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Cottage Cheese Chicken Parm Bowl

A quick, high-protein bowl combining crispy air-fried chicken nuggets with creamy cottage cheese, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella. Ready in just 15 minutes for an easy weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian-American
Servings 1
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 serving Just Bare chicken nuggets about 4-6 nuggets; any brand works
  • 1 cup Good Culture cottage cheese full-fat preferred for creaminess
  • 1/4 cup Rao's marinara sauce any quality marinara works
  • 1/4 cup part-skim shredded mozzarella regular mozzarella is fine too
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder or to taste

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the chicken nuggets
  • Preheat air fryer to 400°F for about 3 minutes.
  • Arrange chicken nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overlapping.
  • Air fry according to package directions, usually 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Nuggets are done when golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Assemble the cottage cheese base
  • Scoop cottage cheese into your serving bowl.
  • Sprinkle Italian seasoning and garlic powder over the cottage cheese.
  • Gently stir the seasonings into the cottage cheese until evenly distributed.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Add the marinara sauce
  • Warm the marinara sauce in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
  • Spoon the marinara sauce over the seasoned cottage cheese, pouring it in the center.
  • Top with chicken and cheese
  • Remove chicken nuggets from the air fryer and let cool for 1 minute.
  • Arrange the crispy chicken nuggets on top of the cottage cheese and marinara.
  • Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the hot chicken and sauce.
  • Melt the cheese and serve
  • Microwave the assembled bowl for 15-20 seconds to fully melt the mozzarella.
  • Alternatively, cover the bowl loosely with a lid for 1 minute to melt the cheese.
  • Sprinkle with extra Italian seasoning or fresh basil if desired.
  • Serve immediately while the chicken is crispy and the cheese is gooey.

Notes

Cottage Cheese: Any brand works, but Good Culture has an exceptionally creamy texture. If your cottage cheese is watery, drain excess liquid before using.
Temperature Preference: The cottage cheese can be served cold for a nice temperature contrast with the hot chicken, or microwave it for 15-20 seconds if you prefer everything warm.
Chicken Alternatives: Substitute with any frozen chicken nuggets, popcorn chicken, grilled chicken breast, or rotisserie chicken. Fresh chicken should be cut into bite-sized pieces.
Storage: Store components separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Only freeze cooked chicken nuggets (up to 2 months); cottage cheese doesn't freeze well.
Add Vegetables: Boost nutrition by adding sautéed spinach, roasted cherry tomatoes, steamed broccoli, or roasted bell peppers.
Serving Suggestions: Serve over pasta, rice, or cauliflower rice for a more substantial meal.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 45g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 95mg
Sodium: 850mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 6g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific brands and quantities used.
Keyword cottage cheese chicken parm bowl, high protein bowl