Here’s my take on a delicious Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole, complete with everything from ingredients through FAQs. I’ve pulled from several trusted keto sources to give a version that’s flavorful, satisfying, and low in carbs.
I love this casserole because it delivers all the comforting flavors of classic Chicken Parmesan — tangy tomato sauce, melty mozzarella, crispy‑cheesy crust — but in a low‑carb, keto‑friendly casserole. It’s great for feeding a family or for meal prepping.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I think you’ll really enjoy this because:
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It’s cheesy, saucy, and satisfying without lots of carbs.
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It uses cooked chicken to save time (you don’t have to bread and fry each piece from scratch).
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The texture is layered: creamy parts, melty cheese, and a crispy topping (from pork rinds or almond flour + cheese combo).
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It reheats well and can be made ahead.
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Flexible: I can tweak the cheese, sauce, or topping to suit what I have or my preferences.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Cooked chicken, diced or shredded
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Low‑carb marinara or tomato sauce (no sugar added)
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Ricotta cheese (optional but adds creaminess)
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Mozzarella cheese, shredded
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Parmesan cheese, grated
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Heavy cream (in some versions, for added richness)
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Garlic, minced or crushed
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Topping: crushed pork rinds or almond flour mixed with parmesan cheese + butter or oil
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Italian seasoning (basil, parsley, oregano) + salt & pepper
Directions
Here’s how I make it, step by step:
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Preheat the oven to about 350‑400°F (175‑200°C), depending on the version.
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In a large bowl, mix cooked chicken + part of the marinara sauce. If using ricotta or cream cheese/heavy cream, I stir that in here as well, along with garlic, maybe a bit of parmesan.
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Spread the chicken mixture evenly in a greased casserole dish.
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Spread the rest of the marinara sauce over the chicken mixture.
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Top with mozzarella and additional parmesan.
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For the crisp topping: I mix crushed pork rinds (or almond flour) + parmesan + melted butter (or oil) and sprinkle over the cheese layer.
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Bake for about 25‑30 minutes (some versions use 25, some 30), until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the topping is golden‑brown. If desired, broil a couple of minutes at the end to crisp the top more.
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Let it sit for 5‑10 minutes before serving (this helps it set so it’s easier to scoop).
Servings and timing
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Servings: generally about 6 to 8 servings, depending on how big the casserole dish is and how generous the portions are.
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Prep time: around 10‑15 minutes if chicken is already cooked; longer if I need to cook or shred/ dice chicken.
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Cook / bake time: ~ 25‑30 minutes.
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Total time: about 35‑45 minutes start to finish (including prep).
storage/reheating
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Storage: I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for 3‑4 days.
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Freezing: This casserole freezes well, either before baking or after. If freezing before baking, wrap tightly, and bake when ready. If freezing after, thaw in fridge overnight then reheat.
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Reheating: I reheat in the oven (around 350°F) until warmed through; covering with foil at first helps prevent the cheese from burning. Microwave works too, though texture won’t be as crisp on top.
FAQs
What kind of chicken should I use — breast, thigh, rotisserie?
I usually use cooked chicken breast because it’s lean and easy to shred or dice. Thighs work too and give a juicier result. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut if I’m short on time.
Can I omit the ricotta or heavy cream?
Yes. The ricotta (or cream / cream cheese in some versions) adds a richer, creamier texture, but the casserole is still tasty without it. If I skip those, I just make sure the tomato sauce + cheese layers are well‐seasoned and moist.
What’s the best low‑carb topping to mimic breadcrumb crunch?
I prefer crushed pork rinds mixed with parmesan + melted butter — gives a really good crisp without carbs. Almond flour + parmesan also works well, especially if I want a milder flavor or avoid pork.
How many net carbs per serving roughly?
It depends on the ingredients (especially the sauce and topping). In versions I saw, it’s often ~3‑5 g net carbs per serving, when using low‑sugar marinara, minimal sauce, and a crispy topping that’s low carb.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. I sometimes assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it a day ahead. When ready, I bake it as directed, maybe adding a little extra bake time if it’s coming cold from the fridge. It’s great for prepping meals for the week.
Conclusion
I believe this Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole is one of those dishes that makes low‑carb eating feel indulgent but still practical. It gives me the cheesy, saucy goodness I crave without sacrificing keto goals. If you try making it, I can send you a printable recipe card version or a metric conversion if you’d prefer.
Print
Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
Description
Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a low-carb, gluten-free dish that layers cooked chicken with marinara sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, topped with a crispy pork rind or almond flour crust. It’s cheesy, satisfying, and perfect for family dinners or keto meal prep.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 1/2 cups low-carb marinara sauce (no sugar added)
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (optional)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (divided)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Topping: 1 cup crushed pork rinds or 1/2 cup almond flour, 1/4 cup parmesan, 2 tbsp melted butter or olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- In a large bowl, mix cooked chicken, 1 cup marinara sauce, ricotta (if using), heavy cream (if using), garlic, 1/4 cup parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Spread chicken mixture in the casserole dish evenly.
- Top with remaining 1/2 cup marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and the rest of the parmesan.
- Mix topping ingredients (pork rinds or almond flour, parmesan, and butter) and sprinkle over the cheese layer.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Broil 2–3 minutes at the end for extra crispness.
- Let sit 5–10 minutes before serving to help set.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Omit ricotta and cream for a lighter version.
- Almond flour works as a pork-free topping alternative.
- Garnish with basil or parsley after baking.
- Freeze before or after baking for easy future meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 115mg