High-Protein Chicken Taco Casserole Recipe Is Creamy Delicious (One Pan) by Elisa Schmitz

During the busy week, one-pan cooking is where it's at. In particular, recipes that can be made in a single cast iron skillet are at the top of my list. I love easy, delicious recipes that start on the stovetop and end in the oven, all in one oven-proof pan. Putting the skillet in the oven results in some creamy, crispy meals that the whole family loves.

This cheesy taco chicken casserole recipe is my latest one-pan dinner recipe. The nutritious, high-protein and gluten-free recipe starts on the stovetop and ends in the oven, resulting in a creamy inside and crispy outside that's packed with protein, too.

This cheesy skillet casserole recipe has Mexican-inspired flavor and includes several ingredients that add protein, including chicken, cottage cheese and Greek yogurt. Check out the health benefits of cottage cheese and the health benefits of Greek yogurt. This deliciously nutritious recipe also includes plenty of fresh vegetables. Check out the health benefits of spinach and the health benefits of tomatoes, among others.

Here's your easy shopping list for this tasty dinner recipe: extra virgin olive oil, onion, bell pepper, minced garlic, chicken breast, low-fat cottage cheese, low-fat plain Greek yogurt, shredded cheddar cheese, taco seasoning, fresh spinach and tomato. The fresh parsley garnish is optional. You combine the ingredients in the skillet on the stovetop, top it with cheese then bake it until it's bubbly and golden.

Serve this flavorful taco casserole on its own for dinner, or over your favorite pasta or rice. So easy and delicious (and nutritious)!

Cuisine: American / Mexican / Tex-Mex
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 10

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 3/4 cup onions, diced
• 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, diced
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 2 pounds chicken breast, chopped
• 2 cups low-fat cottage cheese
• 1 cup low-fat plain Greek yogurt
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1 ounce (1 packet) taco seasoning
• 8 ounces fresh baby spinach
• 1/2 cup fresh tomatoes, diced

Here's how to make it:

1. In a cast iron (or ovenproof) skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil, onions, peppers and garlic. Stir to combine.
   
2. Add the chicken and sauté with the onions, peppers and garlic until it's browned and cooked through.
   
3. Add the spinach. Sauté until wilted and integrated into the chicken mixture. Remove from heat.
   
4. Add the tomatoes and stir to combine. Drain any excess liquid, if needed.
   
5. In a large mixing bowl, add the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, taco seasoning and half the cheddar cheese. Season with sea salt and black pepper, to taste, if desired. Stir to combine. (I used a taco seasoning packet, but you can make your own taco seasoning, if preferred. For an extra flavor kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes, to taste. I used cheddar cheese, but you could substitute mozzarella, if desired.)
   
6. Add the creamy cheese mixture to the skillet and stir until thoroughly combined.
   
7. Spread the remaining cheddar cheese over the top of the skillet mixture.
   
8. Bake at 425 degrees F for 15 to 20 minutes, or until sizzling and golden brown.
   
9. Remove from the oven and allow to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave.
   

Recipe cooking times, nutritional information and servings are approximate and provided for your convenience. However, 30Seconds is not responsible for the outcome of any recipe, nor may you have the same results because of variations in ingredients, temperatures, altitude, errors, omissions or cooking/baking abilities. Any nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and it is up to the individual to ascertain accuracy. To ensure image quality, we may occasionally use stock photography.

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