One-Pan Mediterranean Cottage Cheese Chicken with Olives & Tomatoes

Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Chicken Skillet

This One-Pan Mediterranean Cottage Cheese Chicken with Olives & Tomatoes is weeknight comfort food with a vacation vibe. Juicy, seasoned chicken thighs are roasted with creamy cottage cheese, roasted cherry tomatoes, and briny Kalamata olives, all in one dish. It’s rustic, colorful, and loaded with flavor — with minimal cleanup.

• Easy one-pan recipe, perfect for busy nights

• High in protein, low in carbs

• Rich, crispy chicken skin with golden, bubbling cheese

• Mediterranean ingredients for bold flavor and balance

• Customizable with pantry staples

• Family-friendly and naturally gluten-free

From the sizzling garlic to the olive oil and herbs, this dish hits every savory note and brings out the best of Mediterranean-style cooking in a single skillet.

Ingredient Highlights

Chicken Thighs

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are the foundation of this dish. They stay juicy during baking, and the skin crisps up perfectly while absorbing the garlic, herbs, and olive oil.

Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese adds a creamy, slightly tangy contrast to the rich chicken. As it bakes, it melts around the meat and vegetables, creating a creamy sauce-like base with minimal effort or calories compared to traditional cream.

Kalamata Olives

Salty, briny, and bold, Kalamata olives bring balance to the creaminess of the cheese and the richness of the chicken. Their deep flavor intensifies in the oven and infuses the whole dish.

Cherry Tomatoes

Cherry tomatoes blister and burst during baking, creating pockets of sweetness and acidity. Their juices help to deglaze the pan and build the flavor base naturally.

Garlic and Oregano

Minced garlic and dried oregano deliver essential Mediterranean character. They tie the whole dish together and work with the olive oil to season everything beautifully.

Ingredients List

Main Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

• 1 cup cottage cheese

• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• ¼ cup sliced Kalamata olives

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Optional Add-ins and Swaps:

• Substitute chicken thighs with boneless breasts or drumsticks

• Use ricotta or crumbled feta instead of cottage cheese

• Add sliced red onions or zucchini for extra vegetables

• Mix in crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat

• Swap fresh thyme or rosemary for oregano for variety

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and let it come to full temperature.

2. In a baking dish or oven-safe skillet, add chicken thighs. Drizzle with olive oil, then add minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss or rub to coat the chicken thoroughly.

3. Arrange halved cherry tomatoes and sliced olives around the chicken in the dish.

4. Spoon cottage cheese between and slightly over the chicken thighs, distributing evenly.

5. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until the chicken skin is crisp and browned, juices run clear, and cheese is bubbling and slightly golden at the edges.

6. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to settle.

7. Garnish with torn basil leaves and serve directly from the pan.

Pro Tips

• Pat chicken skin dry before seasoning to help it crisp up better

• Use a cast iron or oven-proof skillet for even browning and easy transfer

• Don’t overmix cottage cheese — keep the dollops slightly chunky

• For extra browning, broil the dish for the last 2–3 minutes

• Let the dish rest before serving to lock in flavor and moisture

Variations

1. Lemon-Herb Twist: Add lemon slices and fresh thyme for brightness.

2. Spicy Mediterranean: Mix in harissa or crushed red pepper for heat.

3. Creamy Spinach: Stir chopped spinach into the cottage cheese before baking.

4. Vegan Option: Use chickpeas, vegan feta, and plant-based protein alternatives.

5. Greek-Style: Add sliced red onion, bell pepper, and crumbled feta at the end.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of side options to turn it into a dinner-party-worthy main course or a comforting family meal.

How to Serve It:

• Over a bed of orzo, couscous, or quinoa to soak up the juices

• Alongside crusty bread or pita to mop up the melted cheese and tomato sauce

• With a fresh arugula or cucumber salad dressed with lemon and olive oil

• Topped with extra herbs like dill, mint, or parsley for freshness

• With roasted potatoes or cauliflower for a heartier option

Because it’s cooked in one pan, this dish shines at the table with minimal plating — just serve it family-style straight from the skillet or baking dish.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigeration:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chicken stays juicy, and the flavors continue to deepen.

Freezing:
Yes, this dish freezes well. Once completely cooled, transfer chicken and vegetables to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month.

Reheating Tips:

• Oven: Reheat at 350°F covered with foil for 15–20 minutes

• Skillet: Add a splash of broth or water and reheat covered over medium-low heat

• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely; heat in 1-minute increments until warmed through

Avoid reheating on high heat to prevent drying out the chicken.

Nutritional Benefits

This one-pan dish is balanced and high in protein with minimal carbohydrates. It’s perfect for those following a lower-carb, Mediterranean, or gluten-free lifestyle.

Per Serving (approximate):

• 28 g protein

• 18 g fat

• 6 g carbohydrates

Nutritional Highlights:

• Chicken thighs offer complete protein and iron

• Cottage cheese boosts calcium and adds creaminess without heavy cream

• Tomatoes and olives provide antioxidants and heart-healthy fats

• Oregano and garlic support anti-inflammatory benefits

• Naturally gluten-free and suitable for keto or low-carb eaters

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this with boneless chicken?
Yes. Use boneless, skinless thighs or breasts, but reduce bake time to 20–25 minutes. For best flavor, sear first in a hot skillet.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Try using a plant-based soft cheese or cashew-based ricotta. The texture won’t be the same, but it will still add creaminess.

What can I use instead of olives?
Capers, sun-dried tomatoes, or chopped artichoke hearts offer similar salty, briny flavor.

Can I prep this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Season the chicken and assemble the pan up to a day ahead. Cover and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.

Does this recipe double well?
Yes. Use a larger roasting pan or a sheet pan with a lip, and avoid overcrowding to keep the chicken skin crispy.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pan Mediterranean Cottage Cheese Chicken with Olives & Tomatoes is a stunning example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something crave-worthy. It’s rich yet fresh, indulgent yet balanced, and comes together with minimal effort — all in one dish.

Perfect for a casual weeknight meal or a relaxed dinner party, this recipe invites you to savor bold, sun-kissed flavors without needing an entire spice cabinet or hours in the kitchen.

It’s cozy, satisfying, and just a little bit transportive — everything a Mediterranean meal should be.

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