A healthy and protein-packed chicken broccoli casserole perfect for meal prep and balanced eating. This dish combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce, baked to perfection.
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup low-fat plain Greek yogurt
1 cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for 2 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth.
Add the cooked chicken, sautéed onions and garlic, and blanched broccoli to the mixing bowl. Mix gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish and spread evenly.
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.