Name: High Protein Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
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

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Introduction

This High Protein Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines shredded chicken, creamy ricotta, and melted cheese with a crispy breadcrumb topping. Perfect for a hearty dinner, it’s easy to prepare and full of Italian-inspired flavors.

The image shows a close-up of one square piece of baked casserole with a golden brown and slightly crispy cheese layer on top, sprinkled with small green herb bits. The piece has a thick, creamy inside with white chunks of chicken mixed in, held by a silver utensil. The dish is sitting in a white rectangular baking dish, placed on a white marbled surface. The top layer has a rough and bubbly texture from the melted cheese. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

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

Tips & Variations

Make it ahead by preparing the casserole the night before and refrigerate. Bake fresh when ready to serve.
Swap cheeses based on what you have; any melty cheese works well here.
Add extra veggies like spinach or zucchini to boost nutrition without extra fuss.
For a flavor twist, try adding roasted red peppers or replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegan version.

Storage

Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a baked dish with two thick layers in a white ceramic square dish. The top layer is golden brown with a crispy, slightly rough texture mixed with bits of green herbs, while the bottom layer is creamy white with chunks of what looks like chicken or cheese. The edges of the dish show some browning from baking, and a woman's hand holds a silver spoon lifting a portion, revealing the soft, moist inside. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole the night before, keep it refrigerated, and bake it fresh when you’re ready to eat.

How can I make it gluten-free?

Simply replace the whole wheat breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this casserole suitable for a gluten-free diet.

What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?

You can use cottage cheese or a dairy-free alternative depending on your preferences or dietary needs.