Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole: Easy Family Recipe

Craving a comforting meal that’s both delicious and keto-friendly? Look no further.

Keto chicken parmesan casserole is a perfect mix of juicy chicken, melty cheese, and tasty marinara sauce.

This easy, low-carb recipe is a real game-changer for anyone on a ketogenic diet. Plus, you can make it in just about 30 minutes.

When I first tried this dish, I was amazed at how well it satisfied my craving for comfort food without wrecking my diet. No need for breading or pasta—just wholesome ingredients like chicken, cheese, and herbs.

Add a bit of crushed pork rinds for that extra crunch, and you’re set for a flavorful meal.

This dish has quickly become a family favorite in my home. Not only is it healthy and delicious, but it’s also versatile.

Whether served with a side of steamed veggies or atop some cauliflower rice, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table.

Key Takeaways

• Learn how to make a delicious keto chicken parmesan casserole.
• Use simple, low-carb ingredients for a healthy dish.
• Enjoy a family favorite that’s both comforting and quick to prepare.

Ingredients and Amounts

When making a delicious keto chicken parmesan casserole, it’s important to gather the right ingredients. Below is a list with the amounts you need:

• Chicken Breasts: 4 cups cooked and cubed
• Marinara Sauce: 1 ½ cups
• Cream Cheese: 4 oz, softened
• Fresh Mozzarella Cheese: 1 ½ cups, shredded
• Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, shredded
• Ricotta Cheese: ½ cup
• Pork Rinds: ½ cup, crushed
• Almond Flour: ½ cup
• Basil: 2 tbsp, fresh and chopped
• Garlic: 1 tsp, minced
• Salt: 1 tsp
• Olive Oil: 2 tbsp
• Black Pepper: ½ tsp
• Italian Seasoning: ½ tsp

These ingredients help keep the dish low in carbs while being full of flavor.

I prefer to use chicken breasts for this recipe, since they are lean and cook up nicely.

The combination of fresh and shredded cheeses like mozzarella and parmesan gives that classic chicken parmesan taste.

For texture, crushed pork rinds and almond flour create a crunchy topping. Meanwhile, adding a bit of ricotta cheese makes the casserole creamy.

I also include marinara sauce, both for its rich flavor and keto-friendly profile.

Spices like basil, garlic, salt, and Italian seasoning bring everything together.

Finally, don’t forget the olive oil, which adds a smooth texture and healthy fats.

Recipe Preparation and Cooking

Making a keto chicken parmesan casserole is simple and fun. You’ll need some basic ingredients and tools, plus a bit of prep work to get it ready for baking.

Step-By-Step Instructions

First, preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Prepare the chicken by cooking it until golden brown. Dice or shred the cooked chicken. Spread it evenly in the baking dish.

Next, pour marinara sauce over the chicken.

Sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning for added flavor.

Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. This will give the casserole a cheesy, delicious crust.

For a crunchy topping, mix crushed pork rinds with almond flour and sprinkle over the cheese layer. You can also add fresh basil for extra taste.

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for around 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

If you prefer a crispier top, broil for the last few minutes.

Cooking Tips

It’s important to cook the chicken fully before adding it to the casserole. You can use a baking sheet to bake it or a skillet to cook it on the stove. This step ensures the chicken is tender and thoroughly cooked.

If you want to save time, use rotisserie chicken or meal prep by cooking the chicken ahead of time.

For the best flavor, use a high-quality marinara sauce. This can make a big difference in the final taste of the dish.

If serving as a main meal, pair the casserole with a fresh side salad. This not only complements the dish but also adds some greens to your meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

I always get questions about how to make keto chicken parmesan casserole even better. Here are some of the most common ones I hear, along with my best tips and advice.

What can I use as a substitute for breadcrumbs in a keto chicken parmesan casserole?

To keep it keto-friendly, I use crushed pork rinds as a substitute for breadcrumbs. They add a nice crunch and blend well with the other ingredients.

Another option is almond flour, which gives a good texture without loading up on carbs.

How do I incorporate cream cheese into a keto chicken parmesan casserole recipe?

Adding cream cheese can make the casserole creamier.

I melt about 4 ounces of cream cheese with garlic salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, then stir it into the marinara and cooked chicken until everything is smooth and combined. This makes the sauce richer and more flavorful.

What are some easy steps to make a keto chicken parmesan casserole?

First, preheat the oven to 350°F.

Cook your chicken and cut it into chunks. Mix it with marinara sauce, and cream cheese if using.

Spread in a baking dish, top it with shredded mozzarella and parmesan, then bake until everything is bubbly and melted. Broiling for a few minutes can add extra crispiness on top.

Can I use cauliflower rice as a base for a keto-friendly chicken parmesan casserole?

Yes, you can use cauliflower rice to make it even more filling and low-carb.

I like to toss cauliflower florets with some oil and seasoning, then roast them before layering them at the base of the casserole. It adds a good vegetable component without extra carbs.

How do I make a chicken parmesan casserole without using pasta to keep it keto-friendly?

Instead of pasta, I focus on using more protein and low-carb veggies.

I cut cooked chicken into chunks and mix it with marinara, cheese, and seasonings. Sometimes I add roasted cauliflower or zucchini slices. It keeps the dish hearty without the need for pasta.

What are some tips to keep a chicken parmesan casserole healthy and low-carb?

Start by choosing high-quality proteins and low-carb vegetables.

Stick to sugar-free marinara sauce and use cheese in moderation.

Crushed pork rinds or almond flour make great low-carb breadcrumb substitutes.

Roasting veggies before adding them to the casserole can also help maintain a better texture and flavor.