Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe is that cozy, comforting dish that hits all the right notes without straying from your keto goals. Imagine tender chicken bathed in a rich, garlicky marinara, topped with bubbly mozzarella and nutty Parmesan – all baked into a casserole that’s easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners or lazy weekend meals. Whether you’re feeding family or craving something warm and satisfying after a busy day, you'll love how this recipe delivers flavor and keeps things low-carb and fuss-free.
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What Makes This So Good
This Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe marries classic Italian flavors with a clever low-carb twist. You'll enjoy the melody of garlicky shredded chicken swimming in a vibrant marinara sauce, all topped with that irresistible combination of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. It's quick to prepare, satisfying, and perfect for anyone looking to enjoy hearty comfort food without derailing their keto lifestyle.
- Big Flavor, Minimal Fuss: Combining pre-cooked chicken with simple seasonings and a sugar-free marinara makes this casserole a snap without skimping on taste.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will be drawn to the cheesy, crispy top and tender chicken beneath—no one has to know it’s keto!
- Simple Ingredients: You won’t need any hard-to-find specialty items—just trusty staples you probably have on hand.
- Works Any Night: Whether it’s a busy weeknight or lazy weekend, this casserole fits easily into your schedule, with leftovers that reheat beautifully.
Ingredient Guide
Picking the right ingredients really makes a difference in your Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe. Each one has a role—whether it’s flavor, texture, or sticking to your keto macros.
- Cooked Chicken: Use shredded or diced chicken breast or thigh. I often use leftovers or rotisserie chicken for ease and extra flavor.
- Marinara Sauce: Choose a sugar-free, low-carb marinara to keep it keto-friendly. Homemade works beautifully too if you have the time.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts best, giving you that gooey, stretchy texture everyone loves.
- Parmesan Cheese: Go for freshly grated Parmesan for a robust, salty bite that really elevates the casserole.
- Italian Seasoning & Garlic: These aromatics add depth and brightness—don’t skip them; they’re the soul of this dish.
Quick Reminder: Full measurements are in the recipe card below.
How to Make Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
Step 1 — Prep & Ready
First things first: preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming, shred or dice your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces—this ensures every forkful gets perfect portions of meat. Then, mince your garlic finely so it gently infuses the sauce without overpowering. It helps to grab a large mixing bowl where you'll combine chicken, marinara sauce, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently but thoroughly; this is where the flavors start to meld and get exciting!
Step 2 — Cook with Confidence
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and give the casserole a golden edge. Pour the chicken and marinara mixture into the dish and spread it to an even layer. Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top, followed by the grated Parmesan. Pop it into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese bubbles vigorously and has started to brown in some spots—that crispy, golden finish makes my mouth water every time!
Step 3 — Finish & Serve
Once your Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe is out of the oven, let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving—that settling time helps the cheese firm up just enough to slice neatly. Taste and adjust any seasoning if needed, maybe a quick sprinkle of fresh basil or extra Parmesan for an eye-catching finish. The contrast between the creamy, cheesy top and the tender, savory chicken below makes this dish totally crave-worthy and satisfying.
Extra Helpful Tips
I’ve found a few little tricks that make this Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe even easier and tastier each time I make it. Don’t worry if you’re new to casseroles—you got this.
- Watch for This Sign: When the cheese is bubbly and golden, it means all those flavors have cooked to perfection.
- Temperature Trick: Preheating the oven fully ensures even cooking and a perfectly melted top.
- Prep-Ahead Option: Mix everything except the cheese the night before and refrigerate. Add cheese and bake fresh when you’re ready.
- Avoid This Common Mistake: Don’t overload with too much sauce—it can make the casserole watery instead of creamy and cozy.
Serve & Enjoy
Easy Enhancements
A simple drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or fresh chopped basil leaves adds a bright freshness. If you like a little heat, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking or add a pinch inside the mixture. For a creamier twist, dollop a bit of ricotta cheese layered under the mozzarella before baking—you’ll get luscious pockets of creaminess throughout.
Tasty Pairings
Serve this casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. Roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli or asparagus work beautifully, too. For drinks, a sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or your favorite herbal tea keeps the meal light and refreshing.
Quick Plating Tips
Serve slices right from the dish onto warm plates. Garnish each portion with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs like oregano or parsley for color and aroma. A lemon wedge on the side adds a zesty pop and makes it look restaurant-worthy without extra effort.
Store, Freeze & Reheat
Fridge Storage
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You might notice the casserole firms up a bit as it cools—this actually makes portioning easier when ready to reheat.
Freezer Friendly?
This casserole freezes well for up to 3 months. Freeze before baking if you want convenience, or after baking once cooled. To avoid sogginess, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven to crisp up the cheese again.
Reheat Like New
For best results, reheat your Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. If you're short on time, microwaving works—just cover loosely to keep moisture in and avoid drying out. A quick flash under the broiler for a minute or two can revive crispy, bubbly cheese on top.
Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe FAQs
It’s best to start with cooked chicken here to keep the baking time short and the texture just right. Using raw chicken might dry it out or require a much longer bake.
Yes! Using sugar-free marinara and keeping the ingredients low in carbs makes this casserole an excellent choice for keto.
Absolutely! Low-carb veggies like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms can be stirred into the mixture before baking to boost nutrition and flavor.
Using well-drained cooked chicken and a thicker marinara sauce helps. Also, avoid adding too much sauce in the mix. Let the casserole rest a few minutes after baking to firm up before serving.
Final Flavor Thoughts
If you give this Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it goes! Whether you keep it classic or add your own spin with herbs and extras, it’s such a satisfying meal that’s easy to love. Don’t forget to leave a star rating or share your favorite tweaks—sometimes a dash of spice or a handful of fresh basil makes all the difference. Here’s to cozy meals and happy kitchens!
Print📖 Recipe
Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
This Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a low-carb, deliciously cheesy baked dish perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. Combining tender cooked chicken with flavorful sugar-free marinara and Italian seasonings, it's topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan for that classic Chicken Parmesan taste without the carbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Carb
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 cups marinara sauce (sugar-free)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Other
- Olive oil for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the casserole.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded or diced cooked chicken with the sugar-free marinara sauce, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined to ensure even flavor distribution.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and place the chicken mixture evenly into the dish.
- Add Cheese Toppings: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese followed by the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the chicken mixture to create a rich cheesy layer.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool slightly before serving to allow it to set for easy slicing and enjoying.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken from rotisserie, leftover roasted chicken, or quickly poached chicken breasts for convenience.
- Ensure marinara sauce is sugar-free or very low sugar to keep the recipe keto-friendly.
- Italian seasoning can be substituted with a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme if unavailable.
- Feel free to add chopped spinach or mushrooms to the mixture for extra veggies.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
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