If High Protein Chicken Parmesan Casserole sounds like something you’d order at a cute little Italian spot (and then immediately ask, “Wait… can I get that at home?”), you’re in the right place. This is the kind of dinner that says comfort food but whispers, “Hey, I’m also helping you hit your protein goals.”
And honestly? We love a multitasker. Because on busy weeknights—when work ran long, the kids are suddenly “starving,” and you’re one minor inconvenience away from eating cereal for dinner—this casserole shows up like a reliable friend with snacks and zero judgment.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This High Protein Chicken Parmesan Casserole
- Big comfort, big protein. Chicken + ricotta + mozzarella + Parmesan = cozy and filling.
- Simple ingredients. Nothing weird, nothing fussy, nothing that requires a special trip to a store with “artisan” in the name.
- Family-friendly. Even picky eaters usually fall for “cheesy, crunchy, and saucy.”
- Great for meal prep. Leftovers reheat like a dream (and might taste even better the next day—like pizza energy, but in casserole form).
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what’s going into your High Protein Chicken Parmesan Casserole:
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
Quick note from my kitchen: I love recipes like this because they don’t punish you for using shortcuts. Rotisserie chicken? Absolutely. Leftover grilled chicken? Even better. This is a “use what you’ve got” kind of dinner.
How To Make High Protein Chicken Parmesan Casserole
1) Heat the oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
This is the moment your kitchen starts turning into a cozy little comfort-food factory.
2) Mix the good stuff
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- shredded chicken
- marinara sauce
- ricotta
- basil + oregano
- salt + pepper
Mix until everything is blended and saucy. You’re looking for “creamy-meets-marinara” vibes.
3) Start layering
Spread half of that chicken mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
4) Add the cheese layer
Sprinkle half the mozzarella and half the Parmesan over that first layer.
(Yes, we’re doing layers. It’s how you get cheesy goodness in every bite.)
5) Repeat
Add the rest of the chicken mixture on top, then finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
6) Crunch time
Top everything with whole wheat breadcrumbs.
This is the little detail that makes people say, “Wait… you MADE this?”
7) Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and the top is golden brown.
8) Cool (just a little!)
Let it sit for a few minutes before serving—because molten cheese is delicious, but it also has no mercy.
Aneta’s Tips for Maximum Casserole Magic
- Want extra crunch? Lightly spray the breadcrumbs with cooking spray (or drizzle a tiny bit of olive oil) before baking. You’ll get that “crispy top” everyone fights over.
- If your ricotta looks lumpy, don’t panic. It smooths out as it bakes. This is casserole, not a beauty pageant.
- Make it more “saucy.” If your family likes extra sauce, add an extra 1/4 cup marinara to the mix—or spoon a little on top before the breadcrumbs.
- Short on time? Shred rotisserie chicken and call it a win. Nobody’s handing out medals for making life harder.
A Quick Little Story From My Kitchen
This High Protein Chicken Parmesan Casserole became one of my go-to dinners during those seasons when everything felt like a sprint—work, errands, life, all of it. One night I made it thinking, “Okay, at least dinner will be handled,” and then my family went back for seconds like I’d been secretly training at an Italian grandma academy.
Now it’s one of those recipes I pull out when I need something comforting that still feels like I’m taking care of myself too. Cozy and practical? That’s the dream.

FAQs About High Protein Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Can I make High Protein Chicken Parmesan Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it (stop before baking), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed—just add 5–10 minutes if it’s going in cold.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can I freeze it?
You can. Freeze baked or unbaked (tightly wrapped). For best texture, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake/reheat until hot and bubbly.
What can I use instead of whole wheat breadcrumbs?
Regular breadcrumbs work, panko works, crushed crackers work. The goal is that golden, crunchy top that makes everyone “accidentally” take the biggest serving.
How can I make it even higher protein?
Easy wins:
Add more shredded chicken (another 1/2–1 cup).
Use part-skim ricotta or a higher-protein ricotta brand if you have one.
Stir in a little extra Parmesan (because… obviously).
The Kind of Dinner You’ll Want on Repeat
If you need a meal that feels comforting, tastes like a cheesy Italian hug, and still fits your “I’m trying to eat better” era, High Protein Chicken Parmesan Casserole is it. It’s warm, filling, and weeknight-friendly—basically the trifecta.
Make it once, and don’t be surprised if it becomes part of your regular rotation… right next to the “emergency frozen pizza,” but significantly more impressive.
Keep the Chicken Magic Going
If this High Protein Chicken Parmesan Casserole hit the spot, here are a few more cozy, feel-good meals you might love next (perfect for busy nights, meal prep Sundays, or when you just want something delicious without a million steps):
- Craving another high-protein, veggie-packed bake? Try High Protein Chicken Zucchini Bake
- Want a soup version of that cheesy Parmesan comfort? Cozy up with Crockpot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup
- If you’re in the mood for easy Italian vibes with a little flair, make Bruschetta Chicken Bake
- Love casseroles that feel like a warm hug? Don’t miss Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
And hey—if you made this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! ⭐ Leave a quick review and tap your star rating (5 stars if it made your kitchen smell like heaven 😉). Your feedback helps other readers—and it truly makes my day!
High Protein Chicken Parmesan Casserole
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This High Protein Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a cozy, cheesy, oven-baked dinner packed with tender chicken, rich marinara, and a crispy golden topping. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when comfort food cravings hit—without feeling heavy.
Ingredients
-
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
-
1 cup marinara sauce
-
1 cup ricotta cheese
-
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
-
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
1 teaspoon dried basil
-
1 teaspoon dried oregano
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
-
1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
-
Spread half of the chicken mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
-
Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese over the chicken layer.
-
Add the remaining chicken mixture on top, then finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
-
Sprinkle the whole wheat breadcrumbs evenly over the top for a crispy finish.
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Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
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Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Rotisserie chicken works great and saves time.
For extra crunch, lightly spray the breadcrumbs with cooking spray before baking.
Letting the casserole rest helps it slice cleanly and keeps the layers intact.
Leftovers taste even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg