Cottage Cheese Parmesan Firecracker Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Cottage Cheese Parmesan Firecracker Chicken is a flavorful and creamy dish that combines tender chicken with a cheesy, slightly spicy sauce. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.

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

1. 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.
2. Step 2: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Properly heated oil prevents sticking and builds flavor early.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Step 5: Reduce the heat to low before adding the sauce ingredients. Gentle heat keeps the sauce smooth and creamy.
6. 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.
7. Step 7: Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce coats the chicken evenly. Add Parmesan gradually for a smoother texture.
8. Step 8: Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed. Small seasoning tweaks at the end bring the flavors together.
9. Step 9: Let the chicken simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
10. 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

• Patting the chicken dry before seasoning helps achieve a better sear and more flavorful crust.
• For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Use chicken thighs for juicier results, or chicken breast for a leaner dish.
• Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain sauce creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of Parmesan?

Yes, you can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a similar flavor. Avoid very soft cheeses as they might change the sauce texture.

Is it necessary to use cottage cheese?

Cottage cheese adds creaminess with less fat than some other cheeses, but you can substitute it with ricotta or cream cheese if preferred.

Cottage Cheese Parmesan Firecracker Chicken Recipe

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Cottage Cheese Parmesan Firecracker Chicken is a creamy, flavorful skillet dish featuring tender cubed chicken seared to golden perfection and coated in a spicy cottage cheese and Parmesan sauce. This quick and easy stovetop recipe balances the heat of paprika with the richness of cheeses, making it a comforting yet vibrant meal perfect for any weeknight dinner.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 1 lb chicken breast or chicken thighs, cubed
• Salt, to taste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon oil

Sauce

• 1 cup cottage cheese
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken: Pat the cubed chicken dry, then season evenly with salt, paprika, and black pepper to ensure proper browning and flavor penetration.
2. Heat the Skillet: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering, which helps prevent sticking and builds flavor.
3. Sear the Chicken: Add the chicken in a single layer and cook undisturbed until the bottom side is golden brown, avoiding overcrowding to ensure searing rather than steaming.
4. Flip and Cook Through: Turn the chicken pieces and cook until fully done and lightly golden on all sides; the chicken should feel firm yet juicy.
5. Lower the Heat: Reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle temperature for the sauce, preventing curdling and keeping it smooth.
6. Add Cottage Cheese: Stir in the cottage cheese gently as it warms, allowing it to soften and create a creamy base for the sauce.
7. Stir in Parmesan: Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce evenly coats the chicken for a silky texture.
8. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and fine-tune with additional salt or pepper as needed to balance the flavors perfectly.
9. Simmer Briefly: Let the chicken simmer on low for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to thicken the sauce slightly and prevent sticking.
10. Rest and Serve: Remove from heat and let the dish rest for one minute, allowing the sauce to settle and cling beautifully to the chicken before serving.

Notes

• Patting the chicken dry before seasoning helps it sear properly without steaming.
• Do not overcrowd the pan for a better sear and caramelization.
• Use low heat when adding dairy to avoid curdling and ensure a creamy sauce.
• Gradually adding Parmesan helps the sauce achieve a smooth texture without clumping.
• Resting the cooked chicken with sauce enhances flavor absorption and texture.

Keywords: Cottage Cheese Parmesan Firecracker Chicken, creamy chicken skillet, stovetop chicken recipe, low-fat chicken dish, easy chicken dinner