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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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Fusion
Servings 4 servings
Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x13 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.
Keyword Chicken Bake, Cottage Cheese Recipe, Easy Dinner, Healthy Comfort Food, One-Pan Meal