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

This Cottage Cheese Parmesan Firecracker Chicken is a cozy skillet dish that combines juicy chicken with a creamy, flavorful sauce. With simple ingredients and quick steps, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet wholesome.

The dish shows about two layers of crispy golden brown tater tots scattered in a white bowl, covered with a thick creamy cheese sauce that has small bits of red bacon mixed in, garnished with small green herb flakes evenly spread on top and around the tater tots. The cheese sauce looks smooth and slightly melted over the crispy tater tots, creating a mix of crunchy texture and gooey creaminess. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. 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 evenly with salt, paprika, and black pepper. 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 to prevent sticking and build flavor.
Step 3: Add the chicken in a single layer and cook without moving until golden on the bottom. Avoid overcrowding to allow proper searing.
Step 4: Flip the chicken pieces and cook until fully cooked and lightly golden on all sides. The chicken should feel firm but remain juicy.
Step 5: Reduce the heat to low before adding the sauce ingredients to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Add the cottage cheese and stir gently as it warms and softens, forming a creamy base.
Step 7: Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese gradually and stir until the sauce coats the chicken evenly for a smooth texture.
Step 8: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt or pepper as needed to bring the flavors together.
Step 9: Let the chicken simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 10: Remove from heat and let rest for one minute before serving. This resting helps the sauce settle and cling to the chicken.

Tips & Variations

Use chicken thighs for a juicier result or chicken breasts for a lighter dish.
Serve over rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Keep the heat low once adding cottage cheese to prevent the sauce from separating.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat while stirring occasionally to keep the sauce creamy and prevent sticking.

How to Serve

The dish shows a white bowl filled with about two layers of golden brown crispy tater tots. The tater tots are covered in a creamy sauce with melted cheese, small bits of reddish bacon, and sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs. The sauce is thick and creamy, coating each tater tot with a glossy shine. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with natural light coming from a window in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other cheeses instead of Parmesan?

Parmesan is recommended for its sharp, nutty flavor and melting properties, but you can substitute with Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a similar taste.

Is cottage cheese necessary for the sauce?

Cottage cheese provides a creamy texture and mild tang while keeping the sauce lighter. You could try ricotta as a substitute, though it may alter the texture slightly.