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This High Protein Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is one of those easy, comforting meals that works just as well for a busy weeknight as it does for Sunday meal prep. It’s packed with lean protein, fresh broccoli, and just enough cheese to feel like comfort food—without throwing off your healthy eating goals.

A spoonful of cheesy low calorie chicken broccoli casserole, topped with melted cheddar, held over a baking dish with fresh herbs in the background—an easy high protein lunch that's both satisfying and delicious.


 

We’re not nutritionists, but when we’re looking for a low-calorie, high protein dinner, this is exactly the kind of recipe we turn to. It’s filling, flavorful, and made with a handful of simple ingredients we usually have on hand.

This recipe was actually inspired by our classic broccoli casserole recipe, which we’ve made for years as a side dish, especially around the holidays. But we wanted to turn that cozy, cheesy flavor into a full-on meal, so we added lean chicken breast, Greek yogurt, and a few simple seasonings to give it a boost of protein and make it more satisfying.

The result? A creamy, high protein casserole that hits the spot every time. Whether you’re counting macros, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something that tastes like comfort food but keeps things light, this simple meal is the answer.

Raw chicken breasts on a plate, broccoli, a can of cream of mushroom soup, nonfat Greek yogurt, sharp cheddar cheese, and a bowl of seasoning—perfect for an easy high protein lunch or low calorie chicken broccoli casserole.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Broccoli Crowns – We like to use just the crowns, chopped small so they cook evenly. You can sub frozen broccoli florets (thawed and drained) if that’s what you have on hand.
  • Chicken Breast – Lean, high in protein, and perfect for this dish. Chicken thighs work too, just keep in mind they add a bit more fat.
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup – Adds creamy texture and savory depth. You could also use cream of chicken or a homemade cream sauce if you prefer.
  • Low Fat Greek Yogurt – This adds creaminess and a protein boost without extra fat. Want to increase the protein sub low fat cottage cheese for the yogurt. More cheesy goodness, more protein, and only slightly more calories.
  • Garlic Powder – A pantry staple that adds flavor without fuss.
  • Onion Powder – Boosts that savory flavor profile.
  • Salt – Just enough to bring out all the flavors.
  • Cheddar Cheese – We go for a sharp cheddar to get maximum cheesy flavor with less cheese. You can use a reduced-fat version or your favorite cheese blend.

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Three side-by-side baking dishes show a high protein chicken and broccoli casserole before baking, topped with shredded cheese, and fully baked with melted cheese—a perfect easy high protein lunch or dinner.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F.

Step 2 – Prep your chicken. Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Toss to coat evenly.

Step 3 – Mix the creamy base. In a mixing bowl, stir together cream of mushroom soup and low-fat Greek yogurt until well combined.

Step 4 – Layer your casserole. Spread chopped broccoli evenly in the bottom of a 11×17-inch baking dish. Add seasoned chicken on top.

Step 5 – Top with the creamy mixture. Spread the yogurt and mushroom soup mixture evenly over the chicken and broccoli.

Step 6 – Add cheese. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.

Step 7 – Cover and bake. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Step 8 – Uncover and finish baking. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

Step 9 – Serve and enjoy. Let it cool for a few minutes, then dig in!

A spoon lifts a serving of high protein chicken and broccoli casserole from a black baking dish, with melted cheese visible on top—a delicious high protein meal idea.

Expert Tips & Tricks

  • Double the batch and freeze one for later—this casserole holds up well!
  • Cut broccoli small so it cooks through evenly and gets nice and tender.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for food safety.
  • Make it your own by tossing in extras like cauliflower, mushrooms, or even chopped spinach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes! Just thaw it first and pat dry to avoid extra moisture.

Is this recipe low carb?

It’s naturally low in carbs—no pasta or rice—so it’s great for low-carb and keto-ish diets.

How do I store leftovers?

Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 2 months.

What’s the best way to reheat it?

Microwave individual portions or reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes, I like to make this in individual portions and bake. Then I can heat up for lunch or dinner throughout the year.

A serving of low calorie chicken broccoli casserole with mushrooms, topped with melted cheddar cheese, on a black plate with a fork—an easy high protein lunch idea.

Storage & Reheating

Fridge: Store leftovers in airtight containers for 3–4 days.

Freezer: Let it cool completely, then freeze in meal prep containers.

Reheat: Microwave or bake at 350°F until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if it looks dry.

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Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

High Protein Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

High protein cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole that’s low calorie, easy to prep, and perfect for healthy lunches or dinners.
A spoonful of food in a pan, perfect for a low calorie chicken broccoli casserole—an easy high protein lunch and a great high protein meal idea.
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Ingredients

  • 15 ounces Trimmed Broccoli crowns, cut into small pieces.
  • 1.5 pounds Chicken breast, cut into 1 inch cubes
  • 10.5 ounces Cream of mushroom soup
  • 8 ounces Low Fat Greek yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon Salt
  • 2 ounces Cheddar cheese

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, and salt, and toss to coat.
  • In a bowl, combine the mushroom soup and, Greek yogurt. Stir together.
  • Add broccoli to an 11×17-inch pan. Add seasoned chicken to the broccoli, evenly distributing.
  • Spread the mushroom and Greek yogurt mixture over the broccoli and chicken.
  • Top with shredded cheese.
  • Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake for 10 minutes.
  • Once it has finished baking, remove from the oven and serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.16dish, Calories: 511kcal, Carbohydrates: 23.9g, Protein: 65.1g, Fat: 16g, Saturated Fat: 3.1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.8g, Cholesterol: 95.9mg, Sodium: 575mg, Potassium: 939.6mg, Fiber: 2.2g, Sugar: 14g, Vitamin A: 592IU, Vitamin C: 65mg, Calcium: 154mg, Iron: 1mg
Nutrition Disclaimer: We are not certified nutritionists. Nutrition facts are an estimate and are provided as a courtesy. They are generated by an online API which recognizes ingredient names and amounts and makes calculations based on the serving size. Results may vary.
Course: Main
Cuisine: American
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