Description
Cottage Cheese Queso Chicken is a high-protein, creamy skillet meal featuring tender chicken breast coated in a rich queso-style sauce made with blended cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, green chiles, and Mexican-inspired seasonings. It’s a healthier twist on classic queso chicken with incredible flavor and extra protein.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles, drained
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Season chicken with chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, half of the salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- While the chicken cooks, blend cottage cheese, chicken broth, garlic, and remaining salt until completely smooth.
- Reduce heat to medium-low.
- Pour the blended cottage cheese mixture into the skillet.
- Stir in green chiles and cheddar cheese.
- Cook gently for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Add lime juice and stir well.
- Simmer for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with cilantro and green onions.
- Serve hot with rice, tortillas, roasted vegetables, or tortilla chips.
Notes
- Blend the cottage cheese thoroughly for the smoothest queso texture.
- Do not boil the sauce to prevent separation.
- Pepper Jack cheese can be substituted for a spicier version.
- Add diced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican-American