Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breast dry and cut it into 1-inch bite-sized pieces. In a small bowl, toss the chicken with the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until it's evenly coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Lightly spray your air fryer basket with cooking oil or toss the chicken in 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Place the seasoned chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Create the Creamy Base: While the chicken is cooking, add the cottage cheese to a small blender or food processor. Blend on high for 30-60 seconds, or until the cottage cheese is completely smooth and creamy. You may need to scrape down the sides once or twice. Season the blended cottage cheese with a pinch of salt and pepper if desired.
- Assemble the Bowl: Spread the creamy blended cottage cheese evenly in the bottom of an oven-safe bowl. Once the chicken is cooked, arrange the pieces on top of the cottage cheese base.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Spoon the marinara sauce over the chicken. Sprinkle the Italian cheese blend evenly over the top.
- Melt and Serve: Place the bowl under your oven's broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Alternatively, you can microwave it for 60-90 seconds. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!
- Garnish and Enjoy: Carefully remove the hot bowl from the oven or microwave. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and let it cool for a minute before diving in.
Notes
For the creamiest base, use full-fat cottage cheese and blend until completely smooth. Don't overcook the chicken to keep it juicy. Using a quality marinara sauce will enhance the flavor. For substitutions, you can swap chicken with ground turkey or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
