Cottage Cheese Chicken Bake is a comforting and nutritious dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Combining tender chicken, creamy cottage cheese, and wholesome vegetables, this bake offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. It’s an excellent way to sneak in some extra nutrition without compromising on taste.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: Approximately 320
- Protein: 35 grams per serving
- Carbohydrates: 15 grams per serving
- Fat: 12 grams per serving
- Fiber: 3 grams per serving
- Sugar: 3 grams per serving
- Sodium: 550 mg per serving
Why Make This Cottage Cheese Chicken Bake
This Cottage Cheese Chicken Bake is a fantastic option for those looking to enjoy a hearty meal without the fuss. It’s quick to assemble, incredibly satisfying, and packed with protein – thanks to the chicken and cottage cheese. In addition to being delicious, it’s also customizable. You can easily tailor this recipe to suit your taste preferences by adding your favorite veggies or altering the spices. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up leftover chicken!
How to Make Cottage Cheese Chicken Bake
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish by greasing it lightly with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mixing
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cottage cheese, mozzarella cheese, steamed broccoli, diced bell peppers, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Ensure that all ingredients are well mixed, offering a hearty blend of flavors and textures.
Step 3: Cooking
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top of the mixture for an extra crunchy finish. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the mixture is heated through and the top is lightly golden.
Step 4: Finishing
Once baked, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Allow it to cool slightly before serving. This dish is best enjoyed warm, so serve it immediately and watch as everyone digs in!
How to Serve Cottage Cheese Chicken Bake
Cottage Cheese Chicken Bake can be served with a simple side salad for a light meal or alongside some crusty bread for a heartier option. It’s also great for meal prep, as leftovers can be enjoyed for lunch the next day.
How to Store Cottage Cheese Chicken Bake
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Expert Tips for Perfect Cottage Cheese Chicken Bake
- Use Leftovers: This is a great recipe for utilizing leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to substitute other cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for a twist.
- Add More Veggies: Besides bell peppers and broccoli, consider adding spinach, zucchini, or carrots for extra flavor.
- Breadcrumb Alternative: For a gluten-free version, use crushed gluten-free crackers instead of breadcrumbs.
Delicious Variations
- Mexican Twist: Add black beans and corn, and season with taco seasoning for a Mexican flair.
- Italian Style: Mix in sun-dried tomatoes and Italian herbs for a Mediterranean flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to turn up the heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it right before you’re ready to serve.
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What can I substitute for cottage cheese? Greek yogurt can be a great alternative for a similar texture and creamy consistency.
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Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free? Yes, you can use dairy-free cheese alternatives and omit the cottage cheese for a suitable version.
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Can I add other ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to mix in any proteins or vegetables you have on hand, like cooked quinoa or peas.
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What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? To maintain the texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, rather than using the microwave.
Conclusion
Cottage Cheese Chicken Bake is an incredibly versatile and enjoyable dish that’s sure to be a hit at your table. With its great taste, nutritional benefits, and easy preparation, this recipe checks all the boxes for a weeknight meal. Try it out, and you might just find it becoming a regular favorite in your recipe lineup! Enjoy your cooking adventure and savor each delicious bite!
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Cottage Cheese Chicken Bake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A comforting and nutritious dish combining tender chicken, creamy cottage cheese, and wholesome vegetables, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup steamed broccoli
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cottage cheese, mozzarella cheese, steamed broccoli, diced bell peppers, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Optional: sprinkle breadcrumbs on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until heated through and the top is lightly golden.
- Carefully remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
This dish can be customized with your favorite veggies and is a great way to use up leftover chicken. Serve with a side salad or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
