Cottage Cheese Chicken Parmesan Bowl

Creamy, crunchy, and effortless to assemble, this Cottage Cheese Chicken Parmesan Bowl turns a classic into a lighter, protein-packed weeknight winner, perfect for busy cooks.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 20

Total Time 40

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 480

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

For the chicken

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts Pounded to even thickness
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning Divided
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil For frying

For the cheese mixture

1 cup small-curd cottage cheese Full-fat recommended
0.5 cup grated Parmesan Divided
1 large egg Or 2 egg whites
1 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella Divided

For breading

1 cup panko breadcrumbs Or ¾ cup crushed pork rinds for low-carb

For assembling

2 cups marinara sauce Jarred or homemade
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Lemon wedges optional
Prepared base cooked brown rice, cauliflower rice, or bed of sautéed spinach Optional

Method

Preparation

Prep the chicken by trimming excess fat and pounding to about ½-inch thickness. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning.

Prepare Cheese Mixture

Blend cottage cheese, ¼ cup Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, and salt until creamy but textured.

Bread Chicken

Prepare a station with beaten egg and panko mixed with ¼ cup Parmesan and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Dip chicken in egg, coat with panko, and sear in heated oil until golden.

Bake Chicken

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place seared chicken in a baking dish, spoon marinara over, spread cottage cheese mixture on top, sprinkle with mozzarella and remaining Parmesan. Bake until cheese is melted and chicken reaches 165°F.

Serve

Select your base and portion into bowls. Spoon extra warmed marinara, place a chicken breast on top, and finish with fresh basil and lemon.

Notes

Use an instant-read thermometer: check for 165°F at the thickest point to avoid overcooking. Great meal-prep option that reheats well.