There’s nothing like the sizzling aroma of Chicken Parmesan wafting through your kitchen, is there? Imagine that delightful fusion of melty cheese and hearty chicken, all baked into one glorious casserole. This High Protein Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a total game-changer! It’s creamy, satisfying, and most importantly, it’s a one-pan wonder that will make dinner feel like a breeze rather than a chore. You’ll want to gather everyone around for this comforting dish!
Why Make This Recipe
Let’s be real: who doesn’t love an easy cleanup after a delicious meal? This dish checks all the boxes — it’s family-friendly, budget-friendly, and bursting with flavor. Plus, it achieves that perfect balance of protein and indulgence, so you can feel a little virtuous while munching on gooey goodness. OMG, and can we talk about how quick it is? In about 30 minutes, dinner is served — what more could you ask for? 😋
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
Directions
Ready to make this magic happen? Here are the steps:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Get that heat going!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked shredded chicken, marinara sauce, ricotta, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything gets cozy together.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Make sure it’s all nestled in nicely!
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top like a boss.
- Evenly distribute the whole wheat breadcrumbs over the cheese layer for that crunch!
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
How to Make High Protein Chicken Parmesan Casserole (Overview)
Making this casserole is as simple as 1-2-3 — and by 3, I mean just six steps! Start by mixing all your tasty ingredients together, and then let that oven work its magic. Pro tip: greasing your dish well prevents any sticking drama later! Once it’s baked to golden perfection, let it cool for a few minutes because, you know, molten cheese burns! Seriously, no one wants that.
How to Serve High Protein Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Serve this casserole hot, bubbling, and straight from the oven! 🎉 Pair it with a fresh garden salad for a pop of color and crunch. You could even add some garlic bread on the side (because is it even dinner without bread?). The aroma alone will have everyone gathering around the table in no time.
How to Store High Protein Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This casserole keeps well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze it if you want to stash some comfort food for later. Just pop it in a freezer-safe container. For reheating, use your oven or microwave. Adding a splash of water before microwaving will help keep it moist — think of it as a mini steam bath for your casserole!
Tips to Make High Protein Chicken Parmesan Casserole
- Use rotisserie chicken for even faster prep — it’s a total time-saver!
- Feeling adventurous? Try adding spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrients and a pop of color.
- For a crunchy topping, toast the breadcrumbs lightly before sprinkling them on top. Yum!
- Don’t skip on the seasoning! A little extra salt and pepper can elevate all those flavors.
- And hey, if you’re low on ricotta, cottage cheese works in a pinch!
Variation
Want to switch things up? Try making it vegan by using plant-based chicken and dairy-free cheeses! Also, swap out the marinara for a homemade pesto for a different twist. There are endless possibilities while still keeping that high protein vibe!
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cook it fully before shredding. Add a bit more time to your prep, though.
What’s a good substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you’re short on ricotta, cottage cheese works wonders! Or you can blend silken tofu for a dairy-free option.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything, cover it, and pop it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Perfect for meal-prepping!
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
High Protein Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked shredded chicken, marinara sauce, ricotta, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Evenly distribute the whole wheat breadcrumbs over the cheese layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.