Description
This 5-ingredient protein-packed chicken skillet offers a high-protein, fast dinner using chicken breasts, cottage cheese, spinach, tomatoes, and Parmesan. It cooks in one pan in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup cottage cheese, full-fat or low-fat
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Season chicken cubes with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and onion powder. Add chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer, working in batches if needed.
- Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown on all sides and nearly cooked through.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet, stirring constantly for 30-45 seconds until fragrant. Push chicken to the sides of the pan.
- Add cottage cheese to the center of the skillet and stir to combine with the pan drippings and garlic.
- Stir in halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add fresh spinach and toss everything together, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts down.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the entire skillet and stir to combine. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, then remove from heat and serve immediately.
Notes
- Cut chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
- Work in batches when browning chicken to prevent steaming.
- Use full-fat cottage cheese for the creamiest sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days; this dish does not freeze well.
- Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American