Protein-Packed Chicken Parm Casserole
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Looking for a dinner that's delicious, protein-packed, and family-approved? This Protein-Packed Chicken Parm Casserole is a lighter twist on the classic comfort food-with 35 grams of protein per serving, fewer calories, and all the cheesy, saucy goodness you love. Additionally, it's a one-dish wonder that comes together fast, makes amazing leftovers, and is totally kid-friendly (yes, even for picky eaters!). Whether you're meal prepping for the week or just need a no-fuss weeknight dinner, this recipe has your back.
Why You'll Love The Recipe
✔️ High-Protein & Balanced - Most chicken parmesan dishes are high calorie, but this one is lower calorie but high protein.
✔️ Kid Friendly - This casserole is sure to become a favorite with your kids!
✔️ Can Make Ahead - This is the perfect recipe to prep ahead of time and then bake!
Nutrients in Protein-Packed Chicken Parm Casserole
- Lycopene - the marinara is packed with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that protects our cells.
- Vitamin B6 - Did you know chicken is a great source of vitamin B6 which helps with metabolism and nerve function?
- Protein - Protein helps build muscle, stabilizes blood sugar, and can help reduce cravings.
The Ingredients:
- Chicken - Boneless, skinless chicken breasts diced into small pieces
- Garlic & Basil - Fresh tastes best, but you can use dried basil if desired
- Marinara - Rao's is my favorite in this recipe!
- Cheese - Freshly shredded parmesan and marinara
- Croutons - Garlic croutons taste great in this recipe
How To Make Protein-Packed Chicken Parm Casserole
First: Preheat the oven & prep the baking dish.
Next: Spread cubed chicken in the dish followed by garlic and basil, then marinara, then the cheese.
Lastly: Finally, top with croutons and bake!
Recipe Tips & Variations
➡️ Gluten Free - If you need gluten free, check out the Good Grace's gluten free croutons!
➡️ Dairy Free - You could use a dairy free cheese option like Follow Your Heart Mozzarella
What To Serve With This Protein-Packed Chicken Parm Casserole
- Green beans or salad - Additionally, you can serve with a side of green beans or a salad for extra fiber and nutrients!
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Protein-Packed Chicken Parm Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 lb Chicken breasts raw, boneless, skinless, cubed
- 2 clove Garlic minced
- ¼ cup Basil fresh, finely chopped
- 22 oz Marinara/pasta sauce (I love Rao's!)
- 1 ½ cup Reduced fat mozzarella cheese shredded, 2%, divided
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese divided, freshly grated
- 5 oz Garlic croutons crushed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly mist a 9 x 13 baking dish with cooking spray.
- Spread the cubed pieces of chicken across the bottom of the baking dish in a single layer. Sprinkle the minced garlic and basil evenly over the chicken. Spread the sauce evenly across the top. On top of the sauce layer, sprinkle ¾ cup of the Mozzarella and half of the Parmesan evenly across the dish.
- Sprinkle the crushed croutons across the top and follow with the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
This is the best alternative to classic chicken parmesan I've had! You get the same flavor for a fraction of the calories. Yum!!
This is my favorite so far the croutons add that special touch yummy. I can’t wait to have leftovers of this for lunch😋
Yay! I'm so glad you guys loved it! It's a family dinner staple, for sure!
So easy!! Everyone loved it