Keto Cottage Cheese Chicken Spinach Bake

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped (280 g)
• 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese (225 g)
• 4 large eggs (200 g)
• 1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry (140 g)
• 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (85 g)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (2 g)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (3 g)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (3 g)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (1 g)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, for the dish (14 g)

Instructions

1. Prepare dish. Heat the oven to 375°F. Brush a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with olive oil, coating the bottom and corners. Set aside while you prepare the filling.
2. Blend base. Add cottage cheese, eggs, three-quarters of Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to a blender. Blend until mostly smooth, stopping once to scrape down the sides. The mixture should look creamy and uniform, with only tiny curds visible.
3. Mix filling. Pour base into a large bowl. Fold in chicken and thoroughly squeezed spinach with a spatula until every piece is coated and the greens are evenly dispersed. Avoid vigorous stirring after adding the solids; gentle folding keeps chicken pieces distinct and prevents the filling from becoming dense.
4. Fill and bake. Scrape filling into prepared dish and spread it into an even layer, reaching every corner. Tap dish twice on counter to settle it. Scatter remaining Parmesan over top. Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes, until edges puff slightly, top is deeply golden, and center reaches 160°F.
5. Rest and serve. Let casserole rest on a rack for 10 minutes before cutting. This pause lets egg base finish setting so squares lift cleanly. Cut into six portions with a sharp knife, then slide a wide spatula beneath each serving. Serve warm, or cool completely before packing leftovers.

Notes

• A small-curd full-fat cottage cheese creates a smooth blended base. Large-curd styles work, but blend longer and scrape sides for even texture.
• Thawed spinach must be squeezed thoroughly. Use a clean kitchen towel and press until little moisture remains; excess liquid can leave the center softer and delay browning.
• Use plainly seasoned cooked chicken. Strong barbecue or sweet seasonings can shift the casserole from its Parmesan-and-herb profile.

Nutrition Facts