Name: Cottage Cheese Parmesan Firecracker Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast or chicken thighs, cubed; Salt, to taste; 1 teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon oil; 1 cup cottage cheese; ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Introduction

Cottage Cheese Parmesan Firecracker Chicken is a simple and flavorful skillet dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels cozy and satisfying without requiring complicated steps.

A white plate holds a creamy dish made of golden-brown fried cauliflower pieces covered in a thick white cheese sauce. The cauliflower has a crispy texture with spots of darker brown from frying, and the cheese sauce is smooth and slightly glossy, dotted with finely chopped green herbs scattered evenly over the top. The dish looks rich and warm, with the sauce clinging gently to the fried cauliflower, creating a mix of crunchy and creamy layers. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface, giving a clean and bright background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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
Salt, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: 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.
Step 2: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Properly heated oil prevents sticking and builds flavor early.
Step 3: 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.
Step 4: 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.
Step 5: Reduce the heat to low before adding the sauce ingredients. Gentle heat keeps the sauce smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Add the cottage cheese to the skillet and stir gently as it warms and softens. Cottage cheese naturally relaxes as it heats, forming a creamy base.
Step 7: Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce coats the chicken evenly. Add Parmesan gradually for a smoother texture.
Step 8: Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed. Small seasoning tweaks at the end bring the flavors together.
Step 9: Let the chicken simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 10: Remove from heat and let rest for one minute before serving. Resting helps the sauce settle and cling to the chicken.

Tips & Variations

Keep the heat low once the cottage cheese is added to prevent separation of the sauce.
Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness or breasts if you prefer a lighter dish.
Serve over rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat with occasional stirring to maintain the creamy sauce texture.

How to Serve

A white round plate holds a creamy cauliflower dish with about three layers: a bottom creamy sauce layer that is pale yellow and smooth, a middle layer filled with golden browned cauliflower florets that look tender with some charred edges, and a sprinkle of finely chopped green herbs and reddish seasoning dotted over the top. The cauliflower pieces are chunky and irregular in shape, and the sauce has a slightly thick texture that clings to the vegetables. The background is a white marbled surface, making the colors of the dish stand out clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Parmesan?

Yes, you can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or a sharp Asiago for a similar salty, nutty flavor. Just adjust the quantity to taste.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you serve it with gluten-free sides or omit any added wheat ingredients.