Description
This Cottage Cheese Creamy Garlic Parmesan Christmas Chicken is a cozy, holiday-ready skillet-to-broil chicken recipe that blends the light creaminess of cottage cheese with sharp Parmesan, fragrant garlic, and Italian herbs for a velvety, high-protein dinner. Perfect for December gatherings or a comforting weeknight, the sauce finishes under the broiler to create a golden, bubbly Parmesan crust that looks picture-perfect for Pinterest and tableside presentations. Keywords: holiday chicken, creamy garlic parmesan, cottage cheese sauce, easy Christmas dinner, high-protein chicken recipe, broiled parmesan chicken, cozy winter meals.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes, fresh parsley to garnish
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
- Sear chicken until golden brown on both sides but not fully cooked (about 3–4 minutes per side).
- While chicken sears, blend cottage cheese, Parmesan, and garlic until completely smooth.
- Reduce heat to low and pour the blended mixture over the chicken, spooning to coat.
- Simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, spooning sauce over the chicken as it thickens.
- When chicken is nearly done and sauce has reduced slightly, transfer the skillet to the oven and broil for 2–3 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from oven, let rest 3–5 minutes, adjust seasoning, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
- Blend cottage cheese thoroughly for a silky sauce; use a high-speed blender or immersion blender.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best browning and flavor.
- If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it.
- To make ahead: sear chicken and prepare sauce in advance; combine and broil just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet + Broil
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: ≈310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: holiday chicken, cottage cheese chicken, creamy garlic parmesan, Christmas chicken, easy holiday dinner, high-protein chicken