Are you looking for a delicious, protein-packed meal that’s easy to whip up and satisfies your Italian food cravings? This Chicken Parm Cottage Cheese Bowl Recipe is your answer!
It is combining the classic flavors of chicken parmesan with the creamy, nutritious goodness of cottage cheese, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
It’s low-carb, customizable, and bursting with flavor. Let’s dive into this wholesome recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Parm Cottage Cheese Bowl
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy schedules.
High-Protein: Cottage cheese and chicken breast pack a protein punch, keeping you full and energized.
Low-Carb and Healthy: A lighter take on traditional chicken parmesan, ideal for keto or low-carb diets.
Customizable: Swap ingredients or add your favorite toppings to make it your own.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make ahead and store for quick, delicious meals all week.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup almond flour (or breadcrumbs for non-keto)
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 large egg, beaten
2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Bowl:
2 cups cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat, depending on preference)
1 cup marinara sauce (look for no-added-sugar options)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
In a shallow bowl, mix almond flour, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Dip each chicken piece in the beaten egg, then coat thoroughly in the almond flour mixture.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken pieces for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Set aside.
Assemble the Bowl:
Divide the cottage cheese evenly among four bowls (about 1/2 cup per bowl).
Spoon 1/4 cup of marinara sauce over the cottage cheese in each bowl.
Add a portion of the cooked chicken pieces on top.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the chicken, allowing it to melt slightly from the warmth of the chicken.
Garnish with fresh basil, a drizzle of olive oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Serve:
Serve immediately for the best texture, or refrigerate for meal prep.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Parm Cottage Cheese Bowl
Use High-Quality Marinara: Opt for a marinara sauce with simple ingredients and no added sugar for the best flavor and health benefits.
Crispier Chicken: For extra crunch, double-coat the chicken by dipping it back into the egg and almond flour mixture.
Control the Heat: Cook the chicken on medium heat to avoid burning the coating while ensuring it cooks through
Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil elevates the dish, but you can also try parsley or oregano for a different flavor profile.
Meal Prep Tip: Assemble the bowls without the mozzarella and basil, then add them just before serving to keep the textures fresh.
Variations and Substitutions
Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for grilled eggplant or zucchini slices for a meat-free version.
Different Proteins: Try ground turkey or shrimp for a unique twist.
Cheese Alternatives: Use ricotta or Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese for a creamier base.
Gluten-Free: Almond flour keeps this recipe gluten-free, but you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs if preferred.
Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinara for extra heat.
Low-Fat Option: Use low-fat cottage cheese and reduce the amount of mozzarella.
Serving Suggestions
Side Dishes: Pair with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or zucchini noodles for a complete meal.
Bread Option: Serve with a slice of crusty garlic bread or a low-carb alternative like almond flour flatbread.
Beverage Pairing: Enjoy with a refreshing iced tea, sparkling water with lemon, or a light smoothie.
Presentation: Serve in shallow bowls to showcase the vibrant colors of the marinara and basil.
Make-Ahead, Storing, and Freezing Instructions
Make-Ahead
Prepare the chicken and store it separately from the cottage cheese and marinara.
Assemble just before serving to maintain freshness.
Storing
Store assembled bowls in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keep garnishes like basil separate to avoid wilting.
Freezing
Freeze the cooked chicken pieces in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Do not freeze cottage cheese or marinara, as they may separate or become watery.
Reheating
Reheat chicken in a skillet or microwave until warm, then assemble the bowl with fresh cottage cheese and marinara.
FAQs
Q. Can I use store-bought breaded chicken?
Yes, pre-cooked breaded chicken can save time, but homemade ensures better flavor and control over ingredients.
Q. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Absolutely! Using almond flour and no-sugar marinara makes it perfect for a keto diet. Double-check your cottage cheese for carb content.
Q. Can I make this dairy-free?
Swap cottage cheese for a dairy-free alternative like cashew cheese and use a dairy-free parmesan substitute.
Q. How can I make this kid-friendly?
Reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and use a milder marinara sauce to suit younger palates.
Q. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Chicken Parm Cottage Cheese Bowl is a game-changer for anyone craving a healthy, satisfying meal with all the flavors of classic chicken parmesan.
It’s quick, versatile, and perfect for meal prep or a cozy dinner.
Whether you’re following a low-carb diet or just want a nutritious twist on an Italian favorite, this recipe delivers.
Try it today and enjoy a bowl full of comfort and flavor!
Read More:- Shrimp and Avocado Rice Bowl Recipe
Chicken Parm Cottage Cheese Bowl Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 /2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 large egg beaten
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Mix almond flour, parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl.
- Dip chicken in beaten egg, then coat in the almond flour mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Divide cottage cheese among four bowls. Top with marinara, chicken, and mozzarella.
- Garnish with basil, olive oil, and red pepper flakes. Serve immediately.
