Cottage Cheese Chicken Parm Bowl

I’m always looking for ways to enjoy my favorite comfort foods while keeping things healthy, and this Cottage Cheese Chicken Parm Bowl hits the spot every single time. It’s everything you love about traditional chicken parmesan, minus the heavy breading and carbs, but packed with flavor and a whopping 45-50 grams of protein per serving.

The first time I made this recipe, I was skeptical about cottage cheese in a chicken parm dish. But after one bite, I was hooked. The creamy cottage cheese adds incredible protein while keeping the dish light and satisfying. It’s become my go-to meal prep recipe when I want something comforting that also supports my health goals. This healthy chicken parm bowl comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

What You’ll Need for Your Chicken Parm Bowl

I always use fresh chicken breasts for this recipe because they cook evenly and stay tender. You can absolutely use chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat – they’ll add even more protein and stay extra juicy. Pro tip: I recommend buying good quality marinara sauce or making your own if you have time, it really makes a difference in the final flavor.

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
• 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
• 1 cup marinara sauce (I prefer brands with minimal added sugar)
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional but highly recommended)

How to Make This Easy Cottage Cheese Chicken Parm Bowl

I prefer to sear the chicken first before baking because it locks in the juices and creates a beautiful golden crust. Don’t skip this step – it’s what makes the chicken incredibly flavorful and tender.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, season both sides of your chicken breasts with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Press the seasonings into the meat so they stick.

Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large 10-12 inch oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers and moves easily across the pan (1-2 minutes), add the seasoned chicken breasts. Sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until you see a golden-brown crust forming. The chicken won’t be cooked through yet – that’s perfectly fine.

Step 3: Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish if your skillet isn’t oven-safe. Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each chicken breast, making sure they’re well covered. This keeps the chicken moist during baking.

Step 4: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Pro tip: Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking, which can make the chicken dry.

Step 5: While the chicken bakes, prepare your cottage cheese mixture. In a medium bowl, combine the cottage cheese with half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed. If you prefer a smoother texture, pulse the cottage cheese in a blender for 10-15 seconds before mixing. This is completely optional – many prefer the texture of regular cottage cheese.

Step 6: When the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 3-5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist when sliced. Slice each chicken breast into thick strips.

Step 7: Arrange the sliced chicken in individual serving bowls. Spoon the cottage cheese mixture generously over the top of each portion.

Step 8: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the cottage cheese layer. Return the bowls to the oven for 5-10 minutes, just until the cheese melts and turns bubbly and golden.

Step 9: Remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes. The Cottage Cheese Chicken Parm Bowl will be very hot. Garnish with fresh torn basil or chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Perfect Pairings for Your Protein-Packed Bowl

This Cottage Cheese Chicken Parm Bowl is hearty enough to stand alone, but pairing it with the right sides creates a complete, balanced meal.

Simple Mixed Green Salad: A crisp salad with olive oil and balsamic vinegar cuts through the richness of the cheese and adds fresh crunch to every bite.

Roasted Garlic Green Beans: These add a savory, slightly sweet element that complements the Italian flavors beautifully while keeping your meal veggie-forward.

Cauliflower Rice: For an even lower-carb option, serve your chicken parm bowl over cauliflower rice. It soaks up the marinara sauce perfectly.

Crusty Whole Grain Bread: If you want some carbs, a slice of whole grain bread is perfect for scooping up every last bit of that delicious sauce and melted cheese.

Zucchini Noodles: Spiralized zucchini makes this dish feel even more like traditional chicken parmesan while adding extra vegetables and keeping things light.

More High-Protein Comfort Food Recipes You’ll Love

This Cottage Cheese Chicken Parm Bowl pairs beautifully with other protein-packed comfort dishes that keep dinner satisfying and nutritious. When you’re craving more Italian-inspired flavors, try our Creamy Tuscan Garlic Tortellini Soup as a starter, or serve the bowl alongside Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Rich Garlic Sauce for a double chicken parm feast that celebrates cheesy, garlicky goodness.

For meal prep variety throughout the week, alternate between this chicken parm bowl and hearty options like Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese or Creamy High Protein Beef Pasta. These recipes share similar flavor profiles while keeping protein high and prep simple, making healthy eating effortless all week long.

Storing and Reheating Your Chicken Parm Bowl

I recommend storing the components separately if you’re meal prepping. Keep the cooked chicken, cottage cheese mixture, and marinara in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This prevents the cottage cheese from becoming watery.

When you’re ready to eat, assemble your bowl and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melted. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, though the oven method gives you that irresistible melted cheese topping. Pro tip: Add a splash of water or extra marinara before reheating to keep everything moist.

I don’t recommend freezing this Cottage Cheese Chicken Parm Bowl because the cottage cheese texture changes significantly when frozen and thawed. If you must freeze, freeze only the cooked chicken with marinara, then add fresh cottage cheese and cheese topping when reheating.

Your Questions About Cottage Cheese Chicken Parm Bowls Answered

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