High Protein Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
A comforting and protein-rich chicken parmesan casserole featuring layers of shredded chicken, creamy ricotta, marinara sauce, and a delightful blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, all topped with crunchy whole wheat breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- First Layer: Spread half of the chicken mixture evenly in the bottom of a 9×13 inch casserole dish to form the base layer.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken mixture layer.
- Second Layer: Spread the remaining chicken mixture on top of the cheese layer, followed by the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Add Breadcrumb Topping: Evenly scatter the whole wheat breadcrumbs over the top of the casserole to add a crunchy texture.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld and avoid burning your mouth before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in a tightly sealed container or freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
- Prep the casserole the night before and refrigerate for a convenient, ready-to-bake meal.
- Substitute whole wheat breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the dish gluten-free.
- Swap ricotta cheese with cottage cheese or dairy-free alternatives for dietary preferences.
- Add spinach or roasted red peppers to the mixture to boost nutrition and add flavor variations.
Keywords: chicken casserole, high protein chicken, chicken parmesan casserole, baked chicken dish, Italian casserole, ricotta cheese casserole, easy dinner recipe
