As a child, I loved the rich aromas wafting through my kitchen when my mom made chicken parmesan. The crispy chicken, melting cheese, and tangy tomato sauce always created a warm haven for my family. Today, I still cherish those moments and try to recreate them in a healthier way, which is why the Cottage Cheese Chicken Parmesan Bowl has a special place in my heart. You can enjoy all the flavors you love from traditional chicken parmesan but with a twist that swaps heavy sauces and loads of cheese for lighter ingredients. It makes a lovely dish for a cozy dinner or a comfort food lunch, bringing a sense of home and nostalgia into your kitchen.
why make this recipe
The Cottage Cheese Chicken Parmesan Bowl is a great choice for anyone looking for a flavorful yet healthier meal. Using cottage cheese instead of heavy mozzarella gives you a boost of protein and makes it lighter. It’s easy to prepare, and you can have it on the table in about 30 minutes. Plus, it’s loaded with flavor and sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this dish is delicious for everyone.
how to make Cottage Cheese Chicken Parmesan Bowl
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil for cooking
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat each chicken breast with a thin layer of olive oil and then dip into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help it stick.
- Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
- In the last 5 minutes of cooking, remove the chicken from the oven and spread a layer of cottage cheese on top of each breast.
- Pour marinara sauce over the cottage cheese and return the chicken to the oven until everything is heated through.
- Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve warm.
how to serve Cottage Cheese Chicken Parmesan Bowl
You can serve this dish in bowls, topping your chicken with extra marinara sauce or some fresh basil for a pop of color. Pair it with a simple side salad or steamed veggies to round out your meal. You can also serve it over cooked pasta or quinoa for added texture and nourishment.
how to store Cottage Cheese Chicken Parmesan Bowl
If you have leftovers, let the dish cool down to room temperature. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to a month. Just be sure to allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
tips to make Cottage Cheese Chicken Parmesan Bowl
- For extra crunch, consider air-frying the chicken instead of baking it.
- Feel free to switch up the marinara sauce with your favorite pizza sauce for a different flavor.
- Adding some spinach or other veggies in the marinara sauce can boost the nutrition even further.
variation
You can customize this recipe by swapping the chicken for turkey breasts or even eggplant for a vegetarian version. You can also experiment with different kinds of cheese if you prefer something other than cottage cheese, such as ricotta.
FAQs
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the chicken and breadcrumb mixture the night before. Just keep everything covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it.
Is it gluten-free?
You can make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour as a coating.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to thaw chicken breasts before cooking for even seasoning and cooking. If using frozen chicken, make sure it is fully thawed and dried before coating it.
Cottage Cheese Chicken Parmesan Bowl
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cottage cheese for topping
- 1 cup marinara sauce for topping
- 1 cup breadcrumbs for coating
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil for cooking
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Method
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat each chicken breast with a thin layer of olive oil and then dip into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help it stick.
Cooking
- Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
- In the last 5 minutes of cooking, remove the chicken from the oven and spread a layer of cottage cheese on top of each breast.
- Pour marinara sauce over the cottage cheese and return the chicken to the oven until everything is heated through.
Serving
- Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve warm.