Okay, this one is wild—in the best way. It’s creamy, cheesy, saucy, packed with protein, and hits all the comfort food vibes without being heavy.
We’re skipping the breading and frying and building all that chicken parm flavor into a bowl with cottage cheese, marinara, and melty mozzarella. Perfect for meal prep or a fast weeknight dinner.
Why I Love This Recipe
I started making this when I wanted something fast and high-protein that still tasted like comfort food. It gives you all the cheesy, saucy goodness of chicken parmesan—but with way less effort.
- No breading or frying needed
- Cottage cheese gives it creamy texture and protein
- Great for leftovers
- Comes together in 15 minutes
Servings & Time
Serves: 2
Total Time: 15 minutes
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese (I use 2%)
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp olive oil (optional for drizzling)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chopped basil (optional, for topping)
Tools You’ll Need
- Medium skillet
- Spoon or spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving bowl
Pro Tips
- Use freshly shredded rotisserie chicken while it’s still warm—it mixes better with cheese.
- Let cottage cheese sit at room temp for a few minutes so it blends smoother.
- Warm your marinara before layering—makes it way more comforting.
- Use full-fat mozzarella for that perfect melt.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes if you like a kick.
Substitutions & Variations
- Swap cottage cheese with ricotta for a creamier vibe.
- Use ground chicken or turkey instead of rotisserie.
- Try a spicy arrabbiata sauce instead of regular marinara.
- Make it low-carb with a bigger portion of chicken and less sauce.
Make Ahead Tips
- Shred the chicken and mix the seasonings ahead of time.
- Store ingredients separately and assemble right before eating for best texture.
- You can microwave or skillet-heat everything together when you’re ready.
Chicken Parm Cottage Cheese Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Warm the Chicken and Sauce
Add 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken and 1/2 cup marinara sauce to a medium skillet. Stir in 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, just until everything is hot and combined.
Step 2: Layer Cottage Cheese in Bowl
Spoon 1/2 cup cottage cheese into the bottom of your serving bowl. Smooth it out with the back of your spoon to make an even base.
Step 3: Add Chicken Mixture
Spoon the hot chicken and marinara mixture right on top of the cottage cheese layer. Make sure it’s spread evenly.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Melt
Sprinkle 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and 1 tbsp grated parmesan over the top. Let it sit for 1–2 minutes so the mozzarella melts slightly. You can also pop it under the broiler or microwave for 30 seconds if you want it gooey.
AI Image Prompt: Ultra close-up shot of freshly added shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan sitting on top of hot chicken and sauce, mozzarella just starting to melt—on white marble with hints of gold, a straight 90-degree top-down shot with no tilt, captured directly overhead
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Top with fresh chopped basil and an optional drizzle of 1 tsp olive oil. Serve warm in the same bowl.
Macros (Per Serving)
Calories: ~360
Protein: 38g
Fat: 18g
Carbs: 10g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Cottage cheese + heat = creamy texture. It blends into the hot chicken and sauce without curdling.
- Rotisserie chicken saves time but still gives you juicy, tender texture.
- Mozzarella melts into the sauce, making it taste like a deconstructed baked pasta dish.
- Layering keeps it from turning watery. You want the cheese on top, not mixed in.
Common Mistakes
- Using cold ingredients. Let the cottage cheese and chicken come to room temp for better flavor.
- Too much sauce. It’ll get soupy. Stick to 1/2 cup max.
- Microwaving all at once. It can separate the cheese—layer it first, then melt gently.
What to Serve With
- Garlic toast or sourdough slices
- Simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted broccoli or green beans
- A glass of sparkling water with lemon
FAQ
Can I use raw chicken?
Yes, but cook it fully before starting this recipe. Rotisserie just saves time.
Can I meal prep this?
Totally. Just store each component separately and reheat right before eating.
Does it taste like cottage cheese?
Not really! It blends with the sauce and cheese and just tastes creamy.
Can I bake this?
Yes. Layer everything in an oven-safe dish and bake at 375°F for 10 minutes.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Parm Cottage Cheese Bowl is fast, filling, and ridiculously satisfying. It’s the kind of thing you’ll crave on repeat—and it couldn’t be easier to make. Try it out and let me know how it turns out in the comments. Got questions? Drop them below—I’ve got you!