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Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken chunks with ¾ tsp salt and ½ tsp black pepper.
Sear chicken in a single layer (work in two batches if needed) for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. The chicken will NOT be cooked through — that’s fine. Use a slotted spoon to transfer chicken directly into your prepared baking dish.
Step 4 – Build the Flavor Base (Medium Intensity)
In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out!), reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until soft. Add garlic and smoked paprika, cook 1 minute until fragrant.
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Pour in 1 cup chicken broth, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan (this is liquid gold). Let it simmer for 2 minutes until slightly reduced. Remove from heat.
Step 5 – Combine Everything (Low Intensity)
Pour the hot broth mixture over the seared chicken in the baking dish. Stir gently.
Pour the blended cottage cheese sauce over everything. Use a spatula to spread it evenly — don’t over-stir. The sauce will seem thin; it thickens as it bakes.
Step 6 – Add the Topping (Low Intensity)
In a small bowl, mix:
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½ cup panko breadcrumbs
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¼ cup Parmesan
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1 tbsp melted butter
Sprinkle this evenly over the casserole.
Step 7 – Bake (Hands-Off)
Bake uncovered for 25 minutes. Then increase oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and bake another 10 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling at the edges.
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This step is crucial — it allows the sauce to set up like a creamy custard.
Serving Suggestions
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Over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash (low-carb)
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With a crisp green salad + lemon vinaigrette
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Alongside roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze (without breadcrumb topping) for up to 3 months. Add fresh topping before baking.
Reheat: Oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes, or microwave in 45-second bursts.
Nutrition (per serving, approx. 1/6 of recipe)
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