Description
Creamy chicken parmesan cottage cheese bowl delivers classic Italian comfort in a modern, protein-packed twist. Crispy chicken, melted cheese, and herb-infused cottage cheese create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Coating and Seasoning:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Liquid and Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F, creating an ideal cooking environment for the chicken. Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, and oregano in a shallow vessel, crafting a flavorful coating.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then meticulously dredge each piece in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side, developing a crisp, golden exterior that locks in moisture.
- Transfer seared chicken to a baking dish, creating a foundation for the next phase of cooking. Lavishly spoon marinara sauce over each piece, ensuring complete coverage.
- Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese atop the sauced chicken, creating a melty, luxurious topping. Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, monitoring until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F. The cheese should become bubbly and slightly golden.
- While the chicken finishes, prepare serving bowls by placing a generous dollop of cottage cheese as the base. This provides a creamy, protein-rich foundation.
- Carefully remove chicken from the oven and transfer each piece onto the cottage cheese base. Drizzle additional marinara sauce from the baking dish over the chicken.
- Elevate the dish’s presentation by garnishing with fresh basil leaves, adding a vibrant, aromatic finishing touch. Serve immediately to enjoy maximum flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use high-protein cottage cheese as a creamy base for added nutrition and lower-calorie alternative to traditional ricotta or heavy sauces.
- Opt for whole wheat breadcrumbs or almond flour for a gluten-free option that maintains crispy chicken coating.
- Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to ensure maximum breadcrumb adherence and achieve a perfectly crispy exterior.
- Swap marinara for homemade tomato sauce to control sodium and sugar levels, creating a healthier version of this classic dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 46 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg