Description
This High-Protein Garlic Herb Cottage Cheese Chicken Bake combines tender chicken breasts with creamy cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, Parmesan, and fragrant herbs for a wholesome, protein-packed dinner that’s comforting and naturally gluten-free.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
- 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Zest of 1/2 lemon (optional)
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella (optional topping)
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
- Pat chicken breasts dry and pound to even thickness if needed.
- Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper, then place in baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix cottage cheese and Greek yogurt until smooth.
- Stir in Parmesan, garlic, parsley, oregano, thyme, basil, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add lemon zest and optional spinach or sun-dried tomatoes if using.
- Spread the cottage cheese mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
- Sprinkle mozzarella on top if desired.
- Bake uncovered for 30–40 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Broil for 3–5 minutes at the end for a golden top if desired.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Marinate chicken in olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice for 30 minutes for extra tenderness.
- Blend cottage cheese for a smoother sauce texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat gently at 325°F or in short microwave intervals to maintain moisture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 48g
- Cholesterol: 125mg