Looking for a dinner that’s both delicious and nutrient-packed? Say hello to Cottage Cheese Chicken, a dish that’s creamy, high in protein, and surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a family, or looking for a healthy alternative to heavy cream sauces, this recipe is your perfect match.
Thanks to its rich texture and nutritional profile, cottage cheese is the secret sauce (literally!) that turns basic chicken breasts into a restaurant-quality meal.
Looking for other creamy dishes? You’ll love this creamy chicken casserole with greens, perfect for meal prep or family dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Cottage Cheese Chicken Recipe
Cottage Cheese Chicken is more than a trend, it’s a practical, nutritious, and incredibly flavorful meal option that fits into just about any lifestyle.
Whether you’re:
- Feeding kids
- Cooking post-gym
- Trying to eat cleaner
- Looking for easy weeknight meals
And if you enjoy creative chicken recipes, don’t miss this stuffed chicken breast recipe with feta, Spinach Feta Stuffed Chicken pairs great with a side of veggies.
Ingredients Needed For Cottage Cheese Chicken
This recipe keeps it simple, no fancy equipment or gourmet ingredients.
Basic Ingredients:
- 2 large chicken breasts (butterflied)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 ½ cups low-fat cottage cheese
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- ½ chopped onion
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
How To Make Cottage Cheese Chicken
Here’s how to bring everything together in under 30 minutes:
1. Prep the Chicken
- Butterfly the chicken breasts so they cook evenly
- Pat dry and season both sides with salt and pepper
2. Sear the Chicken
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan
- Cook chicken for 4 minutes on each side, until golden and cooked through
- Remove and set aside
3. Blend the Sauce
- In a blender, combine:
- Cottage cheese
- Milk
- Parmesan
- Cornstarch
- A pinch of salt and pepper
- Blend until smooth and creamy
4. Cook Aromatics
- In the same pan, add remaining olive oil
- Sauté onion for 2-3 minutes until translucent
- Add garlic and Italian seasoning and cook for 30 seconds
5. Combine & Simmer
- Pour blended sauce into the pan
- Stir and scrape up any flavorful bits from the bottom
- Return chicken to the pan
- Simmer on low for 8–10 minutes until the sauce thickens
If you’re planning to replicate the cheesy pull you see in restaurant bakes, try using an oven-safe rectangular baking dish that supports both prep and presentation.
What Does Cottage Cheese Sauce Taste Like?
Think of a lighter version of Alfredo, but just as creamy. The flavor is:
- Slightly salty from the cheese
- Rich from the Parmesan
- Herbaceous thanks to Italian seasoning
- Comforting, warm, and not overpowering
What to Serve With Cottage Cheese Chicken
This dish pairs beautifully with both carbs and veggies.
Grain-based sides:
- Brown rice
- Quinoa
- Couscous
- Wild rice
Veggie sides:
- Roasted broccoli
- Garlic green beans
- Grilled zucchini
- Asparagus
Low-carb/Keto:
- Cauliflower rice
- Mashed cauliflower
- Zucchini noodles
For another comforting classic with an Italian twist, try this chicken parmesan variation with vegetables.
Recipe Variations
Want to mix it up? Try one of these variations:
- Spicy version: Add chili flakes or cayenne to the sauce
- Tomato version: Add 1/2 cup marinara for a rosé-style sauce
- Garlic-heavy: Double the garlic for bold flavor
- Butter-basted chicken: Cook chicken in butter instead of olive oil
- Indian-inspired: Add garam masala and turmeric for a curry fusion
Meal Prep & Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Sauce may thicken when cold — add a splash of milk when reheating
- Avoid microwaving too long — reheat gently over the stove
- You can freeze this, but thaw and re-blend the sauce for best texture
Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)
Approximate values per serving (1 of 4):
- Calories: ~280
- Protein: 30g+
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 6–8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Calcium: 200+ mg
- Sodium: 650mg
A fantastic post-workout meal or family dinner that fuels without the food coma.
FAQs About Cottage Cheese Chicken
What does cottage cheese sauce taste like?
It’s mild, salty, and rich, a lighter, less oily version of Alfredo.
Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?
Yes, but ricotta is thicker and higher in fat. Cottage cheese keeps it light and protein-rich.
Will the cottage cheese curdle when heated?
Not if you blend it first and simmer on low heat. Avoid boiling it aggressively.
Can I marinate chicken in cottage cheese?
Absolutely! It tenderizes the meat and adds moisture, just mix with spices and let it sit for 30 mins.
Can I use this sauce with pasta?
Yes! It’s a great pasta sauce, creamy and protein-packed. Try it with penne or rotini.
Want More Creamy Chicken Dinners?
If you liked this, explore:
- Baked chicken breast with garlic butter for a simpler prep style
- Slow-cooked cheesy chicken for a hands-off dinner
- Garlic parmesan chicken pasta if you love pasta night
Cottage Cheese Chicken: A High-Protein, Creamy & Healthy Dinner Idea
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Creamy Cottage Cheese Chicken is a high-protein, low-fat dinner recipe made with tender chicken breasts baked in a velvety cottage cheese and parmesan sauce. It’s a wholesome, easy-to-make dish the whole family will love.
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts, butterflied
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ cup milk (dairy or unsweetened almond milk)
1½ cups low-fat cottage cheese
⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons cornstarch
½ large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
In a blender, combine cottage cheese, milk, parmesan, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until smooth.
In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and sauté onion for 2–3 minutes. Add garlic and Italian seasoning; cook for 30 seconds.
Pour in the blended cottage cheese sauce and stir to deglaze the pan.
Transfer the chicken into a deep glass baking dish and pour the sauce over the top.
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the chicken is fully cooked.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
To make this dish even creamier, add ½ cup shredded mozzarella on top before baking.
Pairs well with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh green salad.
For a spicy version, add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: cottage cheese chicken, healthy baked chicken, creamy chicken dinner, high protein dinner, low fat