This Cottage Cheese Chicken Parm Bowl is a protein-packed twist on a classic favorite that makes for a satisfying and nutritious dinner. Combining tender chicken with creamy cottage cheese and tangy marinara sauce, this bowl offers a comforting meal that comes together in minutes. It is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want the flavors of chicken parmesan without the traditional heavy prep.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- High-protein powerhouse: With the combination of cottage cheese and chicken nuggets, this Cottage Cheese Chicken Parm Bowl packs serious protein to keep you full and satisfied for hours.
- Quick and easy weeknight meal: This recipe is ready in just 15 minutes with minimal prep work, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- Healthier twist on a classic: You get all the beloved flavors of chicken parmesan but with the added nutritional benefits of cottage cheese and less guilt than the traditional fried version.
- Simple ingredients: This meal is made with just a handful of pantry staples and store-bought items you likely already have on hand.
- Single-serving portion: It is perfect for meal prep or when you are cooking just for yourself, ensuring there are no leftovers to worry about.
Ingredients
- 1 serving Just Bare chicken nuggets, air-fried
- 1 cup Good Culture cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup Rao’s marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup part-skim shredded mozzarella
- Italian seasoning, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the cottage cheese, marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Mix until well combined.
- Place the bowl in the microwave and heat on high for 1 minute, making sure to stir the mixture halfway through the cooking time.
- While the base is heating, take your air-fried chicken nuggets and cut them into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Stir the cut chicken pieces into the warm cottage cheese mixture. Microwave the entire bowl on high for another 30 seconds, or until the mozzarella is fully melted and the chicken is heated through.
- Remove from the microwave, give it a final stir, and enjoy!
Expert Tips / Pro Tips
To ensure your Cottage Cheese Chicken Parm Bowl turns out perfectly every time, keep these professional tips in mind. First, be careful not to overcook your chicken nuggets in the air fryer; check them a minute or two before the package directions suggest to prevent them from becoming dry and tough. Another common mistake is adding ice-cold cottage cheese directly to hot ingredients, which can cause it to curdle. To avoid this, let the cottage cheese come to room temperature or warm it very gently in the microwave for 15 seconds before mixing.
Don’t skip the seasoning step! Plain cottage cheese can be quite mild, so seasoning it directly with Italian herbs and garlic powder is essential for matching the bold flavors of the marinara. Finally, add your mozzarella at the very end. Too much heat can make the cheese rubbery, so give it just enough time to melt into a gooey consistency.
Variations & Substitutions
This Cottage Cheese Chicken Parm Bowl is incredibly easy to customize based on what you have in your kitchen:
- Chicken Options: While Just Bare nuggets are convenient, you can use any brand of frozen chicken nuggets, leftover grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even homemade baked chicken tenders. Just ensure the protein is cooked and crispy.
- Cheese Substitutes: If you want a creamier texture, you can substitute the cottage cheese with ricotta, or use Greek yogurt for a different kind of protein boost.
- Sauce Varieties: Any marinara or pasta sauce will work. You can also use pizza sauce or a quick blend of crushed tomatoes and dried Italian herbs.
- Cheese Toppings: Regular mozzarella, provolone, or even a sprinkle of parmesan cheese work great. For a lighter version, try reduced-fat cheese.
- Herb Blends: If you don’t have a pre-made Italian seasoning, mix together dried basil, oregano, and a pinch of thyme.
Serving Suggestions
To make this Cottage Cheese Chicken Parm Bowl a more substantial meal, consider serving it over a bed of your favorite pasta or fluffy white rice. For a lower-carb option, zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice are excellent choices. To elevate the dish, top the bowl with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley and an extra dusting of grated parmesan cheese. The fresh herbs help the flavors pop and add a touch of brightness to the creamy base.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
Refrigerate: This bowl keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. If you are meal prepping, it is best to store the cottage cheese and the cooked chicken in separate containers to prevent the chicken from becoming soggy. Combine them with the marinara and mozzarella just before you are ready to heat and eat.
Freeze: You can freeze cooked chicken nuggets on their own for up to 2 months. However, it is not recommended to freeze the assembled bowl because cottage cheese does not maintain its texture well after freezing and thawing.
Reheating: To reheat, simply place the bowl in the microwave for 60 to 90 seconds until the cheese is melted. If you have stored the components separately, heat the chicken first to restore its crispness, then add the cottage cheese for a satisfying temperature contrast.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 465 kcal |
| Protein | 42g |
| Total Fat | 22g |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 8g |
High-Protein Cottage Cheese Chicken Parmesan Bowl
Ingredients
Method
- Combine the Base: Mix the cottage cheese, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder in a microwave-safe bowl.1 cup Good Culture cottage cheese, 1/4 cup Rao’s marinara sauce, 1/4 cup part-skim shredded mozzarella, Italian seasoning, Garlic powder
- Initial Heat: Microwave the mixture on high for 1 minute, making sure to stop and stir halfway through the cooking time.
- Prep the Chicken: Take your air-fried chicken nuggets and cut them into small, bite-sized pieces.1 serving Just Bare chicken nuggets
- Final Assembly: Stir the chicken pieces into the bowl and microwave on high for another 30 seconds, or until the mozzarella is fully melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Give it one final stir and enjoy your high-protein bowl!
Notes
FAQ
Can I use regular cottage cheese instead of Good Culture brand?
Yes, you can use any cottage cheese brand you prefer! Good Culture is often recommended for its creamy texture, but any brand will work. If your cottage cheese is particularly watery, you may want to drain off the excess liquid before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Do I need to heat the cottage cheese before serving?
You do not have to heat the cottage cheese separately. Many people enjoy the contrast of the cold cottage cheese base topped with hot chicken and warm marinara. However, if you prefer a completely warm meal, following the microwave steps in the recipe will heat the cheese gently without ruining the texture.
How much Italian seasoning and garlic powder should I use?
A good starting point is 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder. Since everyone’s taste preferences differ, it is best to season lightly at first, taste the mixture, and then add more if you feel it needs more flavor.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?
While the microwave is fastest, you can certainly heat the marinara and cottage cheese in a small saucepan over low heat. Be careful not to boil the mixture, as high heat can cause the cottage cheese to separate. Stir in the chicken and mozzarella at the end until just melted.