Cheese Chicken Bake: Creamy, High-Protein One-Dish Meal Recipe
This Cheese Chicken Bake is a creamy, high-protein, one-dish meal perfect for a comforting yet healthy dinner. Tender chicken breasts are baked in a smooth, cheesy sauce made from cottage and Parmesan cheeses, infused with aromatic spices for a flavorful, fuss-free dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (similar size for even cooking)
Sauce
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Other
- Olive oil spray, for greasing the dish
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or chives
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray an 8×8-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and prepare for baking.
- Blend the sauce: In a blender, combine the cottage cheese, grated Parmesan, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Blend for 30 to 45 seconds, scraping down the sides as needed, until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, forming the sauce.
- Assemble: Place the chicken breasts evenly spaced in the prepared baking dish. Pour the blended cheese sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated to absorb the flavors while baking.
- Bake: Bake the assembled dish uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce is bubbling with light golden spots on top, indicating it is cooked through and nicely browned.
- Rest and serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices in the chicken to redistribute. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a burst of color and added freshness before serving.
Notes
- Use chicken breasts of similar size to ensure even cooking.
- Full-fat cottage cheese will give a richer sauce, but low-fat works well for a lighter version.
- Monitor the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer for perfect doneness.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
- Optional herbs like thyme or rosemary can be added to the sauce for extra flavor.
Keywords: chicken bake, cheesy chicken, high protein dinner, baked chicken breast, cottage cheese recipe, easy chicken dinner
