How to Make the Perfect Cottage Cheese Crusted Chicken Breast
American · Easy · 35 min · 2 servings
A high protein crust made from blended cottage cheese and Parmesan coats these baked chicken breasts for an extraordinary protein count of over 55g per serving. It is a creative and nutritious twist on classic breaded chicken that skips the excess carbs.
Why this recipe works
This Cottage Cheese Crusted Chicken Breast recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 35 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 410 calories with 56g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 whole large chicken breasts
- 0.75 cup full fat cottage cheese
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt and black pepper
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Blend the Crust Mixture
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Blend the cottage cheese in a food processor or blender until completely smooth, then stir in Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels to help the coating adhere properly. Spread the cottage cheese mixture generously over the top and sides of each chicken breast in an even layer.
Step 3: Bake Until Golden
Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet and bake at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 22 to 25 minutes. The crust should turn golden and slightly crispy while the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for 4 to 5 minutes before serving. The crust will firm up slightly as it cools, making it easier to slice cleanly without breaking the coating.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- full fat cottage cheese → low fat cottage cheese for fewer calories while maintaining high protein content
- grated Parmesan cheese → nutritional yeast for a dairy-free high protein alternative
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not blending the cottage cheese smooth which results in a lumpy, uneven crust that does not adhere well to the chicken surface
- Skipping patting the chicken dry which prevents the cottage cheese crust from sticking and causes it to slide off during baking
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 410 calories, 56g protein, 5g carbs, 16g fat, 0g fiber.
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