High Protein Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This High Protein Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for a family dinner or meal prep. Combining shredded chicken with creamy cheeses and a crispy breadcrumb topping, it delivers classic Italian flavors in a hearty, easy-to-make casserole.

Ingredients

• 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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until blended.
3. Step 3: Spread half of the chicken mixture evenly in the bottom of a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese over the first chicken layer.
5. Step 5: Add the remaining chicken mixture on top, then layer the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
6. Step 6: Evenly top the casserole with whole wheat breadcrumbs for a crispy finish.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8. Step 8: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh basil and oregano for a more vibrant herbal flavor.
• Swap whole wheat breadcrumbs for panko to add extra crunch.
• For added veggies, mix in sautéed spinach or mushrooms with the chicken mixture.
• To make it lower carb, omit the breadcrumbs and top with extra cheese instead.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven until warmed through. This casserole also freezes well; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this casserole?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works great and adds plenty of flavor while saving preparation time.

Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, substitute ricotta and cheeses with plant-based alternatives and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

High Protein Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 95 reviews

This High Protein Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a comforting and nutritious meal featuring shredded chicken combined with rich ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, layered with flavorful marinara and topped with whole wheat breadcrumbs for a delightful crunch. Baked to golden perfection, this casserole is perfect for a hearty family dinner packed with protein and Italian-inspired flavors.

• Author: Leo
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 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

Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking once your casserole is assembled.
2. Mix the chicken filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute the flavors and blend all ingredients into a cohesive mixture.
3. First cheese layer: Spread half of the chicken mixture evenly in the bottom of a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Then, sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan cheese over this layer to add creamy, cheesy texture.
4. Second layer: Add the remaining chicken mixture on top of the first cheese layer. Follow this by sprinkling the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top to create a rich, cheesy topping.
5. Add breadcrumb topping: Evenly spread the whole wheat breadcrumbs over the top layer of cheese. This will add a crunchy texture after baking.
6. Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the breadcrumbs have turned a golden brown color, indicating everything is cooked through and deliciously toasted.
7. Cool and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. This brief resting period helps the casserole set slightly for easier serving and enhanced flavor.

Notes

• For extra flavor, add minced garlic or red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture.
• You can substitute the whole wheat breadcrumbs with panko breadcrumbs for a lighter crunch.
• If you prefer a lower-fat option, use part-skim mozzarella and reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese.
• This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking cold.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Chicken Parmesan, High Protein Casserole, Baked Chicken, Italian Casserole, Easy Dinner Recipe