Easy & Delicious High Protein Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Why make this recipe
This Easy & Delicious High Protein Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a fantastic meal option for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty dish without too much fuss. It packs a protein punch thanks to the chicken and cottage cheese, making it perfect for those on a high-protein diet. Plus, it’s comforting, cheesy, and full of flavor, ensuring that everyone at the table will be satisfied. This casserole also allows for easy prep and cooking, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights.
How to make Easy & Delicious High Protein Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast
- 24-28 ounces Marinara Sauce
- 2 cups Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese
- 1 ½ cups Cottage Cheese (Low-Fat or Fat-Free)
- 1 large Egg
- 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning Blend
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- ½ cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
Directions:
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Prepare Your Chicken: Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken cubes with a pinch of salt, pepper, and ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook until browned on all sides and mostly cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, you can poach the chicken breasts in water or chicken broth for 15-20 minutes until cooked through and shred, or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
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Prepare the Cottage Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of low-fat or fat-free cottage cheese, 1 large egg, ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon of onion powder. Stir well until everything is evenly combined.
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Preheat Oven & Prep Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
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First Layer – Sauce: Pour about 1 cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
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Second Layer – Chicken: Evenly distribute all of your prepared chicken over the marinara sauce layer.
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Third Layer – Cheese & Cottage Cheese Mixture: Spoon dollops of the cottage cheese mixture over the chicken layer, then gently spread it out. Sprinkle about 1 cup of part-skim mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the cottage cheese.
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Fourth Layer – More Sauce: Pour another 1 cup of marinara sauce over the cheese and cottage cheese layer, spreading gently.
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Final Layer – Topping: In a small bowl, combine ½ cup of breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and an extra dash of Italian seasoning. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. Finish with the remaining 1 cup of part-skim mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
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Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes.
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Uncover & Finish Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy.
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Rest & Serve: Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
How to serve Easy & Delicious High Protein Chicken Parmesan Casserole
This casserole is best served hot, right after resting. You can pair it with a side salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal. For an extra touch, add a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top before serving.
How to store Easy & Delicious High Protein Chicken Parmesan Casserole
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Cut the casserole into portions, wrap each one in plastic wrap, and place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Tips to make Easy & Delicious High Protein Chicken Parmesan Casserole
- For added flavor, you can marinate the chicken in Italian seasoning or garlic before cooking.
- Feel free to customize the cheese blend! You can use different types of cheese based on your preference.
- If you want a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
Variation (if any)
You can easily make this dish healthier by swapping out the pasta for cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Additionally, for a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with cooked lentils or mushrooms.
FAQs
1. Can I use cooked chicken in this casserole?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken. Just shred or cube it and layer it in the casserole as directed.
2. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought marinara sauce will save you time and works just as well.
3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it a day ahead, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.
High Protein Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then cook for 5-7 minutes until browned.
- Alternatively, poach chicken in water or broth for 15-20 minutes until cooked through or bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, combine cottage cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder, and stir until well mixed.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Pour 1 cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of the baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Evenly distribute the prepared chicken over the marinara sauce layer.
- Spoon dollops of the cottage cheese mixture over the chicken layer, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Pour another cup of marinara sauce over the cheese layer.
- In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs with olive oil and extra Italian seasoning, then sprinkle over the casserole.
- Finish with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
