Irresistibly Cheesy High Protein Chicken Parmesan Casserole
This cheesy chicken parmesan casserole is creamy, high in protein, and perfect for busy weeknights. It’s easy to make, ready in one hour, and satisfies the whole family.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Mixture
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (use rotisserie chicken for quick prep and added flavor)
- 1 cup marinara sauce (choose a high-quality sauce for the best taste)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (adds a creamy, luscious texture to the dish)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (brings that gooey, melty goodness everyone loves)
For the Topping
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for a salty kick and golden finish on top)
- 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs (for a crunchy, satisfying topping; gluten-free options work too)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (infuses the dish with aromatic flavor; fresh is great too)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (adds a classic Italian herb taste)
- to taste salt and pepper (essential for enhancing every layer of the casserole)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready to create that golden, bubbly crust.
- In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded chicken, 1 cup of marinara sauce, 1 cup of ricotta, and 1 cup of mozzarella. Stir until everything is well-coated and blended.
- Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon each of dried basil and oregano, along with salt and pepper to taste. Mix to infuse those lovely Italian flavors!
- Pour the chicken mixture into a greased baking dish, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula for a cohesive bake.
- Generously sprinkle 1 cup of whole wheat breadcrumbs and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the mixture. This will give a delightful crunch and rich flavor.
Baking
- Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling with cheesy goodness.
- Once out of the oven, let the casserole sit for a few minutes. This will help it set and make slicing easier!
Notes
For best results, use a combination of cheeses. Mixing mozzarella with provolone or a bit of cheddar adds depth to the flavor. Make it a complete meal by adding spinach or bell peppers to the chicken mixture for extra veggies. For an air fryer version, follow the same preparation and cook at 360°F (180°C) for about 20-25 minutes. This dish is great for leftovers! Store any remaining casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. If you’d like to freeze it, wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and then foil; it can last up to three months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.