Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
If you’re searching for a low-carb dinner that delivers big Italian flavors without all the fuss, look no further than this Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole. Imagine all the savory, cheesy comfort of classic chicken parmesan, but without the breading and carbs—just juicy chicken, zesty marinara, bubbling mozzarella, and a golden, crunchy topping. This dish is pure comfort food magic, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing your family with something special, and it’s sure to become a staple in your low-carb kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole so crave-worthy is how the simple ingredients come together for a satisfying, flavor-packed meal. Each component brings something important to the table—taste, texture, or that irresistible golden finish.
- Cooked chicken breast (3 cups, shredded or chopped): The heart of the casserole—use rotisserie chicken for convenience and tender bites every time.
- Marinara sauce (1 cup, no sugar added): For tangy, robust flavor without unnecessary carbs—choose your favorite keto-friendly brand.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds classic Italian depth and warmth to the sauce.
- Dried basil (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses each bite with aromatic, herby notes that brighten up the dish.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For a gentle kick of heat—totally up to your spice preference.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups): Melts beautifully over the top, giving you that stretchy, gooey cheese pull.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Lends a salty, nutty bite that’s absolutely essential for authentic flavor.
- Crushed pork rinds or almond flour (1/4 cup, for topping): The secret to a golden, crunchy topping without breadcrumbs.
- Olive oil or melted butter (2 tablespoons): Helps the topping crisp up perfectly while adding richness.
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional): Brightens the finished casserole with a pop of color and freshness.
How to Make Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Give your casserole dish a light coating of oil or non-stick spray—this helps prevent sticking and makes serving so much easier later on.
Step 2: Mix the Chicken and Sauce
In a large bowl, combine your cooked chicken, marinara sauce, garlic powder, dried basil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Stir everything together until the chicken is well-coated and the flavors are mingling. This step is where the magic begins, infusing the chicken with all that Italian flair.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Spread your saucy chicken mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Next, layer on the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, making sure every inch gets a generous blanket of gooey, melty goodness. This is what gives Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole its irresistible cheesy top.
Step 4: Make the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the crushed pork rinds or almond flour with your olive oil or melted butter. The mixture should be crumbly and evenly moistened. Sprinkle this all over the top of the cheeses—it’ll bake up golden and crunchy, mimicking the classic parmesan crust.
Step 5: Bake and Finish
Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until it’s hot, bubbly, and the topping is nicely browned. When it comes out, let it rest for a couple of minutes, then shower it with fresh basil or parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Serve warm, and get ready for major comfort food vibes!
How to Serve Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley right before serving makes this casserole look as good as it tastes. Not only does it add a burst of color, but it also brings a fresh aroma that pairs perfectly with all those Italian flavors.
Side Dishes
This Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or a side of simply steamed veggies like broccoli or zucchini. These light sides balance the richness and keep your meal feeling fresh and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make it extra special, scoop individual servings into small ramekins for a dinner-party-worthy presentation. Or, for a family-style vibe, serve it straight from the casserole dish with a big spoon—let everyone dig in for that irresistible cheese pull!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge. Simply cover the casserole dish tightly with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, making it a great option for meal prep or quick lunches throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole either before or after baking! To freeze before baking, assemble everything up to the topping, cover tightly, and freeze. If it’s already baked, let it cool completely before wrapping and freezing. It’ll be good for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly (about 15-20 minutes). This helps the topping stay crispy. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave individual portions, but the oven method gives you that just-baked texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring extra juiciness and flavor to Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole, and they work just as well as chicken breast. Just make sure they’re cooked and chopped or shredded before assembling the casserole.
What is the best low-carb marinara sauce to use?
Look for a no sugar added marinara sauce with simple ingredients—Rao’s, Yo Mama’s, or homemade versions are all great choices. Just be sure to check the label for added sugars and carbs to keep your casserole keto-friendly.
Can I make Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole dairy-free?
Yes! While cheese is traditional, you can substitute dairy-free mozzarella and Parmesan alternatives. The flavor will be a bit different, but you’ll still get a delicious, bubbly casserole with all the Italian flair.
Is there a substitute for pork rinds in the topping?
If pork rinds aren’t your thing, almond flour is a fantastic alternative that keeps the topping low-carb and pleasantly crisp. You could also try a mix of almond flour and a little grated Parmesan for extra flavor.
How can I add even more flavor to this casserole?
For a richer taste, add a dollop of ricotta cheese between the chicken and cheese layers, or toss in a few sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms for extra depth. Feel free to experiment—Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole is endlessly adaptable!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about bringing a bubbling, golden Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole to the table—it’s comfort food that fits beautifully into a low-carb lifestyle, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try this week, and watch it become a fast favorite in your kitchen!
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Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a delicious low-carb and gluten-free twist on a classic Italian favorite. Packed with tender cooked chicken, rich marinara sauce, and layered with melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this casserole offers comforting flavors without the carbs from traditional breadcrumbs. Topped with a crispy pork rind or almond flour crust, it’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or meal prep that stays keto-friendly.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)
- 1 cup marinara sauce (no sugar added)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Cheeses
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Topping
- 1/4 cup crushed pork rinds or almond flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
Garnish
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a medium casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Chicken and Seasonings: In a large bowl, combine the shredded or chopped cooked chicken breast with marinara sauce, garlic powder, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Stir thoroughly to evenly coat the chicken with the sauce and seasonings.
- Assemble Base Layer: Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish, creating a smooth, even layer to serve as the base of your casserole.
- Add Cheese Layers: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken mixture to create a cheesy layer that melts beautifully during baking.
- Prepare and Add Topping: In a small bowl, combine crushed pork rinds or almond flour with olive oil or melted butter to form a crumbly topping. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the cheese layer to add a crunchy, flavorful crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve the dish warm for best taste.
Notes
- For a quicker option, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
- To add extra richness, mix in a dollop of ricotta cheese on top before baking.
- Pair this casserole with a simple side salad or steamed veggies for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of casserole
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
