High Protein Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Introduction
This High Protein Chicken Parmesan is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines juicy chicken breasts with rich marinara, creamy cottage cheese, and sharp parmesan. It’s perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner that feels indulgent but stays healthy.
Ingredients
- 3 chicken breasts, tenderized
- 2 tsp olive oil
- Salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian herb blend (to taste)
- 1/2 heaping cup marinara sauce, divided
- 1/2 heaping cup cottage cheese, divided
- 4 oz freshly grated parmesan cheese, divided
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425℉ and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Step 2: Arrange the tenderized chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over them, then generously season both sides with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and the Italian herb blend. Bake for 15 minutes or until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165℉.
- Step 3: Remove the chicken from the oven and spread marinara sauce evenly over each piece. Top each with about 3 tablespoons of cottage cheese, followed by plenty of freshly grated parmesan.
- Step 4: Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and lightly golden. Serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil and herbs for 30 minutes before baking.
- Swap cottage cheese with ricotta for a creamier texture.
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
- Serve over whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles to keep the meal balanced.
Storage
Store leftover chicken parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350℉ until warmed through to maintain crispness and flavor. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
It is best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and proper seasoning. If using frozen, thaw completely before preparing.
Is cottage cheese necessary, or can I leave it out?
Cottage cheese adds moisture and protein, but you can omit it if preferred. Consider substituting with ricotta or additional parmesan for a similar creamy texture.
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High Protein Chicken Parmesan Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This High Protein Chicken Parmesan recipe offers a nutritious twist on the classic Italian favorite by incorporating cottage cheese for extra protein and using tenderized chicken breasts baked to perfection. It’s a flavorful, healthy dish featuring a crispy baked chicken base topped with marinara sauce, creamy cottage cheese, and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Perfect for a satisfying and protein-rich meal that’s simple to prepare.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 3 chicken breasts, tenderized
- 2 tsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
- Onion powder, to taste
- Italian herb blend, to taste
Toppings:
- 1/2 heaping cup marinara sauce (divided)
- 1/2 heaping cup cottage cheese (divided)
- 4 oz freshly grated parmesan cheese (divided)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easier cleanup.
- Prepare and bake chicken: Place the tenderized chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken pieces, ensuring they are coated evenly. Generously season both sides with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian herb blend. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), indicating the chicken is fully cooked.
- Add toppings and finish baking: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Top each chicken breast with a portion of the marinara sauce, then spread 3 tablespoons of cottage cheese over each, followed by a generous layer of freshly grated parmesan cheese. Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- You can substitute marinara sauce with your favorite tomato sauce or homemade sauce for variety.
- Consider using low-fat cottage cheese to reduce calories while maintaining high protein content.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: High protein, Chicken Parmesan, Baked chicken, Healthy chicken recipe, Cottage cheese chicken, Italian dish, Protein-rich meal
