High Protein Chicken Parm Cottage Cheese (Printable version)

A satisfying bowl featuring seasoned chicken, marinara, cottage cheese, and crispy golden breadcrumbs for a protein-packed Italian-inspired meal.

# List of ingredients:

→ 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 - Turn on your oven broiler or toaster oven to the highest setting to prepare for melting the cheese topping.
02 - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs and toast, stirring frequently, until golden brown and crispy, approximately 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
03 - Place the chopped cooked chicken in a bowl and evenly season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat thoroughly.
04 - Divide the seasoned chicken evenly between two large oven-safe bowls. Spread the chicken across the bottom of each bowl to create an even layer.
05 - Spoon the marinara sauce over the chicken in each bowl, distributing evenly. Top with dollops of cottage cheese, spreading slightly to cover the sauce layer.
06 - Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over both bowls, ensuring complete coverage of the cottage cheese layer.
07 - Place the bowls under the preheated broiler. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese is completely melted and beginning to bubble and brown slightly.
08 - Carefully remove the bowls from the oven using oven mitts. Sprinkle the toasted panko breadcrumbs and fresh chopped basil over the top. Serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • 46 grams of protein per bowl without touching a single chicken breast to hot oil
  • The cottage cheese creates this velvety richness that feels indulgent but keeps it light enough for a Tuesday night
02 -
  • The cottage cheese pockets will stay slightly creamy even after broiling which is exactly what you want so do not try to cook it until it is completely smooth
  • Broiler times vary wildly between ovens so set a timer for 3 minutes the first time and check from there
03 -
  • Use small curd cottage cheese for better texture distribution throughout the bowl
  • Let the bowls rest for 2 minutes after broiling so the cheese sets slightly instead of sliding everywhere when you take your first bite

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