Cottage Cheese Parmesan Firecracker Chicken
A delightful dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy, cheesy sauce, perfect for cozy nights or busy weekdays.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast or chicken thighs, cubed
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon oil For cooking
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Season the cubed chicken with salt, paprika, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to help it brown properly in the skillet.
Cooking
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add the chicken in a single layer and cook without moving until golden on the bottom.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan so the chicken sears instead of steaming.
- Flip the chicken pieces and cook until fully cooked and lightly golden on all sides.
- Chicken is done when it feels firm but still juicy.
- Reduce the heat to low before adding the sauce ingredients.
- Add the cottage cheese to the skillet and stir gently as it warms and softens.
- Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce coats the chicken evenly.
- Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed.
- Let the chicken simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and let rest for one minute before serving.
Notes
This dish is best served hot, straight from the skillet. You can pair it with a fresh salad, rice, or pasta for a complete meal. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to reheat, do so over low heat until warmed through. Always ensure your chicken is uniformly cut for even cooking. For a spicier kick, consider adding chili flakes or hot sauce. You can customize this recipe by adding vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers.