You know those nights when you need dinner on the table fast but refuse to sacrifice flavor? That’s exactly why this Cottage Cheese Garlic Pepper Chicken Skillet became my family’s go-to weeknight hero. As a busy mom who’s survived more rushed dinners than I can count, I can tell you—this one’s a keeper. Imagine juicy chicken cubes swimming in a creamy, garlicky cottage cheese sauce with just the right kick of black pepper. It’s comforting, packed with protein, and ready in 30 minutes flat. My kids even lick their plates clean (and that’s saying something!). Trust me, once you try this simple skillet magic, it’ll earn a permanent spot in your rotation.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cottage Cheese Garlic Pepper Chicken Skillet
Let me count the ways this skillet steals my heart (and will steal yours too!):
- Speedy savior – Ready faster than takeout on busy nights
- Creamy dreamy – That cottage cheese sauce? Absolute magic with garlic and pepper
- Healthy hack – Packed with protein but feels totally indulgent
- Kid-approved – My picky eaters gobble it up (even with all that garlic!)
- One-pan wonder – Minimal cleanup means more time to relax
Seriously, what’s not to love? It’s the cozy weeknight dinner you’ve been craving.
Ingredients for Cottage Cheese Garlic Pepper Chicken Skillet
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this creamy dream come true (and yes, every single ingredient matters!):
- 1 lb chicken breast – Cubed into bite-sized pieces (trust me, uniform size = even cooking)
- 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese – The higher the fat, the creamier your sauce
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan – Freshly grated melts smoother than the pre-shredded stuff
- 2 cloves garlic – Minced fine (none of that jarred nonsense!)
- 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper – Adjust up if you’re feeling bold
- 1 tbsp olive oil – For that perfect golden sear
- Pinch of salt – Just to wake up all those flavors
See? Nothing fancy – just honest ingredients that do big things together.
Equipment You’ll Need
Don’t worry – you won’t need any fancy gadgets for this one! Just grab:
- A trusty 10-inch skillet (nonstick or cast iron works great)
- Your blender or food processor for that silky cottage cheese
- A sturdy wooden spoon for stirring
- Basic cutting board and knife for prepping
That’s it! Now let’s get cooking.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Garlic Pepper Chicken Skillet
Okay, let’s dive into the good stuff! This skillet comes together in three simple steps – but oh boy, the flavor payoff is huge. Follow along and I’ll walk you through every tasty detail.
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
First, heat your olive oil in that skillet over medium heat – you want it shimmering but not smoking. Toss in your chicken cubes (make sure they’re patted dry!) and give them a generous sprinkle of salt and that glorious black pepper. Now here’s my trick: resist stirring too much! Let them get golden on one side before flipping – about 4 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re done when they’re firm to the touch and no pink remains inside (about 7-10 minutes total).
Step 2: Add Garlic and Cottage Cheese
Now, lower that heat to medium-low – garlic burns fast and we don’t want that! Toss in your minced garlic and stir constantly for just about 60 seconds until it smells incredible. While that’s happening, blend your cottage cheese until completely smooth (this makes ALL the difference for that creamy sauce). Pour it right into the skillet and stir everything together – the sauce will start thickening almost immediately.
Step 3: Finish with Parmesan
Here comes the magic! Sprinkle that Parmesan evenly over the top and gently stir it in. Let everything simmer together for 5-7 minutes – you’ll see the sauce turn glossy and coat the back of your spoon beautifully. If it gets too thick? A splash of chicken broth or milk loosens it right up. Taste and add more pepper if you’re feeling feisty!
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30-Min Creamy Cottage Cheese Garlic Pepper Chicken Skillet Magic
A simple, bold, and comforting chicken skillet with creamy cottage cheese sauce, garlic, and black pepper.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken cubes
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until warm.
- Add chicken cubes and season lightly with salt and black pepper.
- Cook until golden on all sides and fully cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.
- Lower the heat and add minced garlic, stirring until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Blend cottage cheese until smooth, then add it to the skillet, stirring to combine.
- Sprinkle Parmesan over the sauce and stir gently until melted and incorporated.
- Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce is creamy and glossy.
- Serve hot with rice or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use full-fat cottage cheese for the creamiest texture.
- Adjust black pepper to taste for more or less heat.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Tips for the Best Cottage Cheese Garlic Pepper Chicken Skillet
After making this skillet more times than I can count (seriously, my family demands it weekly), here are my can’t-miss secrets:
- Blend that cottage cheese! No lumps allowed – smooth sauce makes all the difference
- Full-fat is non-negotiable – Low-fat versions just won’t give you that velvety texture
- Freshly grate your Parmesan – The pre-shredded stuff won’t melt as beautifully
- Garlic timing is everything – Sixty seconds max or it’ll turn bitter
- Pepper to your personality – Start with 1 tsp, then add more if you like it spicy
Follow these, and you’ll have restaurant-quality results every single time!
Serving Suggestions
Oh, the possibilities! My family loves this creamy chicken skillet piled over fluffy rice to soak up every last drop of sauce. For low-carb nights, try it with roasted broccoli or zucchini. And if you’re feeling fancy? A hunk of crusty bread for dipping is pure heaven. Honestly, it’s so good you could eat it straight from the pan (no judgment here!).
Serving Suggestions
Oh, the possibilities! My family loves this creamy chicken skillet piled over fluffy rice to soak up every last drop of sauce. For low-carb nights, try it with roasted broccoli or zucchini. And if you’re feeling extra cozy? A hunk of crusty bread for dipping is pure heaven!
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers? Lucky you! Just pop them in an airtight container – they’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, go low and slow on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk to bring back that creamy magic. Microwave works too, but stir every 30 seconds to prevent scorching!
Nutritional Information
Now, I’m no nutritionist, but here’s the scoop per serving (based on my exact ingredients): about 280 calories and a whopping 35g protein to keep you full for hours! Remember, these numbers might dance around a bit depending on your exact cottage cheese brand or chicken size.
Frequently Asked Questions
You’ve got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the ones I hear most about this Cottage Cheese Garlic Pepper Chicken Skillet:
Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?
Absolutely! Ricotta makes a delicious, slightly denser sauce. Just blend it smooth like the cottage cheese. My Italian grandma would approve!
How spicy is this with all that black pepper?
It’s got a warm kick, not fiery heat. Start with 1 tsp and add more after tasting – I often do 1½ tsp because we love bold flavors!
Will my kids eat something with this much garlic?
Shockingly, yes! The cottage cheese mellows it out. My 7-year-old calls it “cozy cheese chicken” and asks for seconds every time.
Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
You bet! Cook the chicken and sauce, then store separately. Reheat gently and stir together – the sauce thickens when chilled, so add a splash of milk when warming.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—my family’s favorite skillet dinner that’s as easy as it is delicious! Give this one a try and let me know how it turns out. I’d love to hear your twists (or see your photos—tag me if you share!). Happy cooking! You can also follow along for more quick dinner ideas on my Facebook page.
