Description
This High-Protein Casserole is a delicious and nutritious dish packed with shredded chicken, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and vegetables like broccoli, onions, and bell peppers. Enhanced with spices and oats for texture, it’s baked to perfection to create a comforting and satisfying meal ideal for anyone looking to boost their protein intake without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Dairy
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
Vegetables
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed
Grains and Oils
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Spices
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. When hot, add the diced onions and bell peppers.
- Cook Vegetables: Cook the onions and bell peppers, stirring occasionally, until soft and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
- Steam Broccoli: While the vegetables cook, steam the broccoli florets until tender, about 4-5 minutes.
- Combine Main Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix the shredded chicken breast, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, shredded cheddar cheese, and the sautéed onions and bell peppers.
- Add Broccoli: Incorporate the steamed broccoli into the vegetable and protein mixture.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the eggs and unsweetened almond milk until smooth and well combined.
- Add Spices and Oats: Stir the rolled oats, garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper, and paprika into the large mixing bowl with the other ingredients.
- Combine All: Pour the egg and almond milk mixture over the contents of the large bowl and stir thoroughly until everything is evenly combined.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish and transfer the mixture into it, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the casserole is firm in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing into portions and serving immediately.
Notes
- Ensure broccoli is well steamed to achieve the best texture in the casserole.
- For a lower-fat version, consider using reduced-fat cottage cheese and cheddar cheese.
- Rolled oats serve as a binder; do not substitute with instant oats as texture will differ.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for variety.
- Letting the casserole cool slightly before cutting helps it retain its shape.
