A pizza-inspired family dinner without a dough base: cooked chicken, vegetables and a bubbling tomato-and-cheese topping. This is a satisfying option when you want familiar takeaway flavours using everyday supermarket ingredients.
Serves: 4 | Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 20 minutes
Why this recipe works
The familiar tomato, mozzarella and herb combination delivers pizza-inspired flavour, while cooked chicken makes it easy to use leftovers. Cottage cheese adds a creamy topping without needing a ready-made sauce.
Tips for the best result
Pat mushrooms dry and cook off their moisture before assembling. Use shallow dishes so the toppings heat evenly. Keep the mozzarella on top for golden patches.
Serving ideas and dietary notes
A side salad adds crunch; wholemeal toast or a baked potato makes the meal more substantial. Check dairy ingredients for allergies.
Another frequently asked question
Can I prepare the bowls ahead?
Prepare the vegetables and sauce in advance, keep refrigerated and assemble immediately before baking.
Ingredients
- 300g cooked skinless chicken, chopped
- 400g passata
- 200g low-fat cottage cheese
- 1 pepper, sliced
- 150g mushrooms, sliced
- 80g grated mozzarella
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
- Black pepper
Method
- Heat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Soften the pepper and mushrooms in a non-stick frying pan with a splash of water for 5 minutes.
- Divide the passata, cooked chicken and vegetables between four small ovenproof dishes. Season with herbs and pepper.
- Spoon cottage cheese over each dish and scatter with mozzarella. Bake for around 15 minutes until bubbling and thoroughly hot throughout.
Budget-friendly tip
Use leftover cooked chicken that is still within its safe storage period. Supermarket own-brand cottage cheese works well.
Serving and storage
Serve with a crunchy green salad or steamed broccoli. These bowls are not a direct nutritional equivalent to a complete pizza; add a suitable carbohydrate side if needed.
Frequently asked question
Can I use raw chicken?
No. This method assumes fully cooked chicken. Cook raw chicken separately and thoroughly before assembling.
Plan more affordable meals
Browse our Budget Family Meals UK guide or organise your week with the free UK family meal planner.
Nutrition varies by brand and portion size; no unverified calorie or protein figures are stated.
Pizza-style comfort without the takeaway box
Cook the mushrooms until their liquid evaporates so the sauce stays thick. The chicken is already cooked: do not put raw chicken into these bowls. For a golden finish, position mozzarella on top.
Serving suggestions
Serve alongside a crisp salad, steamed greens or wholemeal bread if you need a more substantial meal.
Ingredient swaps and make-ahead advice
Supermarket own-brand ingredients are suitable. Where you change a main ingredient, the flavour, cooking time and nutritional estimate may change. Follow food-pack storage guidance and keep chilled ingredients refrigerated.
Estimated nutrition per serving
Approximate values calculated from typical UK supermarket ingredient composition and the quantities listed above, divided into the stated number of servings. These are planning estimates, not laboratory-tested figures; brands, drained weights, vegetable sizes and optional ingredients affect the result. Accompaniments are excluded.
| Energy | 335 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 39 g |
| Carbohydrate | 13 g |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Fibre | 3 g |
| Sugars | 6 g |
| Salt | 1.0 g |
Allergen note: Contains milk. Always check the specific ingredient packaging.
More questions about this recipe
Can I use leftover roast chicken?
Yes, provided it was cooled and refrigerated safely and is reheated until steaming hot.
Related budget recipe
For another simple chicken dinner, see our One-Pan Chicken and Chickpea Tray Bake.
Making this part of a balanced week
No single meal guarantees weight loss. Consider your overall dietary pattern, hunger, activity and individual needs. For more low-cost inspiration, browse our budget family meals guide and use the free family meal planner.