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    Home » Recipes » Main Course

    Healthy Million Dollar Chicken Bake

    April 14, 2025 by christina.klapper Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This healthy million dollar chicken bake is one of those easy recipes that’ll instantly earn a spot in your regular rotation. Made with a mix of low-fat cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, and extra crispy turkey bacon, this dish has all the cozy, creamy texture of your favorite million dollar chicken casserole—but lightened up with better-for-you ingredients and a boost of protein.

    this is a side view close up of my healthy million dollar chicken bake served on a plate with roasted potatoes and a simple arugula salad.

    This is my go-to for busy weeknights when I want something comforting but still nourishing. It’s made with simple ingredients, comes together in one baking dish, and pairs perfectly with a side salad or some sauteed green beans. It’s the perfect dinner when you want big flavor without a ton of effort.

    this is a top view of my baked chicken dish while it's still in the ceramic pan.

    This recipe also makes excellent use of leftover chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken, but if you’re starting from scratch, you’ll love how the tender chicken breasts soak up all that flavor from the cheesy, savory topping. Oh—and that golden brown, slightly crispy top layer? That’s the best part.

    If you love healthy chicken recipes, be sure to check out my healthy chicken alfredo casserole, one pan chicken feta orzo, and one pan chicken lemon orzo.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Substitutions
    • Variations
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • Top Tip
    • Dietitian Tip
    • FAQ
    • Dinner
    • Jump to: Recipe
    • Food Safety

    Ingredients

    this is a top view of my chicken bake on a plate with the potatoes and arugula.
    • Chicken Breasts – Use boneless, skinless for best results. If using shredded rotisserie chicken, reduce baking time slightly.
    • Low-Fat Cottage Cheese – Adds a creamy, protein-packed base to the topping.
    • Low-Fat Cream Cheese – Let it come to room temperature for easier mixing.
    • Low-Fat Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Divided; some gets mixed in, and the rest is sprinkled on top for that melty cheese finish.
    • Cooked Turkey Bacon, chopped – Cook until crispy for best texture. You can also try crispy bacon or a plant-based alternative.
    • Green Onions, sliced – Adds a fresh bite and pop of color.
    • Avocado Oil or Olive Oil – Helps coat the chicken and lock in moisture.
    • Dan-O’s Red Pepper Cheesoning
    • Dan-O’s Original Seasoning
    • See full recipe card below for measurements and details.

    See recipe card for quantities.

    Instructions

    this shows me adding all of the topping into a bowl.

    Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 ceramic baking dish

    Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the low-fat cottage cheese, cream cheese, 1 cup shredded cheddar, ¾ of the green onions, and ¾ of the crispy turkey bacon. Stir until you get a smooth cream cheese mixture

    this shows me seasoning the chicken and adding olive oil and mixing everything until the chicken is well seasoned.

    Step 3: Place chicken breasts into your casserole dish. Drizzle with olive oil and season on both sides with the Dan-O’s seasonings. Use clean hands to evenly distribute

    this shows me adding the mixture on top of the chicken and then topping with cheese.

    Step 4: Spread the cheese and bacon chicken mixture over the chicken in an even layer.


    Step 5: Sprinkle with the remaining ⅓ cup of cheddar cheese.


    Step 6: Bake in a preheated oven for 20–23 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (use a meat thermometer to check).

    Step 7: Broil on high for 1–2 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden.

    Step 8: Top with more green onions and crispy bacon, and serve with your favorite side dishes like roasted potatoes or a simple salad.

    Substitutions

    • Cream Cheese – Swap for ricotta cheese or even sour cream if that’s what you have on hand.
    • Cheddar Cheese – Mix in pepper jack cheese, mozzarella cheese, or a colby jack blend for different cheeses and flavor profiles.
    • Turkey Bacon – Use regular crispy bacon if needed.
    • Dan-O’s Seasoning- If you don’t have Dan-O’s Red Pepper Cheesoning or Original seaosning, use salt, to taste, ½ teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1 tablespoon grated parmesan and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning instead.

    This recipe is gluten-free as is.

    Variations

    Serve it with a side of corn salsa, or try stuffing leftovers into a wrap with lettuce and tomato for lunch the next time.

    Add in the Veggies– Stir in sautéed bell pepper or green vegetables like spinach for a veggie boost.

    Make it spicy– add a dash of cayenne or additional red pepper flakes.

