Chicken Parm Bowl

I whipped up this protein-loaded spin on traditional chicken parmesan during a hectic evening when I wanted something cozy but couldn't be bothered with the whole chicken parm process. Stacking crunchy chicken on top of smooth cottage cheese, then adding marinara and gooey cheese gives you all those favorite Italian tastes in a quick, healthy bowl that hits both comfort food spots and nutritious eating aims.

My teenage sports star wolfed down two servings after training last week and said it was 'even better than normal chicken parm.' The most wonderful dishes often come from breaking away from standard recipes.

Key Ingredients

• Breaded Chicken: Grab store-bought frozen or make your own - they're both great options
• Cottage Cheese: Forms a protein-packed creamy base
• Marinara Sauce: Pick a store brand you love or use homemade if you've got it
• Two Cheeses: Mozzarella for that pull-apart goodness, Parmesan for kick
• Fresh Basil: This is a must-have that pulls all flavors together

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Creating Your Bowl

Bottom Layer:

Put plenty of cottage cheese down first. Spread it around your bowl like you're making a soft bed for everything else.

Adding Chicken:

Place your cut breaded chicken on top while it's hot. This helps the cheese get a bit melty and makes a nice hot-cold mix.

Sauce Layer:

Spoon marinara over your chicken, letting some run down the sides. Make sure your sauce is warm enough to slightly heat the cottage cheese.

Cheese Topping:

Add both cheeses on top. The mix of stretchy mozzarella with tangy Parmesan gives you the best of both worlds.

When I served this bowl the first time, my Italian grandma looked doubtful about the cottage cheese. After one taste, she wanted to know how to make it. Breaking with tradition can lead to amazing results.

Hot and Cold Combo

The difference between cool cottage cheese and hot toppings gives you a fun mix of temperatures and textures that makes every bite interesting.

Packed With Protein

This bowl gives you tons of protein - it's great after working out or when you need energy that lasts.

What To Serve With It

Try some garlic bread on the side for dipping, or pair with a basic arugula salad with lemon juice and olive oil.

Customize It

Test out different pasta sauces, throw in some cooked veggies, or use grilled chicken instead of breaded.

Keeping Leftovers

While it's best when fresh, you can keep all parts in separate containers in your fridge and put them together when you're ready to eat.