Looking for a meal that’s comforting, packed with flavor, and loaded with muscle-boosting protein? This High Protein Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It blends tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy, cheesy goodness into one satisfying dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re meal prepping or cooking for family, this casserole hits all the right notes with its rich textures and wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t worry about complicated ingredients here—this recipe keeps things straightforward but essential. Each element plays a crucial role whether it’s adding creaminess, a punch of flavor, or that satisfying cheesy crust we all crave.
- 15 ounces Trimmed Broccoli crowns: Chopped into small pieces to ensure each bite bursts with freshness and vibrant green color.
- 1.5 pounds Chicken breast: Cut into 1-inch cubes, this lean protein forms the hearty base of the casserole.
- 10.5 ounces Cream of mushroom soup: Adds a velvety, savory creaminess that binds everything together perfectly.
- 8 ounces Low Fat Greek yogurt: Keeps the dish light while providing tangy richness and extra protein.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder: Delivers a mellow, aromatic boost that complements the chicken beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the savory mix.
- ½ teaspoon Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
- 2 ounces Cheddar cheese: Melts into a golden, gooey topping that’s irresistible.
How to Make High Protein Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season
First things first, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F so it’s scorching hot and ready when you are. Then, cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes and toss them with garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. This seasoning step is the secret to layering flavor early on—don’t skip it!
Step 2: Mix Creamy Base
In a bowl, blend the cream of mushroom soup with the Greek yogurt until smooth and creamy. This mixture will give the casserole its luscious texture and tangy undertones, making each bite velvety without being heavy.
Step 3: Arrange the Ingredients
Grab an 11×17-inch baking dish and spread the chopped broccoli evenly across the bottom. Next, scatter the seasoned chicken over the broccoli. This layering helps the flavors meld perfectly during baking.
Step 4: Add the Creamy Topping
Pour your creamy mushroom and yogurt mixture evenly on top of the chicken and broccoli. This ensures every piece gets coated in that wonderful richness.
Step 5: Cheese It Up and Bake
Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top for that iconic golden crust. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes to let the cheese bubble and brown to perfection.
Step 6: Serve Hot
Once baked, pull the casserole from the oven, let it sit for a few minutes, then dive in while it’s still warm and comforting. This High Protein Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe tastes best hot, with that delightful gooey cheese stretching with every serving.
How to Serve High Protein Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top to add a burst of color and fresh, herbaceous notes that brighten the casserole’s rich flavors. A light dusting of crushed red pepper flakes can also add an exciting kick.
Side Dishes
This casserole stands strong on its own, but pairing it with a crisp garden salad or some garlic bread can round out the meal and provide a wonderful contrast in texture and temperature.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this casserole inside hollowed-out bell peppers or alongside steamed whole grains like quinoa or brown rice. This turns the dish into a complete, protein-packed feast that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though it rarely happens!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The casserole will keep its flavor and texture beautifully for up to 3 days.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole before baking by assembling it in a freezer-safe dish, covering tightly, and freezing for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. Cover loosely with foil to avoid drying out while the cheese gently melts again.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables besides broccoli?
Absolutely! Cauliflower, spinach, or even mixed veggies work well. Just be sure to adjust cooking times if you use softer vegetables.
Is this casserole suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s a fantastic option for meal prep because it keeps well in the fridge and freezes nicely. Preparing it in advance saves time during busy weekdays.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the Greek yogurt and cheddar cheese with dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt and vegan cheese to suit dietary needs.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer, homemade cream sauce or cream of chicken soup can be swapped in. Just keep the creamy consistency for the best texture.
How can I add more flavor to this casserole?
Try adding smoked paprika, a splash of hot sauce, or fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary to the seasoning mix for extra depth and complexity.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that’s both hearty and healthy, this High Protein Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe is a shining star. It’s the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again—with its perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and protein-packed goodness, it’s truly a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try soon and enjoy the comfort and nutrition all baked into one delicious casserole!
Print
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 Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This High Protein Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is a hearty, nutritious dish combining tender chicken breast, fresh broccoli, and a creamy blend of mushroom soup and Greek yogurt, topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, it offers a balanced and satisfying meal rich in protein and vegetables.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 15 ounces Trimmed broccoli crowns, cut into small pieces
Meat
- 1.5 pounds Chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
Dairy & Pantry
- 10.5 ounces Cream of mushroom soup
- 8 ounces Low fat Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 2 ounces Cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare chicken: Cut the chicken breast into 1-inch cubes. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, and salt over the chicken cubes and toss them to coat evenly with the seasonings.
- Mix sauce: In a bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and low fat Greek yogurt. Stir until fully blended into a creamy mixture.
- Layer broccoli and chicken: Place the trimmed and cut broccoli into an 11×17-inch baking pan. Evenly distribute the seasoned chicken cubes over the broccoli.
- Add sauce: Spread the combined mushroom soup and Greek yogurt mixture evenly over the broccoli and chicken layers in the pan.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to cook through.
- Finish baking uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking the casserole for an additional 10 minutes to allow the cheese to brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Once baking is complete, remove the casserole from the oven and serve hot for a delicious high-protein meal.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with a homemade mushroom sauce for a fresher taste.
- Use fresh broccoli for best texture, but frozen broccoli can be used if thawed and drained.
- If you prefer a spicier casserole, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the other seasonings.
- For extra protein, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or cottage cheese on top before baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated covered in the oven or microwave.
