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Cottage Cheese Chicken Parm Bowl

A light and tasty meal that combines classic chicken parmesan flavors with the health benefits of cottage cheese, making it high in protein and perfect for meal prep.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the chicken
  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound), sliced or pounded thin
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil or a few fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
For the sauce and assembly
  • 1 to 2 cups marinara or tomato sauce, store-bought or homemade
  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups low-fat cottage cheese Can blend for a smoother texture.
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 1 cup cooked pasta, rice, quinoa, or a bed of greens for the bowl
  • to taste Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
  • to taste Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the chicken dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano.
  2. If slices are thick, pound them to even thickness so they cook quickly and stay tender.
Cook the chicken
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the chicken and cook 4–6 minutes per side, until the inside reads 165°F (74°C) and the outside is light brown.
  3. Remove the chicken to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice or chop into bite-sized pieces.
Heat the sauce
  1. Warm the marinara sauce in a medium saucepan over low heat.
  2. Add fresh basil or a pinch of dried basil. Stir and keep warm. Taste and add a little salt or pepper if needed.
Prepare the cottage cheese mix
  1. In a bowl, stir the cottage cheese with a little black pepper and a small pinch of salt.
  2. If you like smoother texture, blend cottage cheese briefly in a blender until creamy.
Build the bowl
  1. Place your base (pasta, rice, quinoa, or greens) in a bowl.
  2. Add a layer of sliced chicken on top.
  3. Spoon warm tomato sauce over the chicken.
  4. Add spoonfuls of cottage cheese around or over the sauce.
  5. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley or basil.
Final heat step (optional)
  1. If you prefer the cheese warmed, place the assembled bowls under a broiler for 1–2 minutes just to heat the top.
  2. Watch closely so the cottage cheese does not dry out.
  3. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Freeze cooked chicken and sauce separately. Reheat frozen chicken and sauce in a pan over low heat or in the microwave, and add fresh cottage cheese after reheating for the best texture.