Cottage Cheese Chicken Parm Bowl

This Cottage Cheese Chicken Parm Bowl is a high-protein, no-fuss twist on a classic comfort food. It is creamy, cheesy, and ready in under 10 minutes, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying but healthy.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

You are going to love this recipe because it delivers all the flavors of traditional chicken parmesan with a fraction of the effort. By using cottage cheese as a creamy base, you significantly boost the protein content while maintaining a rich, indulgent texture. It is a versatile “dinner hack” that works perfectly for meal prep or a quick post-workout meal that keeps you full for hours.

Ingredients

• 1 serving breaded chicken (frozen tenders, air-fried cutlets, or nuggets)
• 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat provides the best flavor and creaminess)
• 1/4 cup marinara sauce (use your favorite tomato basil or pizza sauce)
• 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded for optimal melting)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (a classic blend of herbs)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (for a savory, aromatic kick)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F and cook the breaded chicken according to the package directions until crispy. You can also use a standard oven if an air fryer is not available.
2. In a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl, combine the cottage cheese, marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
3. Stir the ingredients together thoroughly until the spices and sauce are well incorporated into the cheese.
4. Place the bowl in the microwave and heat for 1 minute, making sure to stop and stir halfway through to ensure the mozzarella begins to melt evenly.
5. Once the chicken is cooked, chop it into bite-sized pieces and add them to the bowl.
6. Stir the chicken into the mixture and return the bowl to the microwave for an additional 30 to 45 seconds to ensure everything is hot and bubbly.
7. Serve immediately while the cheese is melty and the chicken is still crisp.

Expert Tips / Pro Tips

To achieve the best results, use full-fat cottage cheese; it creates a much richer sauce that mimics the decadence of a traditional Italian meal. For those who enjoy a bit of texture, try placing the assembled bowl under a broiler for 1 to 2 minutes at the very end to get those beautiful golden-brown cheese spots on top. Always ensure your chicken is extra crispy before adding it to the bowl to prevent the breading from becoming too soft when mixed with the sauce.

Variations & Substitutions

If you are looking to lower the calorie count even further, you can substitute the breaded chicken for grilled chicken breast. For a dairy-free or vegan-friendly version, use a plant-based cottage cheese alternative and vegan mozzarella shreds. If you do not have Italian seasoning on hand, a simple mix of dried oregano and dried basil will work perfectly. You can also swap the marinara for a spicy arrabbiata sauce if you prefer a little heat in your bowl.

Serving Suggestions

While this Cottage Cheese Chicken Parm Bowl is a complete meal on its own, it pairs beautifully with a side of roasted zucchini or steamed broccoli to add some volume and fiber. If you aren’t strictly low-carb, serving this over a small bed of whole-grain pasta or with a slice of toasted sourdough bread is a great way to soak up the extra sauce. A fresh green side salad with a light balsamic vinaigrette also provides a nice crisp contrast to the warm, cheesy bowl.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, it is best to heat the cheese and sauce mixture first, then add the chicken separately (ideally reheating the chicken in an air fryer or toaster oven) to maintain its crunch. Freezing is not recommended for this specific recipe, as the texture of cottage cheese can change significantly and become watery once thawed.

Nutrition Information

Cottage Cheese Chicken Parm Bowl

This Cottage Cheese Chicken Parm Bowl is a high-protein, no-fuss twist on a classic comfort food. It is creamy, cheesy, and ready in under 10 minutes, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying but healthy.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 1 bowl

Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian-American

Calories: 520

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 serving breaded chicken frozen tenders, air-fried cutlets, or nuggets
• 1 cup cottage cheese full-fat provides the best flavor and creaminess
• 1/4 cup marinara sauce use your favorite tomato basil or pizza sauce
• 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese shredded for optimal melting
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning a classic blend of herbs
• 1 tsp garlic powder for a savory, aromatic kick
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

• Air Fryer
• Microwave
• Microwave-safe bowl

Method

 

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F and cook the breaded chicken according to the package directions until crispy. You can also use a standard oven if an air fryer is not available.
   1 serving breaded chicken
2. In a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl, combine the cottage cheese, marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
   1 cup cottage cheese, 1/4 cup marinara sauce, 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1 tsp garlic powder
3. Stir the ingredients together thoroughly until the spices and sauce are well incorporated into the cheese.
4. Place the bowl in the microwave and heat for 1 minute, making sure to stop and stir halfway through to ensure the mozzarella begins to melt evenly.
5. Once the chicken is cooked, chop it into bite-sized pieces and add them to the bowl.
   1 serving breaded chicken
6. Stir the chicken into the mixture and return the bowl to the microwave for an additional 30 to 45 seconds to ensure everything is hot and bubbly.
7. Serve immediately while the cheese is melty and the chicken is still crisp.

Notes

To achieve the best results, use full-fat cottage cheese; it creates a much richer sauce that mimics the decadence of a traditional Italian meal. For those who enjoy a bit of texture, try placing the assembled bowl under a broiler for 1 to 2 minutes at the very end to get those beautiful golden-brown cheese spots on top.

FAQ