Can You Make Chicken Parmesan Cheesy and High Protein?

why make this recipe

Chicken Parmesan Cheesy and High Protein is a fantastic dish when you want something filling, delicious, and packed with protein. This recipe incorporates tender shredded chicken, rich cheese, and a homemade touch of marinara that makes it a family favorite. Not only is it satisfying, but it also fits well into a nutritious diet. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be made in one baking dish, making cleanup a breeze!

how to make Chicken Parmesan Cheesy and High Protein

Ingredients:

• 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)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for a salty kick and golden finish on top)
• 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)
• 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs (for a crunchy, satisfying topping; gluten-free options work too)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready to create that golden, bubbly crust.
2. 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.
3. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon each of dried basil and oregano, along with salt and pepper to taste. Mix to infuse those lovely Italian flavors!
4. Pour the chicken mixture into a greased baking dish, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula for a cohesive bake.
5. Generously sprinkle 1 cup of whole wheat breadcrumbs and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the mixture. This will give a delightful crunch and rich flavor.
6. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling with cheesy goodness.
7. Once out of the oven, let the casserole sit for a few minutes. This will help it set and make slicing easier!

how to serve Chicken Parmesan Cheesy and High Protein

Serve Chicken Parmesan Cheesy and High Protein hot from the oven, garnished with fresh basil if you like. You can pair it with a side of steamed vegetables, a green salad, or whole grain pasta for a complete meal. This dish also makes fantastic leftovers, and it can be enjoyed the next day for lunch or dinner!

how to store Chicken Parmesan Cheesy and High Protein

To store any leftover Chicken Parmesan, let it cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw first in the refrigerator, then heat in the oven until warmed through.

tips to make Chicken Parmesan Cheesy and High Protein

• For extra flavor, add sautéed onions or bell peppers to the chicken mixture.
• Experiment with different cheeses! Using a blend of cheeses can give a rich flavor.
• If you like a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
• Don’t skip letting it sit for a few minutes after baking. It helps the layers set better for serving.

variation (if any)

You can modify this recipe by using ground turkey or lean beef instead of chicken if you prefer. Additionally, for a veggie-packed version, you might add spinach or zucchini. Feel free to switch up the breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or panko for a different texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shredded chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shredded chicken. Just be sure to thaw it completely before mixing it with the other ingredients.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake when you’re ready to enjoy it.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this Chicken Parmesan is perfect for meal prep! Just divide it into servings and store in containers for easy access throughout the week.

Chicken Parmesan Cheesy and High Protein

A delicious and filling dish packed with protein, featuring tender shredded chicken, rich cheeses, and a flavorful homemade marinara.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main ingredients

• 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.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Brings gooey, melty goodness.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese For a salty kick and golden finish on top.
• 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.
• 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs For a crunchy topping; gluten-free options work too.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, marinara sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella. Stir until everything is well-coated and blended.
3. Sprinkle in dried basil and oregano, along with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
4. Pour the chicken mixture into a greased baking dish, smoothing it out evenly.

Baking

1. Sprinkle whole wheat breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese over the mixture.
2. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
3. Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before slicing.

Notes

Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil. Pair with steamed vegetables, a salad, or whole grain pasta. Makes great leftovers!