High Protein Chicken Parm Cottage Cheese Bowl to Love
Elevate your weeknight meal with this High Protein Chicken Parm Cottage Cheese Bowl, a delightful twist on a classic comfort food. It layers creamy, seasoned cottage cheese with tender grilled chicken, rich marinara, and a duo of melted cheeses. This dish offers all the beloved flavors of chicken parmesan in a simplified, protein-packed, and incredibly satisfying format.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20-25 minutes
Total Time
Approximately 35-40 minutes
Servings
2 generous servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Packs a powerful protein punch with chicken and cottage cheese, keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
- Delivers classic chicken parmesan flavors without the fuss or extra oil of frying.
- A quick and easy weeknight meal, ready to enjoy in under 40 minutes from start to finish.
- Versatile for meal prepping individual portions or serving as a comforting family dinner.
- Offers a comforting, cheesy experience while supporting a healthy and protein-rich lifestyle.
Ingredients
- 250 grams (1 cup) Cottage Cheese (provides creaminess and 40 grams of protein per serving; swap with ricotta or Greek yogurt for a different flavor profile)
- 15 milliliters (1 tablespoon) Italian Seasoning (adds aromatic flavor; adjust to taste with your available herbs)
- To taste, fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper (enhances the overall seasoning; using freshly ground pepper elevates the flavor)
- 300-350 grams (2 cups) cooked and sliced Grilled Chicken Breast (make sure it's cooked and sliced for easy layering)
- 250 milliliters (1 cup) Marinara Sauce (opt for a quality brand for the best flavor or use homemade)
- 100 grams (1 cup) shredded Mozzarella Cheese (low-fat mozzarella can lighten this dish)
- 60 grams (1/4 cup) freshly grated Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated cheese will provide the most robust taste)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Place an oven rack in the center position to ensure even heating for the dish.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine 250 grams (1 cup) of cottage cheese with 15 milliliters (1 tablespoon) of Italian seasoning, along with a pinch of fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and the seasoning is evenly distributed, creating a flavorful base.
- Take your prepared baking dish (a 1-liter, approximately 1-quart, casserole dish works well) and spread the seasoned cottage cheese mixture evenly across the bottom. This will form the creamy foundation for the dish.
- Arrange the sliced grilled chicken breast over the cottage cheese layer. Distribute the chicken pieces uniformly to ensure every spoonful has a good portion of protein.
- Gently pour the 250 milliliters (1 cup) of marinara sauce over the layered grilled chicken, making sure to cover the chicken completely. This creates a rich, tangy sauce layer that is essential for chicken parmesan flavor.
- Evenly sprinkle the 100 grams (1 cup) of shredded mozzarella cheese, followed by the 60 grams (1/4 cup) of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, over the marinara sauce. This cheesy topping will melt into a golden, bubbly crust.
- Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese topping is thoroughly melted, golden brown, and visibly bubbly around the edges. This indicates the dish is heated through and the flavors have melded.
- Carefully remove the dish from the oven. Allow it to rest for about 1 minute before serving. This brief cooling period helps the layers set slightly, making it easier to serve and preventing immediate spills.
Tools You’ll Need
- Medium mixing bowl
- 1-liter (approx. 1-quart) baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Stirring spoon
- Knife (if chicken is not pre-sliced)
Essential Success Tips
- For a truly creamy and luxurious base, consider using full-fat cottage cheese; however, low-fat options work wonderfully too if you prefer a lighter dish.
- Ensure your grilled chicken is cooked through and sliced into uniform pieces before layering to prevent it from drying out during the baking process.
- Avoid overbaking the dish; the goal is melted and bubbly cheese, not overly browned or rubbery cheese. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes.
- Always opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese over pre-shredded varieties. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and offers a more robust, authentic flavor.
- Taste the cottage cheese mixture before layering and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. The seasoning in this foundational layer significantly impacts the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- To deepen the flavor of your marinara sauce, gently sauté a minced garlic clove and a pinch of red pepper flakes in a small amount of olive oil for 1-2 minutes before stirring in the jarred sauce. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- For an added textural element reminiscent of traditional chicken parmesan, lightly toast 2-3 tablespoons of panko breadcrumbs with a teaspoon of olive oil in a pan. Sprinkle these over the mozzarella cheese before baking for a delightful, crispy topping.
- Elevate the chicken's flavor by marinating the breast briefly in Italian dressing or a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and Italian herbs before grilling. This ensures every layer is packed with taste.
Notes
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
- Variations: Substitute grilled chicken with cooked ground turkey, lean ground beef, or a plant-based protein for a different twist. Add a layer of sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables and nutrients.
- Serving Suggestion: This dish is wonderfully satisfying on its own, but it also pairs excellently with a crisp green salad, steamed green beans, or a side of zucchini noodles for a complete, wholesome meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the bowl up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. If cooking directly from the refrigerator, you may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through completely.
What kind of cottage cheese is best for this recipe?
Any type of cottage cheese (full-fat, low-fat, or non-fat) will work well. Full-fat cottage cheese will contribute a richer and creamier texture to the base, while low-fat options will keep the dish lighter without sacrificing flavor significantly.
Can I use different cheeses for the topping?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices for their melty texture and sharp flavor, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like provolone, white cheddar, or an Italian cheese blend to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: Approximately 450-500, Protein: 55-60g, Fat: 20-25g, Carbs: 25-30g (per serving, based on 2 servings)
Allergy Information
Contains dairy products (cottage cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan). For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cottage cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan alternatives. This dish is naturally gluten-free if the marinara sauce used is certified gluten-free and the grilled chicken is not breaded.
No comment