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High-Protein Cheesy Baked Chicken Thighs

Updated on 2 min read
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Juicy • Golden • Melty Cheese • 40g+ Protein Per Serving

📝 Quick Description

Tender boneless chicken thighs are seasoned, baked until juicy, then topped with a generous layer of melted cheese for a rich, satisfying high-protein meal.

Low carb.
Big flavor.
Minimal prep.

Perfect for busy weeknights or high-protein meal prep.

⏱ Servings & Timing

  • Serves: 6
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
  • Total Time: 40–45 minutes

🛒 Ingredients

🐔 Main

  • 2½–3 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

🧀 Cheese Layer

  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella
  • ½ cup shredded Parmesan
  • Optional: ½ cup shredded cheddar (extra flavor)

💪 Optional Protein Boost

  • ½ cup cottage cheese (spread under mozzarella layer)
  • ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt mixed with Parmesan

This adds extra creaminess and protein without extra carbs.

👩‍🍳 Step-By-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.

2️⃣ Season the Chicken

Pat chicken thighs dry.

In a bowl toss chicken with:

  • Olive oil
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Paprika
  • Salt & pepper

Arrange in single layer in baking dish.

3️⃣ First Bake

Bake uncovered for 20 minutes.

Chicken will start releasing juices — that’s normal.

4️⃣ Add Cheese

Remove from oven.

Optional: Spread thin layer of cottage cheese over each thigh.

Top evenly with mozzarella and Parmesan.

5️⃣ Finish Baking

Return to oven and bake another 10–15 minutes until:

✔ Internal temp reaches 165°F
✔ Cheese is melted and golden
✔ Edges slightly bubbly

For extra browning: Broil 2–3 minutes at end.

💪 Nutrition (Per Serving – 6 Servings)

Approximate:

Calories: 420–480
Protein: 42–48g
Carbs: 2–4g
Fat: 28g

High protein.
Low carb.
Very filling.

🔥 Make It Leaner

• Use chicken breast instead of thighs
• Reduce cheese slightly
• Use part-skim mozzarella

Protein stays high, fat drops.

🧊 Storage

Fridge: 4 days
Freezer: 2 months

Reheat covered to keep moist.

🍽 High-Protein Pairings

Serve with:

• Roasted broccoli
• Garlic green beans
• Cauliflower mash
• Zucchini noodles

Add ½ cup Greek yogurt dip on side = +10g protein.

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