Name: Cottage Cheese Parmesan Chicken Bites Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb diced chicken breast; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 cup full-fat cottage cheese; 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Chopped fresh parsley; Lemon zest; Smoked paprika; Crushed red pepper flakes; Shredded mozzarella cheese

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Introduction

Cottage Cheese Parmesan Chicken is a delightful, protein-packed appetizer that’s easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. Coated in a creamy blend of cottage and Parmesan cheese, these chicken bites bake to golden perfection, making them perfect for gatherings or a satisfying snack.

A white plate holds a stack of nine golden brown fried cauliflower bites with a crispy, textured surface speckled with small green herb pieces. The cauliflower inside is white and soft, visible in one piece that is slightly bitten. The bites are piled in a pyramid shape, with a rough, crunchy outer layer showing varied shades of brown and orange from frying. The plate is set on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb diced chicken breast
1/2 cup cottage cheese (full-fat recommended)
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
Optional: chopped fresh parsley, lemon zest, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, shredded mozzarella

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, toss the diced chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Step 3: In another bowl, combine the cottage cheese and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until thick and well blended.
Step 4: Mix the cottage cheese mixture into the seasoned chicken, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated.
Step 5: Arrange the coated chicken pieces close together on the prepared baking sheet to form pull-apart clusters.
Step 6: Bake for 15–18 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and the tops turn golden.
Step 7: For extra crispiness and deeper color, broil for 1–2 minutes while watching closely to avoid burning.
Step 8: Let the chicken rest for 2–3 minutes, garnish with parsley and lemon zest if desired, and serve with your favorite dips.

Tips & Variations

Use full-fat cottage cheese for the best texture and creaminess.
Broiling adds a wonderful crisp to the Parmesan topping—just watch carefully to prevent burning.
Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon zest to brighten the flavors and add color.
Try adding smoked paprika or crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning for a smoky or spicy twist.
For extra cheesiness, sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the chicken before baking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, avoid the microwave as it can make the chicken soggy. Instead, spread the bites on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy texture. These bites can also be enjoyed cold straight from the fridge.

How to Serve

A stack of nine crispy, golden-brown fried cauliflower bites sits on a white plate. Each cauliflower piece has a rough, crunchy coating speckled with green herbs, giving them a textured, crumbly look. The top piece shows the inside, which is soft and white, contrasting with the browned crust. The plate rests on a white marbled surface with soft lighting highlighting the warm, crunchy texture of the cauliflower bites. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat or non-fat cottage cheese?

While you can substitute low-fat or non-fat versions, full-fat cottage cheese provides the best creaminess and texture for this recipe.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear. Baking for 15–18 minutes usually achieves this, but using a meat thermometer ensures perfect results.