Protein-Packed Creamy Chicken and Cottage Cheese Bake
Indulge in the perfect balance of comfort and nutrition with our Protein-Packed Creamy Chicken and Cottage Cheese Bake. This hearty dish combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a velvety mixture of cottage cheese and spinach, all baked to golden perfection. The result is a satisfying meal that’s not only rich in protein but also bursting with flavors and textures. The creamy, cheesy topping forms a delightful crust, while the spinach adds a pop of color and a boost of vitamins. It’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s both easy to prepare and impressive to serve.
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Large Skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Cheese grater (optional)
Ingredients
Protein
- 4 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts 6-8 oz each [170-225g each]
Produce
- 2 cups Fresh spinach roughly chopped [2 oz / 60g]
- 1 medium Onion finely diced (about 1 cup / 150g)
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
Dairy
- 2 cups Cottage cheese [16 oz / 450g]
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese shredded [4 oz / 115g]
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated [1 oz / 28g]
Oils & Vinegars
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil [30 ml]
Baking & Spices
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano [1g]
- 1 teaspoon Dried basil [1g]
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. They don’t need to be fully cooked as they will finish cooking in the oven.
- Transfer the chicken to the baking dish.
Prepare the Cottage Cheese Mixture
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
- Sauté the diced onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, dried basil, and the cooled spinach mixture. Mix well.
Assemble and Bake
- Spread the cottage cheese mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C) and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
– For a lower-fat version, use part-skim mozzarella and low-fat cottage cheese.
– You can substitute spinach with other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard.
– To make ahead, prepare the dish up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
– For a crispy top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking time, watching carefully to prevent burning.
– Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
– To scale the recipe, simply double or halve all ingredients as needed. Cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly for larger portions.
Notes:
- Lighter Alternatives:
- Use part-skim mozzarella and low-fat cottage cheese for a lighter version.
- Replace some of the cheese with Greek yogurt to reduce calories while keeping it creamy.
- Ingredient Substitutions:
- Swap spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different leafy green.
- Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
- You can use ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese for a creamier texture.
- Storage Instructions:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating Tips:
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to retain the crispiness of the cheese topping.
- Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes if you’re in a hurry, but note that the topping may soften.
Quick Tips:
- To Thicken the Sauce:
- If your mixture feels too runny, add a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to the cottage cheese mixture.
- For Extra Crispiness:
- Broil the dish for the last 2-3 minutes to achieve a crispy golden top.
- Enhance Texture:
- Sauté the spinach and garlic until they are slightly caramelized for added depth of flavor.
Side Dish Suggestions:
- Steamed broccoli or green beans for a light, crunchy side.
- A fresh arugula or mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the bake.
- Garlic mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes for a heartier pairing.
Nutritional Benefits:
- High in Protein: Chicken and cottage cheese provide a strong protein punch, supporting muscle growth and satiety.
- Rich in Vitamins: Spinach adds a good dose of iron, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C.
- Low-Carb Option: Perfect for those following a low-carb diet, with minimal carbohydrate content.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve each portion with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for a burst of color and added freshness.
- Pair with a glass of light white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the creaminess of the dish.
- A drizzle of balsamic reduction or hot sauce on top adds an extra layer of flavor for those who like bold tastes.
Meal Prep Tips:
- Prepare Ahead: Cook the chicken breasts and sauté the spinach mixture a day in advance. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the bake.
- Storage: The entire bake can be prepared and stored unbaked in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
- Freezing Tips: You can freeze the assembled dish before baking, ensuring it’s well-wrapped. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Customization Ideas:
- Vegetarian: Replace the chicken with baked tofu or roasted vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure all ingredients used are certified gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute cheese with dairy-free alternatives like almond cheese or nutritional yeast.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to remove excess water.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours or freeze it for later.
Q3: What’s the best way to ensure the chicken stays moist?
Searing the chicken in a hot skillet before baking helps lock in the moisture, and using a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked to 165°F (74°C) prevents overcooking.
Q4: Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, feel free to experiment with cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or even a mix of mozzarella and provolone for added flavor.
Q5: Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This recipe stores well, making it great for meal prep. You can portion it out for the week and reheat when needed.
Recipe Success Tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and garlic enhance the overall flavor and texture of the dish.
- Check Cooking Time: Make sure to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Don’t Skip Searing: Searing the chicken before baking not only adds flavor but also keeps the chicken tender and juicy.
- Broil for a Golden Finish: Broiling at the end creates that irresistible crispy cheese topping.
- Rest the Bake: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the flavors to settle and make it easier to serve.
