Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Protein Bake
A comforting, one-dish meal that is high in protein and perfectly seasoned.
-
Prep time: 10 minutes
-
Bake time: 20–25 minutes
-
Servings: 4
Nutritional Profile (Per Serving)
-
Calories: 260
-
Protein: 38g
-
Net Carbs: 6g
-
Fat: 8g
Ingredients
-
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
-
2 cups broccoli florets, steamed until tender-crisp
-
1 cup low-fat cottage cheese (blended until completely smooth)
-
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
-
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
-
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
1 tsp garlic powder
-
1 tsp onion powder
-
Salt and black pepper to taste
Detailed Directions
-
Preparation: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch or similar-sized baking dish with non-stick spray or a touch of olive oil.
-
Create the Creamy Base: If you haven’t already, place the cottage cheese in a blender or food processor and pulse until it reaches a smooth, sour cream-like consistency.
-
Mix: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, blended cottage cheese, and Greek yogurt.
-
Season: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Ensure the chicken and broccoli are thoroughly coated in the creamy sauce.
-
Assemble: Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer.
-
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan evenly over the top.
-
Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. The edges should be bubbling, and the cheese on top should be melted and starting to turn golden brown.
-
Serve: Let the dish stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly.
Success Tips
-
Chicken Shortcuts: You can use a rotisserie chicken to save time; just remove the skin to keep the fat content lower.
-
Broccoli Texture: To avoid a watery bake, ensure your steamed broccoli is well-drained and patted dry before adding it to the mixture.
-
Meal Prep: This dish reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven, making it an excellent option for healthy lunches throughout the week.