This protein-packed twist on chicken parmesan makes a satisfying dinner that’s both comforting and nutritious. Tender chicken pairs with creamy cottage cheese and tangy marinara sauce for a bowl that hits all the right notes.
It’s topped with melted mozzarella and served over your favorite pasta or rice. Fresh herbs and a sprinkle of parmesan help the whole thing come together.
It’s a family-friendly meal that feels indulgent but keeps things on the healthier side, perfect for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Cottage Cheese Chicken Parm Bowl
- High-protein powerhouse – With cottage cheese and chicken nuggets, this bowl packs serious protein to keep you full and satisfied for hours.
- Quick and easy weeknight meal – Ready in just 30-40 minutes with minimal prep work, making it perfect for busy evenings when you want something tasty without the fuss.
- Healthier twist on a classic – You get all the flavors of chicken parmesan but with added protein from cottage cheese and less guilt than the traditional fried version.
- Simple ingredients – Made with just a handful of pantry staples and store-bought items you probably already have on hand.
- Single-serving portion – Perfect for meal prep or when you’re cooking just for yourself, with no leftovers to worry about.
What Kind of Cottage Cheese Should I Use?
For this chicken parm bowl, you’ll want to stick with a good quality cottage cheese that has a creamy texture and mild flavor.
Full-fat cottage cheese works best here since it creates a richer base that pairs well with the marinara and cheese, though low-fat versions will work too if that’s what you prefer.
Small curd cottage cheese tends to blend better and creates a smoother consistency in the bowl, but medium curd is perfectly fine as well.
Look for brands that don’t have too much liquid separation in the container, as this usually means fresher, better-tasting cottage cheese that will hold up nicely as your protein base.
Options for Substitutions
This protein-packed bowl is pretty easy to customize based on what you have in your kitchen:
- Just Bare chicken nuggets: Any brand of frozen chicken nuggets will work here, or you can use leftover grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even homemade baked chicken tenders. Just make sure whatever protein you choose is cooked and crispy.
- Good Culture cottage cheese: While cottage cheese is the star of this bowl, you can substitute with ricotta cheese for a creamier texture, or Greek yogurt if you want to keep that protein boost. The flavor will be slightly different but still tasty.
- Rao’s marinara sauce: Any marinara or pasta sauce you like will do the trick. You can even use pizza sauce or make a quick sauce with crushed tomatoes and Italian herbs.
- Part-skim mozzarella: Regular mozzarella, provolone, or even parmesan cheese work great here. If you want to keep it lighter, try using reduced-fat cheese or just skip it altogether – the cottage cheese provides plenty of creaminess.
- Italian seasoning: No Italian seasoning blend? Mix together dried basil, oregano, and a pinch of thyme. Fresh herbs work too – just use about three times the amount.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
The biggest mistake when making this cottage cheese chicken parm bowl is overcooking the chicken nuggets in the air fryer, which can make them dry and tough – check them a minute or two before the package directions suggest since air fryers can vary in intensity.
Another common error is adding cold cottage cheese directly to hot ingredients, which can cause it to curdle and become grainy, so let it come to room temperature first or warm it gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
Don’t skip seasoning the cottage cheese itself with the Italian seasoning and garlic powder, as plain cottage cheese can taste bland next to the flavorful marinara and chicken.
Finally, add the mozzarella at the very end and give it just enough time to melt – too much heat will make it rubbery and separate from the other ingredients.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate: This protein-packed bowl keeps really well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. I like to store the components separately if I’m meal prepping – keep the cottage cheese and chicken in different containers so nothing gets soggy. The marinara and cheese can go right on top when you’re ready to eat.
Freeze: You can freeze the cooked chicken nuggets on their own for up to 2 months, but I don’t recommend freezing the whole bowl since cottage cheese doesn’t freeze well. Instead, prep and freeze just the chicken portions, then assemble fresh bowls when you’re ready to eat.
Warm Up: To enjoy your leftover bowl, just pop it in the microwave for about 60-90 seconds until the cheese melts and everything’s heated through. If you stored the components separately, warm up the chicken first, then add your cold cottage cheese and toppings for a nice temperature contrast that’s really satisfying.
Cottage Cheese Chicken Parm Bowl FAQ
Can I use regular cottage cheese instead of Good Culture brand?
Yes, you can use any cottage cheese brand you prefer! I mention Good Culture because it has a really creamy texture that works well in this recipe, but any cottage cheese will do. Just keep in mind that some brands might be a bit more watery, so you might want to drain off any excess liquid before using it.
Do I need to heat the cottage cheese before serving?
No, you don’t need to heat the cottage cheese separately. I like to keep it cold as the base, then add the hot air-fried chicken nuggets and warm marinara sauce on top. The contrast between the cool cottage cheese and warm toppings is actually really nice, and it helps cool down the hot chicken so you can eat it right away.
How much Italian seasoning and garlic powder should I use?
I usually start with about 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, then taste and adjust from there. Everyone’s taste preferences are different, so I like to season lightly at first and then add more if needed. You can always sprinkle on more, but you can’t take it back once it’s mixed in!
| Preparation Time | 5 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 15 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
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 1: Mix cottage cheese, marinara, mozzarella, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder in a microwave-safe bowl.
Step 2: Microwave on high for 1 minute, stirring halfway.
Step 3: Cut the air-fried chicken nuggets into small pieces.
Step 4: Stir the chicken into the bowl and microwave on high for 30 seconds, or until the mozzarella is melted.
Step 5: Enjoy!
