High Protein Chicken Parm Cottage Cheese Bowl (Printable version)
Tender chicken seasoned with Italian herbs, layered with marinara and cottage cheese, topped with melted cheeses and golden panko breadcrumbs.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 1 large boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 7 oz), cooked and chopped
02 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
03 - 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
04 - 1/4 tsp salt
05 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Sauce & Cheeses
06 - 2/3 cup low-fat cottage cheese
07 - 1/2 cup marinara sauce
08 - 1/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
09 - 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
→ Toppings
10 - 2 tbsp whole-wheat panko breadcrumbs
11 - 1/2 tsp olive oil
12 - Fresh chopped basil, for garnish
# Directions:
01 - Preheat your oven broiler or toaster oven to high heat setting.
02 - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add panko breadcrumbs and toast until golden brown, approximately 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
03 - Season the chopped cooked chicken with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
04 - Divide the seasoned chicken evenly between two large oven-safe serving bowls.
05 - Spoon marinara sauce over the chicken in each bowl, then distribute cottage cheese on top of the sauce.
06 - Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over both bowls.
07 - Place bowls under the broiler and cook until cheese is melted and bubbly, approximately 3 to 5 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
08 - Carefully remove bowls from the oven. Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs and fresh basil over the top. Serve immediately while hot.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- You get all the comforting flavors of chicken parm in under 30 minutes without any heavy breading or frying
- The cottage cheese adds such a creamy, rich texture while keeping it light and protein-packed
02 -
- Make sure your bowls are truly oven-safe before broiling, or transfer everything to a small baking dish
- Watch closely under the broiler because things can go from golden to burnt in seconds
03 -
- Use small individual ramekins or shallow bowls for better broiling and faster heating
- Let the bowls sit for 2 minutes after broiling so the cheese sets slightly and is easier to eat