Cottage Cheese Parmesan Chicken Bites Recipe
Cottage Cheese Parmesan Chicken is a deliciously cheesy and protein-packed appetizer featuring tender diced chicken breasts coated in a creamy mixture of full-fat cottage cheese and grated Parmesan, seasoned with garlic powder and Italian herbs, then baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for entertaining or a quick savory snack, offering a delightful balance of crispy edges and creamy interiors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 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
Cheese Mixture
- 1/2 cup full-fat cottage cheese
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Garnish and Add-Ins
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon zest
- Smoked paprika
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Season Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the diced chicken breast with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This ensures each piece is well-coated with the flavorful spices.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the full-fat cottage cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the mixture is thick and evenly combined to provide a creamy coating for the chicken.
- Coat Chicken: Add the cheese mixture to the seasoned chicken and mix thoroughly, making sure every piece is fully coated with the cheesy blend for maximum flavor and moisture.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken pieces close together on the lined baking sheet, forming small pull-apart clusters that will bake evenly and become deliciously cheesy.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the tops turn golden brown, indicating a perfect bake.
- Broil for Crispiness (Optional): For extra crispness and deeper color, switch the oven to broil and cook the chicken for an additional 1–2 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the chicken rest for 2–3 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and lemon zest if desired, then serve warm alongside your favorite holiday dips.
Notes
- Use full-fat cottage cheese for the best creamy texture and flavor.
- Broil briefly for a crisper top, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Adding fresh parsley or lemon zest as garnish enhances color and adds fresh flavor notes.
- Do not overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure chicken pieces bake properly without steaming.
- Let the chicken cool slightly before serving so the cheese coating sets nicely and doesn’t slide off.
Keywords: Cottage Cheese Parmesan Chicken, cheesy chicken bites, baked chicken appetizer, high-protein chicken recipe, easy chicken snacks, gluten-free chicken appetizer
