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.
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.
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.
