Cottage Cheese Chicken Parm Bowl Creamy High Protein is a game-changer for weeknight dinners, offering a healthy, protein-packed twist on a classic favorite that’s surprisingly simple to whip up. This recipe delivers all the comforting flavors of chicken parmesan in a convenient, nourishing bowl, making it an ideal choice for anyone seeking a delicious and satisfying meal.
Key Ingredients for Cottage Cheese Chicken Parm Bowl Creamy High Protein
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup whole milk cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
- Cooked pasta, quinoa, or zucchini noodles, for serving (optional)
How to Make Cottage Cheese Chicken Parm Bowl Creamy High Protein
This Cottage Cheese Chicken Parm Bowl Creamy High Protein is designed for ultimate ease and flavor, boasting a preparation time of approximately 30 minutes. It’s a wonderfully satisfying and incredibly simple way to enjoy the comforting taste of chicken parmesan without the fuss. The secret to its creamy richness lies in a clever ingredient swap, making it lighter and more protein-forward.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the egg and the cottage cheese until mostly smooth. In a third shallow dish, mix the breadcrumbs and garlic powder.
- Coat the Chicken: Dredge each piece of chicken first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip the floured chicken into the cottage cheese-egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, coating it evenly.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or cooking spray in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Heat the Marinara: In the same skillet (or a small saucepan), warm the marinara sauce over medium heat. Once heated through, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, creating a creamy consistency.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide your chosen base (pasta, quinoa, or zucchini noodles) among serving bowls, if using. Top with the cooked chicken pieces. Spoon the creamy marinara sauce generously over the chicken.
- Add Cheese and Garnish: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauced chicken, allowing it to melt slightly from the residual heat. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.
Why You’ll Love This Cottage Cheese Chicken Parm Bowl Creamy High Protein
You’ll fall head over heels for this Cottage Cheese Chicken Parm Bowl Creamy High Protein because it masterfully captures the beloved flavors of classic chicken parmesan with a delightful, protein-boosted twist. The creamy marina, elevated by the subtle tang of cottage cheese, creates a lighter yet equally satisfying sauce, making it a healthier alternative without sacrificing indulgence. Making this at home is also incredibly budget-friendly compared to ordering takeout or dining out, offering a gourmet experience for a fraction of the cost.
The genius of using cottage cheese in the coating and sauce not only amps up the protein content but also imparts a wonderfully subtle creaminess that’s utterly crave-worthy. It’s a dish that feels like a treat, perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you crave a comforting, hearty meal that nourishes your body. Give this delicious and easy-to-make Cottage Cheese Chicken Parm Bowl Creamy High Protein a try – you might just find your new favorite go-to!
Storing and Reheating Tips
To store any delicious leftovers of your Cottage Cheese Chicken Parm Bowl Creamy High Protein, allow the dish to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the contents into an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
When you’re ready to reheat, you have a couple of excellent options for optimal taste and texture. For individual portions, you can reheat them gently in a microwave-safe dish for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through. Alternatively, for a crispier chicken coating, you can reheat the bowls in a toaster oven or a conventional oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. If you wish to freeze components for future meals, it’s best to store the cooked chicken and marinara sauce separately in freezer-safe containers. This will prevent the chicken from becoming too soggy when reheated and allow you to build a fresh bowl whenever the craving strikes. Frozen components are best used within 1-2 months.
Final Thoughts
This Cottage Cheese Chicken Parm Bowl Creamy High Protein truly delivers on comfort, flavor, and nutrition. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a classic dish with a healthy upgrade, and we encourage you to bring this simple yet delicious recipe into your kitchen soon!
Cottage Cheese Chicken Parm Bowl Creamy High Protein
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the egg and the cottage cheese until mostly smooth. In a third shallow dish, mix the breadcrumbs and garlic powder.1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, Salt and freshly ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, 1 large egg, 1/2 cup whole milk cottage cheese, 1/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Dredge each piece of chicken first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip the floured chicken into the cottage cheese-egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, coating it evenly.2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup whole milk cottage cheese, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or cooking spray in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray, 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- In the same skillet (or a small saucepan), warm the marinara sauce over medium heat. Once heated through, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, creating a creamy consistency.1 cup marinara sauce, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Divide your chosen base (pasta, quinoa, or zucchini noodles) among serving bowls, if using. Top with the cooked chicken pieces. Spoon the creamy marinara sauce generously over the chicken.Cooked pasta, quinoa, or zucchini noodles, 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 cup marinara sauce
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauced chicken, allowing it to melt slightly from the residual heat. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, Fresh basil leaves, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese