If you are craving a comforting, wholesome dish that combines the goodness of lean protein and fresh vegetables with ooey-gooey cheese, the High Protein Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. This casserole is a perfect harmony of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy, cheesy sauce that bakes into a warm, satisfying meal. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for something quick and nourishing, this recipe delivers a burst of flavor and an impressive protein punch, making it a staple in any kitchen that loves tasty, healthy home cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This High Protein Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe is surprisingly simple to make, requiring just a handful of essential ingredients. Each one plays an important role, from flavor-building to texture enhancement, to ensure every bite is a delight.
- 15 ounces trimmed broccoli crowns: Fresh broccoli adds a bright green color and a healthy crunch to your casserole.
- 1.5 pounds chicken breast: Cubed chicken breast is the lean protein star that makes this dish filling and nutritious.
- 10.5 ounces cream of mushroom soup: This creamy base brings richness and umami depth to the casserole.
- 8 ounces low-fat Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess with a slight tang, boosting the protein content without extra fat.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Essential for a subtle yet flavorful savory kick.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the overall taste with a mild sweetness and aroma.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances and elevates all other flavors in the dish.
- 2 ounces cheddar cheese: The melty finishing touch, offering gooey texture and that classic cheesy taste everyone loves.
How to Make High Protein Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures it’s hot and ready so your casserole bakes evenly and develops a lovely golden top.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken breast into 1-inch cubes. Then sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, and salt over the chicken pieces, tossing them well to make sure every bite is packed with flavor.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a medium bowl, stir together the cream of mushroom soup and low-fat Greek yogurt. This combo creates a luscious, protein-packed sauce that coats the chicken and broccoli beautifully, adding moisture and tang.
Step 4: Layer the Broccoli and Chicken
Place your trimmed broccoli pieces into an 11×17-inch baking pan. Then, evenly distribute the seasoned chicken cubes over the broccoli. This layering helps blend the freshness of the greens with the savory chicken perfectly.
Step 5: Add the Sauce
Spread the mushroom and Greek yogurt mixture evenly over the chicken and broccoli, making sure everything is well covered. This sauce will absorb into the ingredients as it bakes, making the casserole rich and creamy.
Step 6: Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. This will melt to create a golden, cheesy crust that is utterly irresistible.
Step 7: Bake Covered and Uncovered
Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 30 minutes in your preheated oven. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to let the cheese bubble and brown beautifully.
Step 8: Serve Hot
Once baked, take the casserole out of the oven and serve immediately while it’s hot and fresh. This final step guarantees every bite is warm, cheesy, and comforting.
How to Serve High Protein Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the visual appeal and add fresh flavors, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or chives on top just before serving. A dash of freshly cracked black pepper also brings a subtle zing that complements the richness of the casserole.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it pairs beautifully with light, crisp side salads or a simple garlic bread to soak up any extra cheesy sauce. Roasted sweet potatoes or a quinoa pilaf can also add texture and variety to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this casserole straight from the baking dish for a cozy family-style meal, or portion it into individual ramekins for an elegant presentation at a dinner party. You could even use colorful ceramic dishes to brighten up your table setting and enhance that homemade feel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This way, you maintain the flavors and freshness for quick meals later in the week.
Freezing
This High Protein Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or use freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 2 months, perfect for meal prep or busy days.
Reheating
To reheat, simply thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through. For refrigerated leftovers, microwave or bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, checking that it’s warmed all the way through and that cheese remains melty.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli in this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works well and can help save prep time. Just make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
Is it possible to make this casserole dairy-free?
You can swap out the cheddar cheese for a dairy-free alternative and use a dairy-free yogurt substitute, but the flavor and texture will be a bit different. Also, check for a dairy-free cream of mushroom soup to keep it consistent.
Can I use other proteins besides chicken breast?
Definitely! Turkey breast or even lean pork cubes can be great alternatives, offering similar protein content and texture. Adjust cooking times slightly if needed based on the chosen meat.
How can I make this recipe lower in calories?
Opt for reduced-fat cheese or use less cheese altogether, and use plain Greek yogurt without added fats. You can also increase the amount of broccoli to bulk up the dish with veggies without adding too many calories.
Is this casserole suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prepping. The High Protein Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe reheats well and keeps its flavors, making it a nutritious and convenient option to have ready for several days.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something incredibly satisfying about the combination of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and rich, melted cheese baked to perfection. I encourage you to try this High Protein Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe soon—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that not only tastes amazing but also fuels your body with protein and wholesome ingredients. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day, and I’m sure it’ll quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation too!
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High Protein Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This High Protein Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is a comforting and nutritious meal featuring tender chicken breast cubes combined with fresh broccoli and a creamy mix of low-fat Greek yogurt and cream of mushroom soup. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and seasoned with garlic, onion powder, and a touch of salt, this casserole is baked to golden perfection, making it a hearty dinner option that’s rich in protein and flavor.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 15 ounces Trimmed broccoli crowns, cut into small pieces
Protein
- 1.5 pounds Chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
Dairy & Creamy Mixture
- 10.5 ounces Cream of mushroom soup
- 8 ounces Low-fat Greek yogurt
- 2 ounces Cheddar cheese, shredded
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
- Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken breast into 1-inch cubes. Sprinkle them with garlic powder, onion powder, and salt, then toss to coat the pieces evenly with the seasonings.
- Mix Creamy Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and low-fat Greek yogurt. Stir well to create a smooth, creamy mixture that will bind the casserole together.
- Assemble Base Layer: Place the trimmed and cut broccoli pieces into an 11×17-inch baking pan, spreading them out evenly.
- Add Chicken: Distribute the seasoned chicken cubes evenly over the broccoli layer in the pan.
- Add Cream Mixture: Pour and spread the mushroom soup and Greek yogurt mixture evenly over the chicken and broccoli, ensuring all pieces are covered.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole mixture.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish securely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to allow the chicken to cook through and the flavors to meld.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes to melt and slightly brown the cheese topping.
- Serve: Once baked, take the casserole out of the oven and serve it hot for a satisfying high-protein meal.
Notes
- You can use fresh or frozen broccoli crowns as preferred; just ensure they are cut into small pieces for even cooking.
- For extra flavor, feel free to add a pinch of black pepper or dried herbs like thyme or parsley to the seasoning mix.
- The low-fat Greek yogurt adds protein and creaminess while keeping the casserole lighter than traditional versions with heavy cream.
- If desired, you can substitute cheddar cheese with a different cheese like mozzarella or Monterey Jack to vary the flavor.
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before removing from the oven; use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches 165°F internally.
