Cheesy • Creamy • Protein-Packed • Easy Weeknight Dinner
📝 Quick Description
This High-Protein Pizza Chicken Bake combines juicy chicken, rich pizza sauce, creamy cottage cheese, and gooey mozzarella for a dish that tastes like pizza but fuels like a protein bowl.
It’s perfect for:
• Weight loss
• High-protein meal prep
• Low-carb lifestyles
• Family dinners
Comfort food — upgraded.
⏱ Servings & Timing
- Serves: 4–5
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: ~40 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
🍗 Protein Base
- 1½ lbs chicken breast (cooked & cubed)
OR 1½ lbs raw chicken, diced - 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
🥣 Creamy Protein Layer
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese (blend smooth for creamier texture)
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
🍅 Pizza Flavor Layer
- ¾ cup low-sugar pizza sauce or marinara
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup grated parmesan
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Optional: red pepper flakes
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Chicken
If using raw chicken:
Heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat.
Season chicken with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Cook 6–8 minutes until fully cooked.
Set aside.
2️⃣ Make the Creamy Protein Mix
Blend cottage cheese until smooth.
In bowl mix:
- Blended cottage cheese
- Greek yogurt
- Garlic powder
- Pepper
This replaces heavy cream or ricotta while boosting protein.
3️⃣ Assemble the Bake
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a greased baking dish:
- Spread cooked chicken evenly.
- Spoon creamy protein mixture over chicken.
- Add pizza sauce on top.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan.
- Add oregano.
4️⃣ Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes until:
- Cheese melted and bubbly
- Edges slightly golden
Optional: Broil 2–3 minutes for browned top.
5️⃣ Rest & Serve
Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
Garnish with parsley or fresh basil.
💪 Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: ~420
- Protein: 50–55g
- Fat: 16g
- Carbs: 8–10g
- Low-Carb
- High-Protein
Using lean chicken keeps fat moderate.
🔥 Why This Version Is High Protein
✔ 1½ lbs chicken
✔ Cottage cheese boost
✔ Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream
✔ No refined crust
High satiety. Lower carbs. Massive protein.
🥗 Serving Ideas
Low-Carb
Serve with:
- Roasted zucchini
- Steamed broccoli
- Cauliflower rice
Balanced
Serve with:
- Brown rice
- Whole-grain pasta
🔄 Variations
Pepperoni Version
Add turkey pepperoni slices.
Supreme Version
Add sautéed mushrooms & bell peppers.
Buffalo Version
Replace pizza sauce with buffalo sauce.
Extra Protein Version
Add ½ scoop unflavored protein powder to cottage mix.
🧊 Storage
- Fridge: 4 days
- Freezer: Up to 2 months
- Reheat in oven for best texture
