Cottage Cheese Chicken Parmesan Bake
This healthy chicken parmesan bake layers tender chicken with rich marinara sauce, herbed cottage cheese, and a golden crispy breadcrumb topping. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s easy to make, comforting, and deliciously balanced.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30–35 minutes
Total time: 45–50 minutes
Serves: 3–4
Ingredients
For the Chicken
2 large chicken breasts (sliced horizontally into 4 thinner cutlets)
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Cottage Cheese Mixture
1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Pinch of black pepper
For the Marinara Layer
1½ cups marinara sauce
½ tsp Italian seasoning
For the Topping
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat or panko)
1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp olive oil
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish.
2. Season and Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Season chicken cutlets with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Cook each side for 3–4 minutes, just until lightly golden (they’ll finish cooking in the oven).
Remove from heat.
3. Make the Cottage Cheese Mixture
In a bowl, combine cottage cheese, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy (you can blend it slightly if you prefer a smoother texture).
4. Assemble the Bake
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
Arrange chicken cutlets on top.
Spoon the cottage cheese mixture evenly over the chicken.
Pour remaining marinara sauce over the top.
Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with Parmesan and olive oil; sprinkle over the top.
5. Bake
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden, bubbly, and chicken is fully cooked (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
If you want extra crispiness, broil for the last 1–2 minutes.
6. Serve
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot with a side of whole-grain pasta, roasted veggies, or a simple salad.
Tips
For a smoother sauce layer, blend the cottage cheese before mixing.
Add a layer of spinach or zucchini under the chicken for extra veggies.
You can use ground chicken or turkey to make a “chicken parm casserole.”
For gluten-free: use GF breadcrumbs or crushed rice cakes for the topping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble up to Step 4, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q: Can I freeze it?
Yes — freeze after baking. Reheat covered at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes.
Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes — replace chicken with eggplant slices or tofu cutlets.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~380 kcal
Protein: 45g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g