Looking for a cheesy, comforting dinner that doubles as healthy meal prep? This Protein Cheesy Chicken Bake is packed with lean protein, melty cheese, and hearty veggies—all baked in one dish. With over 49g of protein per serving, this easy protein cheesy chicken bake offers everything you need in a nutritious, satisfying weeknight meal. It’s rich, flavorful, and full of better-for-you ingredients like ricotta and reduced-fat cheddar, making it a top pick for meal preppers and comfort food lovers alike.
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Why You’ll Love This Protein Cheesy Chicken Bake
A High-Protein Comfort Food That Feels Like a Cheat Meal
When you’re craving warm, cheesy comfort but still want to stick to your goals, this protein cheesy chicken bake delivers big time. It’s made with over 2 pounds of lean chicken, protein-rich ricotta, and just enough pasta to keep things hearty without overloading the carbs. Topped with Parmesan and baked until golden, this casserole packs nearly 300 grams of protein per tray—making it a serious contender in any high-protein meal prep rotation.
And if you’re into baked pasta dishes like Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti or Baked Ziti with Cottage Cheese and Spinach, you’ll love how this recipe turns classic comfort into a macro-friendly powerhouse.
One Bowl, One Dish, One Oven—That’s It
What makes this protein cheesy chicken bake a meal-prep favorite? Simplicity. You toss all the ingredients—ricotta cheese, chopped veggies, shredded cheddar, pasta, and cooked chicken—into one bowl. Add the cream of chicken soup, mix, spread into a dish, and top with whole wheat breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan. Then bake until the top is golden and the sides bubble.
It’s a complete, high-protein meal that pairs perfectly with broccoli, leafy greens, or roasted veggies for extra fiber and vitamins. Plus, leftovers reheat like a dream, making it perfect for busy weeks or freezer storage.
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Protein Cheesy Chicken Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A cheesy, high-protein chicken bake packed with ricotta, cheddar, veggies, and lean chicken—perfect for meal prep or family dinners.
Ingredients
2 Cups Ricotta Cheese – Fat Free
1 Cup Mushrooms – Chopped
1 Cup Cheddar Cheese – Reduced Fat
4 Ounces Pasta – 112g Cooked
8 Tablespoons Parmesan Cheese – Grated
1 Green Pepper – Chopped
1 Teaspoon Italian Seasoning
2 Pounds Chicken – Cooked
¼ Cup White Onion – Chopped
1 Can Cream of Chicken – 10 3/4 Ounces 98% Fat Free
¼ Cup Bread Crumbs – Whole Wheat
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine ricotta, cheddar, cream of chicken soup, mushrooms, pepper, onion, cooked chicken, cooked pasta, and Italian seasoning.
3. Stir everything together until well-mixed.
4. Transfer to the baking dish and spread evenly.
5. Top with grated Parmesan and breadcrumbs.
6. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until top is golden and bubbly.
7. Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
To make it vegetarian, substitute chicken with tofu or lentils.
Pairs well with steamed broccoli or a fresh side salad.
Freezer-friendly: store portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 49g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Ingredients for the Best Protein Cheesy Chicken Bake
Simple, Protein-Rich Ingredients You Probably Already Have
This protein cheesy chicken bake is all about combining easy pantry staples with high-quality protein to create a comforting, balanced dinner. Here’s what you’ll need to make one large casserole that serves 6:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cooked chicken (shredded or chopped) | 2 pounds |
| Ricotta cheese (fat-free) | 2 cups |
| Reduced-fat cheddar cheese, shredded | 1 cup |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | 8 tbsp |
| Whole wheat pasta (cooked) | 4 oz (112g) |
| Cream of chicken soup (98% fat-free) | 1 can (10 ¾ oz) |
| Green bell pepper, chopped | 1 whole |
| White onion, chopped | ¼ cup |
| Chopped mushrooms | 1 cup |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp |
| Whole wheat breadcrumbs | ¼ cup |
Substitutions & Customization Options
This protein cheesy chicken bake is extremely adaptable. Here are a few smart swaps and flavor boosters:
- Protein Substitutes: Swap the chicken for lean ground turkey, ground beef, canned tuna, or even tofu. Just make sure it’s cooked and drained well.
- Pasta Alternatives: Try cooked quinoa, brown rice, or a low-carb pasta alternative to keep it keto-friendly.
- No Cream of Chicken? Use a mix of Greek yogurt, low-sodium chicken broth, and a dash of garlic powder for a cleaner option.
- Extra Veggies? Add steamed broccoli, spinach, or shredded zucchini to up your fiber intake.
This is a great dish to prep in bulk and freeze in portions, especially if you’re working toward a goal like hitting 150g of protein per day.
How to Make Protein Cheesy Chicken Bake Step-by-Step
Step-by-Step Instructions for a Foolproof Bake
Making this protein cheesy chicken bake is truly simple—just mix, layer, and bake. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat a large baking dish with oil or cooking spray—a 9×13-inch pan is ideal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded cheddar, cream of chicken soup, mushrooms, green pepper, onion, cooked chicken, Italian seasoning, and cooked pasta.
- Stir everything together until well-mixed and evenly coated.
- Evenly distribute the mixture into the greased baking dish.
