Name: High Protein Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 3 chicken breasts, tenderized; 2 tsp olive oil; Salt, to taste; Garlic powder, to taste; Onion powder, to taste; 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)

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Introduction

This High Protein Chicken Parmesan is a delicious twist on a classic favorite, offering a healthy boost without sacrificing flavor. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned, baked, and topped with rich marinara, cottage cheese, and freshly grated parmesan for a satisfying meal.

The image shows a cooked chicken breast fillet topped with a thick layer of red tomato sauce and melted white cheese. The chicken at the bottom looks seasoned with herbs and is golden brown, while the cheese layer on top is soft and slightly bubbly with some small browned spots. The dish is garnished with finely chopped green parsley and sprinkled lightly with red chili flakes. The pieces of chicken are placed on a light brown paper surface, which has some parsley pieces scattered around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 chicken breasts, tenderized
2 tsp olive oil
Salt, to taste
Garlic powder, to taste
Onion powder, to taste
Italian herb blend, to taste
1/2 heaping cup marinara sauce, divided
1/2 heaping cup cottage cheese, divided
4 oz freshly grated parmesan, divided

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425℉. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Arrange the tenderized chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, then season both sides generously with salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian herb blend. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165℉.
Step 3: Remove the chicken from the oven. Spread marinara sauce evenly over each piece, then dollop about 3 tablespoons of cottage cheese on top. Finish by sprinkling a generous amount of freshly grated parmesan over each chicken breast.
Step 4: Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld beautifully.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes after the final baking step, watching closely to prevent burning.
Substitute part of the parmesan with mozzarella for a more classic, gooey texture.
Use homemade marinara or your favorite jarred sauce to suit your taste preferences.
Add fresh basil or chopped parsley on top before serving for a burst of color and freshness.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven at 350℉ until heated through, or microwave on medium power to maintain moisture.

How to Serve

Three pieces of grilled chicken breast are placed on brown parchment paper over a white marbled surface. Each piece is topped with a layer of red tomato sauce, covered by a thick layer of melted white cheese that has a slightly bubbly texture. On top of the cheese, there are scattered small green herb leaves and some red chili flakes. The chicken pieces have a golden brown edge visible under the toppings. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and accurate timing.

What can I substitute for cottage cheese?

You can use ricotta cheese or a mild shredded cheese as alternatives, but cottage cheese helps keep the dish high in protein and adds creaminess.