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High Protein Chicken Parmesan Casserole

This delicious casserole combines layers of tender chicken, ricotta, mozzarella, and breadcrumbs in a rich marinara sauce, providing a comfort food experience that's both easy to make and packed with protein.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food, Italian
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
  • 1 cup marinara sauce Choose your favorite store-bought or homemade version.
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese Whip with lemon zest for extra flavor.
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Feel free to customize your cheese.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds a nutty flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste Salt and pepper Season to your preference.
  • 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs Toast lightly for extra crunch.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat a casserole dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, fold together the cooked and shredded chicken, 1 cup of marinara sauce, basil, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper. Let those fresh flavors mingle!
  3. In a separate bowl, whip together the ricotta cheese with a bit of lemon zest to brighten things up.
Layering
  1. Layer the creamy ricotta mixture over the chicken blend in the prepared dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  2. Distribute shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta layer, followed by a sprinkle of grated Parmesan.
  3. Top it all off with breadcrumbs, optionally toasting them lightly in a pan first for extra crunch.
Baking
  1. Bake in the oven for 25–30 minutes until it’s golden and bubbly.
  2. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. This dish can also be made vegan by swapping the chicken for chickpeas and using plant-based cheeses.