Are you craving a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make dinner? Look no further! This chicken and cottage cheese recipe is a fantastic option for a quick weeknight meal or a satisfying lunch. Packed with protein and flavor, this dish is perfect for busy individuals and families alike. It's a simple yet surprisingly flavorful combination that’s both satisfying and good for you. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup small curd cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh tomatoes for added freshness and color
Instructions:
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Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken cubes dry with a paper towel. Season generously with salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, and turmeric. This step helps the spices adhere better and creates a more flavorful dish.
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Sauté aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Cook the chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through (about 8-10 minutes). Make sure to break up any larger chicken pieces to ensure even cooking.
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Combine and simmer: Stir in the cottage cheese and cilantro. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the cottage cheese is heated through and slightly creamy. If you’re using fresh tomatoes, add them during the last 2 minutes of simmering.
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Serve and enjoy: Serve the chicken and cottage cheese mixture hot. This dish is fantastic on its own or served with a side of rice, quinoa, or a simple salad.
Tips for the Best Chicken and Cottage Cheese:
- Don't overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Adjust the spices to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices according to your preference. If you like a spicier dish, add more chili powder.
- Use full-fat cottage cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese adds richness and creaminess to the dish. Low-fat cottage cheese can be used, but the texture might be slightly drier.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as diced carrots, zucchini, or spinach.
Variations:
- Lemon Herb Chicken and Cottage Cheese: Add the zest and juice of one lemon, along with some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill.
- Spicy Chicken and Cottage Cheese: Increase the amount of chili powder and add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Creamy Chicken and Cottage Cheese: Stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or Greek yogurt at the end for extra creaminess.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This easy chicken and cottage cheese recipe is a perfect example of delicious and healthy homemade cooking. It's a versatile dish that you can customize to your liking, making it a great addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. Enjoy!