If you’re craving a comfort food classic that’s low in carbs but high on flavor, this Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe is about to become your new go-to. It’s a delightful blend of tender shredded chicken, rich marinara, and melty cheese, all baked to golden perfection. Every bite packs that familiar, hearty taste you love from traditional chicken parmesan without any of the guilt. Whether you’re new to keto or simply love a cheesy, savory casserole, this recipe is an absolute winner that you’ll want on repeat in your meal rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe is simple yet crucial, as each component brings a unique touch—whether it’s flavor, texture, or color—that makes the dish shine. From the savory shredded chicken to the vibrant fresh basil, these essentials make every bite irresistible.
- 2 lbs cooked shredded chicken breast: The protein-packed base that keeps this casserole hearty and satisfying.
- 1 cup sugar-free marinara sauce: Adds rich tomato flavor without any hidden sugars, perfect for keto diets.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant herb blend that layers in classic Italian zest.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Boosts savory depth and aroma in every forkful.
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a gentle kick of heat.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create gooey, cheesy goodness that holds the casserole together.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a sharp, nutty finish with a lovely golden crust when baked.
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for greasing): Keeps the casserole from sticking and adds subtle richness.
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional): Brightens the final dish with a fresh burst of color and flavor.
How to Make Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to ensure your cheesy masterpiece doesn’t stick and comes out with ease after baking. This simple prep sets the stage for a smooth cooking experience.
Step 2: Layer the Shredded Chicken
Spread the cooked, shredded chicken evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish. This forms the hearty foundation of the casserole, ensuring every bite is packed with tender, savory chicken.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Sprinkle the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and optional crushed red pepper flakes evenly over the chicken. These seasonings infuse the meat with bold, aromatic flavors that will take your casserole up a notch, creating a perfectly balanced taste profile.
Step 4: Add the Marinara Sauce
Pour the sugar-free marinara sauce over the seasoned chicken layer, spreading it out to cover the surface. This sauce adds moistness and that familiar tangy warmth typical of chicken parmesan, but keto-friendly and full of vibrant tomato flavor.
Step 5: Cheese It Up
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the marinara, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. Together, these cheeses melt into a luscious topping that’s bubbly and slightly crispy once baked, creating that irresistible cheesy crust everyone loves.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is absolute heaven!
Step 7: Broil for Extra Color (Optional)
If you like a beautifully browned top, switch on the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes after baking. Keep a close eye so the cheese achieves a perfect caramelized finish without burning.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and sprinkle fresh basil over the top to add a touch of herbal brightness and a pop of green color. Now your Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh basil is a classic finishing touch that brightens the casserole visually and flavor-wise. You can also add some cracked black pepper or a few fresh oregano leaves for an extra herbal layer that complements the rich, cheesy dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
Keep it simple and keto-friendly by serving this casserole alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted low-carb vegetables like zucchini noodles, asparagus, or sautéed spinach. These sides add freshness and balance to your meal without overpowering the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your friends by serving portions of the casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for a charming touch. You can also spoon it generously over cauliflower rice for a twist on a classic plate, making each serving both comforting and visually inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days, making it an easy and tasty lunch or dinner option on busy days.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture and flavors at their best.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings in the microwave or reheat the whole casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and bubbly. If the top isn’t as crisp as you like, a quick broil for a couple of minutes will revive that delicious golden cheese crust.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and cook the chicken before shredding and assembling the casserole. Using cooked frozen chicken can save you time without affecting the taste.
Is this casserole suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe is fantastic for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge and can be portioned out for easy grab-and-go keto meals during the week.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Low-carb veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini can be mixed into the chicken layer for added nutrition and flavor without compromising the keto count.
What’s the best marinara sauce to use?
Look for a sugar-free, low-carb marinara sauce with natural ingredients to keep the dish keto-friendly and full of authentic tomato flavor. Homemade sauce works wonderfully too!
How do I make this dish spicier?
Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper when seasoning the chicken. Feel free to experiment to find the perfect level of heat that suits your palate.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you make this Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe, it will quickly become a favorite comfort food in your home. It’s easy, delicious, and perfectly suited for anyone following a low-carb lifestyle who still wants all the cheesy, satisfying flavors of classic Italian cooking. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a dish that feels indulgent but fits wonderfully into your keto plans. You’re going to love it!
Print
Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a low-carb, high-protein dish perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal. Made with shredded cooked chicken breast, sugar-free marinara, and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, this casserole combines classic Italian flavors in a quick, easy bake. Ideal for keto dieters or anyone seeking a delicious, hearty dinner without the carbs.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs cooked shredded chicken breast
- 1 cup sugar-free marinara sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for greasing)
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the baking dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with 2 tablespoons of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Layer the chicken: Evenly spread the cooked shredded chicken over the bottom of the greased baking dish, creating a solid base layer.
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes evenly over the chicken to infuse flavor.
- Add marinara sauce: Pour the sugar-free marinara sauce evenly on top of the seasoned chicken, ensuring full coverage for moistness and flavor.
- Top with cheeses: Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the marinara layer, then add the grated Parmesan cheese on top to create a rich and cheesy crust.
- Bake the casserole: Place the dish uncovered in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese has melted completely and is bubbly around the edges.
- Broil for browning (optional): Turn on the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes to lightly brown and crisp the cheese topping, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve hot for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- Use cooked shredded chicken breast from rotisserie chicken or poach chicken breasts for convenience.
- Make sure to use sugar-free marinara sauce to keep the dish keto-friendly.
- The crushed red pepper flakes add a mild spicy kick but can be omitted for a milder dish.
- Broiling is optional but recommended for a golden-brown cheesy crust.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
