Chicken parm cottage cheese bowl! Yes, you read that right. This isn’t your grandma’s Sunday supper, friend. This is a high protein, flavor packed, ridiculously easy meal that will become your weeknight go to. Forget everything you think you know about healthy eating, and get ready for a chicken parm cottage cheese bowl experience that’s quick, satisfying, and absolutely delicious.
Close-up detail
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This chicken parm cottage cheese bowl Recipe
This chicken parm cottage cheese bowl is more than just a meal it’s a hug in a bowl. It takes the comfort of classic chicken parmesan and transforms it into a lighter, quicker, healthier option. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when takeout is calling your name.
I grew up on chicken parmesan, and this recipe is a nod to those comforting flavors. But let’s be honest sometimes you crave that comfort without the carb overload. This bowl delivers all the cheesy, tomatoey goodness with a protein punch that will keep you feeling full and satisfied and as high protein chicken bowl.
Follow us on Pinterest for loads more amazing recipes and meal ideas!
Ingredients Needed for This chicken parm cottage cheese bowl Recipe
- For the Chicken:
* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1 tsp garlic powder
* 1/2 tsp onion powder
* 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Sauce:
* 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
* 1 tsp dried oregano
* 1 tsp dried basil
* 1/2 tsp garlic powder
* 1/4 tsp sugar
* Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Bowl:
* 1 cup low fat cottage cheese
* 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
* Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
How to Make This chicken parm cottage cheese bowl Recipe
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium high heat. Add chicken and season with garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook until chicken is cooked through and slightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, combine tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, garlic powder, sugar, salt, and pepper in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide cottage cheese between two bowls. Top with cooked chicken, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
- Broil (Optional): For extra melted cheese goodness, broil the bowls for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning!
- Garnish and Serve: Top with fresh basil leaves, if desired, and serve immediately.
How to Serve This chicken parm cottage cheese bowl Recipe
This chicken parm cottage cheese bowl is a complete meal on its own, but you can totally personalize how you serve it.
- Side Dish Suggestions: A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette would complement the richness of the bowl.
- Topping Ideas: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes, a dollop of pesto, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze would add an extra layer of flavor.
- Plating: For a pretty presentation, layer the ingredients in the bowl, showcasing the colors and textures.
If you like this, you might check this Sweet Spicy Chicken Bowl recipe!
How to Store This chicken parm cottage cheese bowl Recipe
- Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken parm cottage cheese bowl in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to allow the bowl to cool down completely before refrigerating.
- Freezing: While you can freeze the components separately, freezing the entire assembled bowl isn’t recommended, as the cottage cheese may change texture.
- Reheating: Reheat the chicken and sauce in a skillet or microwave. Reheat the cottage cheese separately (if desired) or add it fresh to the reheated chicken and sauce. You can also broil again for 1/2 minutes to melt the cheese.
Tips to Make This chicken parm cottage cheese bowl Recipe
- Ingredient Swaps: You can use ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of chicken. For a vegetarian version, try using grilled eggplant or zucchini.
- Success Tips: Don’t overcook the chicken, or it will become dry. Make sure to season the sauce generously to bring out the flavors.
- Common Mistakes to Avoid: Avoid using pre shredded cheese, as it doesn’t melt as well. Freshly grated cheese is always best!
Helpful Notes for This chicken parm cottage cheese bowl Recipe
- Cottage Cheese: Feel free to use full fat or fat free cottage cheese, depending on your preference.
- Tomato Sauce: If you like a sweeter sauce, add a little more sugar. For a spicier sauce, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Check out this Middle Eastern Chicken Bowl alternative if you’re feeling adventurous!
Variation of This chicken parm cottage cheese bowl Recipe
- Spicy Chicken Parm Cottage Cheese Bowl: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken and sauce for a spicy kick.
- Caprese Chicken Parm Cottage Cheese Bowl: Add fresh mozzarella and sliced tomatoes to the bowl for a Caprese twist.
- Chicken Parm Cottage Cheese Bowl with Roasted Vegetables: Roast your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms, and add them to the bowl.
Is chicken parm cottage cheese bowl healthy?
Yes! This recipe is a great source of protein and can be easily customized to fit your dietary needs. It offers a healthier alternative to traditional chicken parmesan recipes.
How can I make chicken parm cottage cheese bowl spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or use a spicy marinara sauce. You can also add a drizzle of hot sauce to your bowl for extra heat.
What are some good toppings for chicken parm cottage cheese bowl?
Fresh basil, grated parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil are excellent toppings. You can also add a side of steamed vegetables for a more complete meal.
Can I meal prep chicken parm cottage cheese bowls?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately. When you’re ready to eat, simply assemble the bowl with the cottage cheese and toppings.
Conclusion
This chicken parm cottage cheese bowl is a game changer! It’s the perfect marriage of comfort food and healthy eating. It’s also incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your liking. Embrace the simplicity and deliciousness of the chicken parm cottage cheese bowl, and please enjoy your own creation!
Chicken Parm Cottage Cheese Bowl: The Easiest High-Protein Meal
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
A quick and healthy take on classic chicken parmesan, featuring bite sized chicken, rich tomato sauce, creamy cottage cheese, and melted mozzarella.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and season with garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook until chicken is cooked through and slightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- While the chicken is cooking, combine tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, garlic powder, sugar, salt, and pepper in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Divide cottage cheese between two bowls. Top with cooked chicken, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
- For extra melted cheese goodness, broil the bowls for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning!
- Top with fresh basil leaves, if desired, and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 50g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: chicken parm, cottage cheese, healthy, high protein, easy