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese and whole wheat breadcrumbs to create a perfectly golden, crispy crust.
- Bake without a cover for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top turns golden and starts to bubble.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
This protein cheesy chicken bake comes out creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—and it only takes about 10 minutes of prep time.
For more creamy comfort food that’s equally high in protein, check out our Chicken Parmesan with Cottage Cheese, which layers lean chicken with tomato sauce and cottage cheese for a high-protein twist on a classic.
Tips for Baking and Serving
- Make it ahead: Assemble everything and refrigerate overnight before baking fresh the next day.
- Freezer-friendly: Cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
- Pair with veggies: Serve with roasted broccoli, green beans, or a fresh garden salad for a complete high protein dinner.
You can even turn this into a family-style pasta casserole with a side of garlic bread for a cozy weekend meal.
Health Benefits & Storage Tips for Protein Cheesy Chicken Bake
A High-Protein Dinner That Fuels Your Body
This protein cheesy chicken bake isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with powerful nutrition to support muscle maintenance, satiety, and fat loss. With lean chicken breast, fat-free ricotta, and reduced-fat cheese, each serving delivers a balanced macro profile that’s perfect for anyone following a high-protein or low-carb diet.
- Chicken is one of the best protein sources for building and maintaining lean muscle.
- Ricotta cheese, while creamy, is also lower in fat when using the fat-free variety and high in calcium.
- Cheddar and Parmesan provide rich flavor without overwhelming fat or calories when used in moderation.
This dish supports those aiming to reach their daily protein targets without the heaviness of traditional casseroles. According to Medical News Today, incorporating cheese like ricotta in moderate, mindful portions can improve bone health and support a high-protein diet when balanced with lean meats.
How to Store, Reheat, and Freeze
This protein cheesy chicken bake stores well and tastes even better the next day. Here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious:
- Refrigerate in an airtight container and enjoy within 4 days.
- To reheat: Microwave individual servings for 1–2 minutes, or bake in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes until heated through.
- For freezing: Divide into freezer-safe containers and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Let thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
That’s what makes the protein cheesy chicken bake a standout recipe—not only for its delicious flavor, but also for its nutritional benefits. Whether you’re cooking for the week or serving a crowd, you can trust this bake to deliver.
Frequently Asked Questions About Protein Cheesy Chicken Bake
How long does protein cheesy chicken bake last in the refrigerator?
When kept in an airtight container, this protein cheesy chicken bake will remain fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for quick meals or warm the whole dish in the oven for that fresh-out-the-oven texture.
Can I freeze and reheat it properly?
Yes! This bake freezes very well. After cooling completely, portion it out and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. For optimal results, reheat in a 350°F oven until it’s hot and bubbling throughout.
What’s the best protein substitute for chicken?
If you want to swap the chicken, you can use lean ground turkey, lean ground beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian-friendly twist. Canned tuna also works well if you’re aiming for seafood-based high protein. Just make sure it’s completely cooked before adding it to the casserole.
Can I omit the cream of chicken and what can I use instead?
Absolutely. You can replace cream of chicken soup with a blend of plain Greek yogurt, low-sodium chicken broth, and a dash of garlic and onion powder. This reduces sodium and adds more protein while keeping the creamy texture you want in a cheesy bake.
What can I add to chicken casserole to make it taste better?
To boost flavor, consider mixing in roasted garlic, Italian herbs, a splash of hot sauce, or a handful of spinach. You can also add extra Parmesan cheese or top it with fresh parsley for brightness.
How can I get 150 grams of protein a day?
Including meals like this protein cheesy chicken bake in your meal prep makes hitting 150g of protein much easier. Just one serving offers 45–50g of protein. Combine it with Greek yogurt, eggs, or protein shakes throughout the day to reach your target.
Which chicken recipe is best for protein?
This one ranks among the best! It’s loaded with lean chicken, ricotta, cheddar, and Parmesan—making it one of our most protein-rich chicken recipes on the site.
What is the best cheese to eat for protein?
Parmesan and cheddar are both excellent sources of protein when used in moderation. Ricotta offers creaminess and high protein without a lot of fat, making it perfect for recipes like this protein cheesy chicken bake.
Find the complete Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti recipe on Pinterest—loaded with flavor, rich in protein, and full of comforting goodness in every bite!
Why Protein Cheesy Chicken Bake Deserves a Spot in Your Meal Prep
If you’re searching for a high-protein comfort food that fits your health goals and satisfies your taste buds, this Protein Cheesy Chicken Bake checks every box. It’s hearty, nourishing, and simple enough for weeknights—yet tasty enough to feel like a weekend indulgence. With balanced macros, budget-friendly ingredients, and less than 15 minutes of prep, this recipe is tailor-made for busy home cooks who want real results.
Plus, it stores and freezes beautifully, making it a no-brainer for weekly meal prep. Whether you’re tracking protein intake, feeding a hungry family, or just love cheesy chicken dishes, this bake brings both nutrition and comfort to the table.
Ready to power up your dinner routine? Keep this protein cheesy chicken bake on rotation—and don’t forget to check out similar macro-friendly comfort dishes like our Chicken Parmesan with Cottage Cheese and Baked Ziti with Cottage Cheese and Spinach.