This high protein chicken casserole recipe is warm, filling, and simple to make. It is perfect when you want a healthy dinner that feels cozy and comforting. The smell of baked chicken, creamy sauce, and tender vegetables makes the kitchen feel inviting. This is one of those baked chicken recipes you will want to keep on hand for busy nights. It fits well with lazy dinners, quick dinner ideas, and simple chicken recipes. The texture is creamy, the top is lightly golden, and every bite feels satisfying without being heavy.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken breast, cut into bite size pieces
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup low fat cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice
- 1 cup broccoli florets, chopped small
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Step By Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned on the outside. They do not need to be fully cooked.
- Add onion and garlic to the pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- In a large bowl, mix Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, half of the shredded cheese, salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning until smooth.
- Add the cooked chicken, quinoa, broccoli, and bell peppers to the bowl. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes until the casserole is bubbling and the top is lightly golden.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving so it sets nicely.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Do not overcook the chicken before baking. It will finish cooking in the oven and stay juicy. Avoid using too much liquid, as this can make the casserole watery. Chop vegetables into small, even pieces so they cook evenly. Skipping the rest time can cause the casserole to fall apart when served.
Tips For Success
For extra protein, use boneless skinless chicken thigh recipes instead of breast. Thighs stay tender and add more flavor. You can swap quinoa for cauliflower rice if you want a lower carb option. If you enjoy easy chicken breast recipes, breast works well here too. Season well, as balanced seasoning brings out the creamy texture and baked flavor.
How To Serve
Serve this casserole hot with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. It pairs nicely with roasted carrots or green beans. If you enjoy healthy dinner recipes, this dish fits well into weekly meal plans. For variety, you can also pair it with a light chicken dish like this Santa Fe chicken recipe on another night.
Flavor Add In Ideas
Add chopped spinach for extra greens or mushrooms for a deeper savory taste. A pinch of chili flakes adds gentle heat. For a sweeter balance, roasted corn works well. If you like bold flavors, try pairing this casserole week with a honey garlic chicken dish to keep dinners exciting.
High Protein Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned on the outside (not fully cooked through).
- Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- In a large bowl, mix Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, half the shredded cheese, salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning until smooth.
- Add the cooked chicken, quinoa, broccoli, and bell peppers to the bowl. Stir to coat everything evenly.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Make Ahead And Storage
You can assemble this casserole up to one day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Bake when ready. Leftovers store well in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave. This makes it great for quick dinner ideas during busy weeks. It also fits well into meal prep alongside dishes like chicken and vegetable risoni.
FAQS
Can I use ground chicken instead?
Yes, ground chicken recipes work here. Cook the ground chicken fully before mixing it into the casserole.
Is this casserole good for lazy dinners?
Yes, it is simple to prepare and bakes in one dish, making it ideal for lazy dinners and busy nights.
Can I freeze this high protein chicken casserole recipe?
Yes, freeze after baking and cooling. Wrap well and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating. If you enjoy freezer friendly meals, you may also like this crack chicken keto thighs recipe.
Conclusion
This high protein chicken casserole recipe is creamy, filling, and easy to make. It fits into baked chicken recipes, healthy dinner recipes, and quick dinner ideas without stress. The flavors are gentle but comforting, and the texture is soft with a golden top. Save this recipe for later and share it on Pinterest so others can enjoy a cozy, protein packed dinner too. For special meals, you might also enjoy a whole roast chicken with unique flavor.