Chicken Parm Cottage Cheese Bowl

Featured in Satisfying Main Courses.

Enjoy a hearty bowl that brings together classic chicken parmesan flavors with a creamy cottage cheese twist. Sliced breaded chicken is layered over smooth cottage cheese, then topped with tangy marinara, melty mozzarella, and savory Parmesan. Fresh basil leaves add brightness. Each bite blends crispy chicken, rich tomato, and cheesy goodness, creating a satisfying dish that’s high in protein and full of comforting textures. Perfect for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner, this bowl is fast to assemble and sure to please anyone craving bold Italian-inspired tastes.

Barbara Chef
Updated on Thu, 26 Jun 2025 14:50:30 GMT
A bowl of food with chicken and sauce. Pin it
A bowl of food with chicken and sauce. | gracefulflavors.com

This velvety Chicken Parm Cottage Cheese Bowl brings together everything you love about classic chicken parmesan and packs it into a cozy bowl with an extra creamy protein punch. Juicy breaded chicken is layered over rich cottage cheese and crowned with marinara plus a melting duo of mozzarella and Parmesan, finished with fresh basil. It is pure comfort food and feels a little lighter thanks to the cottage cheese.

I first made this after craving chicken parm late at night but not wanting to spend hours frying and baking. Since then it has become my go-to when I want nostalgia without all the fuss.

Ingredients

  • Breaded chicken breast cooked and sliced: This gives you the crispy juicy bites that make a chicken parm bowl craveable Look for fully cooked chicken cutlets from the store or bake your own for the best flavor
  • Cottage cheese: The creamy tangy layer makes everything richer and adds extra protein Choose a good quality full-fat cottage cheese for the best texture
  • Marinara sauce: Brings all the Italian flavor Opt for a sauce with real tomatoes and herbs for brightness
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese: Works for easy melting and creaminess Buy low-moisture pre-shredded mozzarella if you like extra gooey cheese pull
  • Grated Parmesan cheese: Salty and nutty it brings a sharp punch of flavor Use real Parmigiano Reggiano if possible
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish: Freshness and color Choose leaves that look vibrant and unwilted for the best aroma

Step-by-Step Instructions

Layer the Base:
Spoon cottage cheese into the bottom of a wide bowl and spread it into an even blanket This will help catch the chicken juices and tomato sauce
Add the Chicken:
Place your sliced breaded chicken breast in an even layer right over the cottage cheese Nestling it in helps everything stay put
Pour on the Marinara:
Warm your marinara sauce and ladle it over the chicken Cover as much of the chicken as possible so every bite is saucy
Top with Cheeses:
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the sauce then add a shower of grated Parmesan The mix will start melting from the warmth
Garnish and Serve:
Tear fresh basil leaves right over the top and let the aroma take over Start eating immediately for the best cheesy stretch and crispy chicken
A bowl of food with chicken and sauce. Pin it
A bowl of food with chicken and sauce. | gracefulflavors.com

Fresh basil always reminds me of my grandma’s kitchen She would pluck the leaves from her windowsill and float them right on top of anything tomato based This finishing touch is simple but transforms the whole bowl

Storage Tips

For leftovers transfer the bowled ingredients to an airtight container and refrigerate They will keep well for about two days When reheating use the microwave in thirty second bursts so the cheese gets gooey again but the chicken does not overcook You may want to add a splash of fresh marinara if it seems dry

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use grilled chicken if you are looking for something lighter Turkey cutlets also work Any favorite jarred marinara will do even roasted red pepper sauce If you do not have mozzarella try provolone or fontina for a twist

Serving Suggestions

Pair this bowl with garlic bread or a crisp side salad for a full meal For a brunch spin I even like serving it with a poached egg on top The bowl is excellent for meal prep and portable lunches too

A bowl of food with chicken and sauce. Pin it
A bowl of food with chicken and sauce. | gracefulflavors.com

Cultural and Historical Context

Chicken parmesan has Italian American roots using breaded fried chicken instead of eggplant and plenty of bubbling cheese In this version cottage cheese is not traditional but it adds a creamy tang and bumps up the nutrition The layering in a bowl makes it totally modern and easy

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use grilled chicken instead of breaded?

Yes, grilled chicken works well and offers a lighter texture while still pairing nicely with the cheeses and sauce.

→ What marinara sauce is best to use?

Choose a high-quality, robust marinara with balanced tomato and herb flavors to complement the cheeses and chicken.

→ Is this suitable for meal prep?

It's best enjoyed immediately, but you can prepare components ahead and assemble when ready to eat for optimal texture.

→ How can I make this dish lower in fat?

Opt for low-fat cottage cheese, use grilled chicken, and reduce or omit some of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan.

→ What can I serve alongside this bowl?

Pair with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a balanced and complete meal.

Chicken Parm Cottage Cheese Bowl

Breaded chicken, cottage cheese, marinara, mozzarella, and basil combine in a hearty, flavor-packed bowl.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
5 Minutes
By: Barbara

Category: Hearty Mains

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 1 Servings (1 bowl)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Components

01 1 cup breaded chicken breast, cooked and sliced
02 1/2 cup cottage cheese
03 1/2 cup marinara sauce
04 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
05 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

→ Garnish

06 Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Step 01

Place cottage cheese evenly at the bottom of a serving bowl. Top with sliced, breaded chicken breast.

Step 02

Spoon marinara sauce over the chicken, ensuring even coverage.

Step 03

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top of the sauced chicken.

Step 04

Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately for optimal flavor.

Notes

  1. For enhanced texture, briefly broil the assembled bowl to melt the cheeses before garnishing.

Tools You'll Need

  • Serving bowl
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Spoon

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains milk, wheat, and egg ingredients

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 480
  • Total Fat: 23 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 20 g
  • Protein: 44 g