're taking all the best things about chicken stack recipes and turning this delicious comfort food into a healthier, high-protein version that still delivers all the comfort, minus the carbs. 

It's no secret we are big fans of cottage cheese, and what's not to love? It’s creamy, high in protein, and can be used in so many different ways. Case in point, this recipe: cottage cheese is the main ingredient for the creamy base and for that herby drizzle, which adds the perfect, flavorful, finishing touch. 

Combine that with our protein and fiber-rich Mediterranean Rice and a delicious, shawarma-spiced chicken, and you have a low-carb, high-fiber, and high-protein chicken stack that is good and good for you in every way. 

Mediterranean chicken stack ingredients

Here's a look at the main ingredients you'll need to make this tasty, Mediterranean chicken stack:

• Chicken: Boneless skinless chicken thighs make a juicy-but-tender protein base. 

• Olive oil: For the chicken marinade and the whipped cottage cheese. 

• Lemon juice: Fresh lemon adds a touch of brightness and acidity to the marinade, whipped cottage cheese-feta layer, and herb-packed drizzle. 

• Garlic: Whole garlic cloves are minced and added to the chicken marinade for savory, garlicky notes.

• Shawarma spice blend: Warm, bold spices like cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, garlic, cumin, and cloves (plus a few other additions) turn plain chicken thighs into perfectly-seasoned chicken shawarma. 

• Cottage Cheese: You'll need this for the whipped cottage cheese and feta layer, and for the creamy, herby cottage cheese drizzle. We like Good Culture since it’s organic, sourced from pasture-raised cows, and contains probiotics. 

• Feta: Fresh crumbled feta cheese adds a rich flavor to the creamy base. For the best results, use feta in brine instead of pre-crumbled feta. 

• Fresh herbs: Fresh dill and mint add an herb-y element to the cottage cheese drizzle, and pair beautifully with the shawarma seasonings. 

• Kaizen Rice: We are partial to our Mediterranean Rice but you can use any Kaizen rice for this recipe. You can also substitute it for regular Basmati rice for a higher-carb option. 

• Vegetables: Finely diced Persian cucumbers, a handful of chopped parsley, and some pickled red onions add an extra layer of freshness and crunch. 

the method

Simple steps come together for this tasty dish. You can whip it up and serve immediately, or prepare elements ahead of time if you're looking to meal prep. 

1. Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine diced chicken, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, 2 tablespoons of the shawarma spice blend, salt and pepper. Toss well and let marinate for at least 1 hour, ideally 8 hours.

2. Cook the chicken: Heat a large, cast iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken in a single layer for 6-8 minutes, flip, then cook until done. Set aside and keep warm. You can also prepare the chicken on a grill over medium-high heat, cooking each side for about 6-8 minutes. 

3. Prepare the Kaizen Rice: Cook the rice according to package instructions. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and squeeze of lemon. 

4. Make the whipped cheese layer:  Add all of the ingredients for the whipped cottage cheese and feta layer to a high-powered blender or food processor. Blend/process until smooth and fluffy, then refrigerate until it's time to serve. 

5. Make the herby drizzle: Blend together the ingredients for the cottage cheese herb sauce. Add more water to thin, if needed. 

6. Make the cucumber topping: Mix together the diced cucumbers, parsley, and crumbled feta in a small bowl. 

7. Assemble each chicken stack (per plate): Add a generous dollop of whipped cottage cheese/feta to each plate to create a base layer.Spoon on about 1/3 cup of prepared rice. Top with a large scoop of the spiced chicken, then drizzle with the herby cottage cheese sauce and top with pickled red onion and the fresh cucumber-feta mixture. 

variations and substitutions

There are so many ways to customize this Mediterranean chicken stack recipe, so get creative! 

• You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breast or tenderloins, just make sure to adjust the cook time accordingly.

• Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream to your chicken stack for an extra creamy, tangy topping. 

• Add kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, or briny pepperoncinis to the dish for another layer of flavor. 

• Swap goat cheese or cotija or feta cheese for a slightly different flavor profile. 

how to store

If you end up with leftovers, we recommend storing each element of your chicken stack separately, then re-heating them individually before assembling.

Reheat the rice and the chicken in the microwave until warmed through. 

Each item will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. 

This high-protein, spicy Mediterranean chicken stack is an impressive meal that works for any occasion! And the best part? The macros are just as impressive as the flavors.