    Equipment

    All you need to make this healthy million dollar chicken bake is:

    • 9×13 Baking Dish or Casserole Dish
    • Large Bowl for mixing
    • Meat Thermometer
    • Optional: Air Fryer for reheating leftovers

    Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I make a small commission if you choose to purchase through qualifying links.

    Storage

    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
    To reheat, pop into the air fryer or oven until warmed through—this helps keep the top layer crispy! You can also cover with plastic wrap and microwave, but you may lose a little of the crunch.

    Top Tip

    Let your cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing—this helps create a smooth, lump-free creamy sauce without overmixing.

    Dietitian Tip

    This low carb chicken dinner is a great option for balancing blood sugar thanks to the high protein content and healthy fats. Add a simple salad or roasted veggies to round out the meal and boost your fiber! If you don’t have blood sugar issues, add some roasted potatoes for a complex carbohydrate source and to help with satiety!

    FAQ

    Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

    Absolutely! Just shred and skip the oil + seasoning step. Reduce the cooking time to about 15 minutes since the chicken is already cooked.

    Can I freeze this?

    You can assemble the million-dollar chicken bake ahead of time, wrap it in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze before baking. Let thaw in the fridge overnight before placing in a preheated oven.

    What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

    Use the air fryer for 5–6 minutes to get that crispy top again. You can also use the oven or microwave for a quick heat-up.

    Dinner

    Looking for other easy dinner recipes like this? Try these:

    • Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken
    • Chicken Fajita Casserole with Rice (One Pan)
    • Healthy BLT Chicken Pasta Salad
    • Chicken Fattoush Salad

    Jump to: Recipe

    Healthy Million Dollar Chicken Bake

    This Healthy Million Dollar Chicken Bake is a creamy, protein-packed dinner made with simple ingredients like cottage cheese, crispy turkey bacon, and cheddar for a lighter twist on the classic comfort food.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 25 minutes mins
    Total Time 40 minutes mins
    Course Dinner, Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 519 kcal

    Equipment

    • 9×13 Baking Dish or Casserole Dish
    • Large Bowl for mixing
    • Meat Thermometer
    • Optional: Air Fryer for reheating leftovers

    Ingredients
      

    • 1.5 lbs chicken breasts about 4 filets
    • 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
    • 2 tablespoon Dan-O’s Red Pepper Cheesoning
    • 1 tablespoon Dan-O’s Original Seasoning
    • 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
    • 4 oz low-fat cream cheese softened (½ block)
    • 1 cup low-fat shredded cheddar cheese plus ⅓ cup for topping
    • 6 slices turkey bacon cooked extra crispy and chopped (reserve some for garnish)
    • 1 bunch green onions sliced (reserve some for garnish)
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish or line with aluminum foil.
    • In a large bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, cream cheese, 1 cup shredded cheddar, half of the turkey bacon, and green onions until well combined.
    • Place chicken breasts into the baking dish. Drizzle with oil and season both sides with the Dan-O’s seasoning blend. Use your hands or paper towels to evenly coat.
    • Spread the cheese mixture over the chicken in an even layer.
    • Top with the remaining ⅓ cup shredded cheddar cheese.
    • Bake for 20–23 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
    • Broil for 1–2 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
    • Garnish with extra turkey bacon and sliced green onions. Serve with a side salad or roasted potatoes!

    Notes

    Scroll up to see substitutions, variations and storage tips!
     
    If you make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me in your creations on social media @easyeatsdietitian 
     
    Also, don’t forget to leave a rating and review!! It would mean so much to me 🙂 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 519kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 58gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 175mgSodium: 1194mgPotassium: 861mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 544IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 289mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword Healthy million dollar chicken bake
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Food Safety

    • Cook chicken to a minimum temperature of 165 F
    • Don’t leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
    • Never leave cooking food unattended
    • Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
    • Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

    See more guidelines at USDA.

    Related

    More Main Course

    • Chicken Fajita Tacos
    • Gut Nourishing Soup
    • Ground Turkey and Zucchini Meal Prep
    • Easy and Healthy Chili Mac

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    Hi, I'm Christina! I'm a Registered Dietitian, wife and mom that’s passionate about sharing all the tips, tricks, and recipes to live a healthy and balanced lifestyle. I’m a strong believer that balance is the key to success. It doesn’t need to be difficult, so come join the fun!

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