Introduction

Oh, hello there, friend! Do you ever get those cravings for classic Chicken Parmesan, that comforting, cheesy, saucy goodness? But then you remember the breading, the frying, the mess… and maybe decide against it? Well, I’ve got something super special for you today that’s going to make your heart sing and your taste buds dance. We’re talking about a Chicken Parm Cottage Cheese Bowl, and trust me, it’s ridiculously easy and unbelievably delicious. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for a busy weeknight or whenever you need a little comfort without all the fuss. Get ready to be amazed!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast: Seriously, this comes together in minutes!
Easy: No fancy skills required, just assembly.
Giftable: Think “get well soon” or “thinking of you” meals.
Crowd-pleasing: Even picky eaters will adore this!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful bowl. It’s all about simplicity and flavor!

1 cup breaded chicken breast, cooked and sliced: You can use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even pre-cooked frozen chicken tenders. Just make sure it’s nicely cooked and sliced into bite-sized pieces.
1/2 cup cottage cheese: Don’t shy away from this! It creates a creamy, protein-packed base that’s surprisingly delicious.
1/2 cup marinara sauce: Your favorite jarred sauce works perfectly here. Look for one with good flavor!
1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For that classic gooey, melty cheese pull!
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese: Adds that salty, nutty kick that we all love.
Fresh basil leaves for garnish: A little pop of freshness and color makes all the difference.

How to Make It

Alright, let’s get this kitchen party started! Grab a bowl, and follow along. It’s so straightforward, you’ll be done before you know it.

Start with the Chicken: Take your cooked and sliced breaded chicken and layer it nicely at the bottom of your serving bowl. This is our flavorful foundation.
Add the Creamy Base: Spoon the cottage cheese right over the chicken. I love how it adds a creamy texture and a little tang.
Sauce it Up: Now, pour that delicious marinara sauce generously over the cottage cheese. Make sure it gets into all those nooks and crannies!
Cheesy Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese all over the top, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. Get ready for that melty magic.
The Finishing Touch: Garnish with a few fresh basil leaves. It’s the perfect fragrant flourish that makes it look as good as it tastes!

Substitutions & Additions

This recipe is fantastic as is, but it’s also a wonderful canvas for your own culinary creativity! Here are a few ideas to make it even more ‘you’:

Chicken Swap: If you’re not a fan of breaded chicken, feel free to use grilled chicken breast, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even vegetarian chicken patties.
Cheese Choices: Want a different cheese vibe? Try adding a sprinkle of provolone or a dollop of ricotta cheese for extra creaminess.
Spice it Up: For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your marinara sauce or sprinkle some on top.
Veggie Boost: Stir in some cooked spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
Pasta Power: If you want something a bit more substantial, you could add a small portion of cooked pasta to the bottom of the bowl before layering the chicken.

Tips for Success

Even the simplest recipes can benefit from a little know-how. Here are a few things I’ve learned:

Chicken Temperature: Ensure your chicken is fully cooked before you start assembling. If you’re using frozen chicken, make sure it’s thawed and cooked through.
Bowl Size Matters: Use a bowl that’s deep enough to hold all the delicious layers. A standard soup bowl or a small ramen bowl works great.
Warm It Up (Optional): While this is delicious served cold or at room temperature, you can also pop it in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds to warm everything through, especially if you want that melty cheese experience.
Prep Ahead: You can cook and slice your chicken ahead of time, portion out your cottage cheese and marinara, and have everything ready to go in the fridge. Then, just assemble and top with cheese when you’re ready to eat!

How to Store It

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This bowl stores well in the refrigerator. Keep it in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. The flavors actually meld together beautifully overnight. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can eat it cold or give it a quick zap in the microwave.

FAQs

Is cottage cheese a good base for this?

Absolutely! Cottage cheese is surprisingly creamy and adds a fantastic protein boost without overpowering the classic Chicken Parm flavors. It’s a healthier alternative to some other creamy bases.

Can I make this ahead of time for meal prep?

Yes! You can assemble the chicken, cottage cheese, and marinara in your containers. Keep the mozzarella and Parmesan separate and add them just before heating or serving to keep them from getting soggy.

What kind of marinara sauce is best?

Use your favorite jarred marinara sauce! If you like a thicker sauce, that will work beautifully. If you have a homemade marinara you love, even better!

Can I freeze this?

I wouldn’t recommend freezing this particular recipe as the texture of the cottage cheese and the breaded chicken might change undesirably. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator for a few days.

Chicken Parm Cottage Cheese Bowl

A ridiculously easy and unbelievably delicious Chicken Parm Cottage Cheese Bowl, perfect for a busy weeknight or whenever you need a little comfort without all the fuss.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Servings 1

Equipment

Serving bowl A standard soup bowl or a small ramen bowl works great.

Ingredients

Main ingredients

1 cup breaded chicken breast cooked and sliced. You can use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even pre-cooked frozen chicken tenders.
0.5 cup cottage cheese
0.5 cup marinara sauce Your favorite jarred sauce.
0.25 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Take your cooked and sliced breaded chicken and layer it nicely at the bottom of your serving bowl. This is our flavorful foundation.
Spoon the cottage cheese right over the chicken. I love how it adds a creamy texture and a little tang.
Now, pour that delicious marinara sauce generously over the cottage cheese. Make sure it gets into all those nooks and crannies!
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese all over the top, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. Get ready for that melty magic.
Garnish with a few fresh basil leaves. It's the perfect fragrant flourish that makes it look as good as it tastes!

Notes

Ensure your chicken is fully cooked before you start assembling. If you're using frozen chicken, make sure it's thawed and cooked through. While this is delicious served cold or at room temperature, you can also pop it in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds to warm everything through, especially if you want that melty cheese experience. You can cook and slice your chicken ahead of time, portion out your cottage cheese and marinara, and have everything ready to go in the fridge. Then, just assemble and top with cheese when you're ready to eat! This bowl stores well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. The flavors actually meld together beautifully overnight. When you're ready to enjoy it again, you can eat it cold or give it a quick zap in the microwave.