A hearty and nutritious chicken broccoli casserole packed with protein and fiber, perfect for a balanced meal that supports your macros. This dish combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy sauce baked to perfection.
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
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).
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes until no longer pink, stirring occasionally.
Steam the broccoli florets until tender-crisp, about 4-5 minutes, then drain well.
In a large mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, shredded cheddar cheese, chicken broth, dried thyme, black pepper, salt, and smoked paprika. Mix until smooth.
Add the cooked chicken, sautéed onions and garlic, and steamed broccoli to the bowl with the sauce mixture. Stir until evenly combined.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish and spread evenly.
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.