Protein-Packed Chicken Parm Casserole
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This Protein-Packed Chicken Parm Casserole is a lighter, high-protein take on the classic-loaded with 35g of protein per serving, melty cheese, and all the comfort you crave in one easy, family-friendly bake!
If you're looking for another crockpot soup recipe, be sure to check out my Cheesy Chicken Pot Pie and my Broccoli Chicken Cauliflower Casserole recipes!
Quick Look: Protein-Packed Chicken Parm Casserole
- 🕒 Total Time: 50 minutes
- 👥 Servings: 8
- 📊 Calories: 303 per serving
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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!
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Select Ingredients
- Chicken - Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work great in this recipe as they're full of protein. You can swap them with chicken thighs, but keep in mind, thighs will change the texture and nutrition slightly.
- Basil - Fresh tastes best, but you can use dried basil if you don't have fresh on hand. Simply swap with about 1-2 tablespoons of dried basil.
- Croutons - Garlic croutons taste great in this recipe but you can change up with a different flavored or homemade crouton if preferred.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Recipe Tips & Variations
➡️ Gluten Free - Make this dish gluten-free by using a gluten free crouton option.
➡️ Meat Swap - Chicken breasts work great in this recipe, but chicken thighs will work as well.
How To Make Protein-Packed Chicken Parm Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the oven & prep the baking dish. Spread cubed chicken in the dish followed by garlic and basil.
Step 2: Next top with marinara, then half of the shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.
Step 3: On top of the cheese, add the crushed croutons, followed by the remaining cheeses.
Step 4: Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Recipe FAQs
Yes! I'd recommend cooking the pasta separately then spooning a serving of the casserole on top. You'll want to mix the noodles with some butter or marinara to keep them moist.
Yes - if you're short on time, use shredded rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken. Just reduce the baking time to 20 minutes since the chicken's already cooked.
Pair it with a crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or garlic bread. For a lighter option, try zucchini noodles or steamed broccoli.
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Other Chicken Bake Recipes
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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