Protein-Packed Chicken Parm Casserole

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

1. Lycopene – the marinara is packed with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that protects our cells.
2. Vitamin B6 – Did you know chicken is a great source of vitamin B6 which helps with metabolism and nerve function?
3. 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!

If you love this recipe, try these!

Broccoli Chicken Caulifower Casserole

Cheesy Chicken Pot Pie

Healthier Hamburger Helper

Protein-Packed Chicken Parm Casserole

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.

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Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes

Course: Main Course, One Pan Meals

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: family-friendly recipes, healthy casserole, high protein recipes

Servings: 8

Calories: 303kcal

Ingredients

• 2 lb Chicken breasts raw, boneless, skinless, cubed
• 2 clove Garlic minced
• 1/4 cup Basil fresh, finely chopped
• 22 oz Marinara/pasta sauce (I love Rao’s!)
• 1 1/2 cup Reduced fat mozzarella cheese shredded, 2%, divided
• 1/4 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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 303kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 91mg | Sodium: 868mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!