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

Scale

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