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High Protein Crack Chicken Casserole - Creamy, Cheesy, and Satisfying

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (rotisserie or poached)
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 8 oz reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese (optional for extra protein, blended smooth)
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or milk)
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (or 2 tbsp homemade)
  • 1 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (for melt and stretch)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups broccoli florets, lightly steamed or blanched
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Salt to taste (be conservative; ranch and bacon add salt)
  • 2 tbsp chopped chives or green onions, for garnish
  • Olive oil spray or 1 tsp olive oil

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven: Set to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with olive oil spray.
  2. Cook the bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels and crumble. Reserve 1 tablespoon bacon fat in the skillet.
  3. Sauté aromatics: Add onion to the skillet with bacon fat. Cook 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat.
  4. Prep the broccoli: Steam or blanch broccoli for 2–3 minutes until bright green and just tender. Drain well to avoid a watery casserole.
  5. Make the sauce: In a large bowl, whisk cream cheese, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese (if using), and chicken broth until smooth. Stir in ranch seasoning, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
  6. Combine the filling: Fold in cooked chicken, sautéed onion and garlic, half the crumbled bacon, 1/2 cup cheddar, and all the mozzarella. Gently mix in broccoli.
  7. Assemble: Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared casserole dish. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar and the rest of the bacon.
  8. Bake: Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–12 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden at the edges.
  9. Finish and serve: Let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with chives or green onions. Serve on its own or over rice, cauliflower rice, or roasted potatoes.