Name: Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 cups cubed rotisserie chicken (or cooked chicken breast, cubed); 3/4 cup no added sugar marinara sauce; 1 tbsp Italian seasoning; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp almond flour; 3/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 3/4 cup finely crushed parmesan crisps; Non-stick cooking spray

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 14 reviews

I have to tell you about one of my absolute favorite comfort dishes that also fits perfectly with my low-carb lifestyle—the Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe. It’s everything I love about classic chicken parmesan transformed into a cozy, cheesy casserole that comes together quickly and satisfies my cravings without any guilt. The layers of tender chicken, savory marinara, and melty cheese make it feel like a warm hug on a plate, and it’s become a staple when I want something hearty and flavorful with minimal fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

From the first bite, I was enchanted by the rich, satisfying flavor of this casserole. The way the garlic and Italian seasoning blend perfectly with the savory chicken and tangy marinara creates a taste experience that’s simply irresistible to me. Then, topping it all with that irresistibly creamy mozzarella and sharp parmesan cheese adds an indulgent texture and flavor layer that makes every forkful feel like a celebration. It truly hits that perfect balance between comforting and fresh, without ever feeling heavy on carbs.

What really wins me over is how wonderfully simple the preparation is. I love recipes that don’t involve a hundred steps or complicated ingredients, and this one fits the bill beautifully. A quick sauté, an easy mix, then baking it all together means I’m not stuck in the kitchen all evening. I find it perfect for weeknight dinners when I want something hearty but not stressful to prepare. Plus, it’s a fantastic dish to bring to family gatherings or casual parties—you can make it ahead, reheat it, and everyone is guaranteed to ask for seconds. This Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe stands out because it combines comfort food nostalgia with clean keto-friendly ingredients, making it a delightful choice any night of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white bowl filled with shredded cooked chicken that looks tender and light beige. Around this bowl, there are four other clear bowls: one with finely shredded white cheese, another with a thick red tomato sauce that has a slightly chunky texture, a third with more shredded cheese that appears a bit coarser, and the last with a mix of yellowish and white grated powders, probably cheese and breadcrumbs. All bowls sit on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this recipe are simple and purposeful, each lending its unique flavor, texture, and color to the finished dish. These essentials come together to create a rich, cheesy casserole that is full of flavor without unnecessary carbs or complexity.

4 cups cubed rotisserie chicken (or chicken breast, cooked and cubed): This forms the hearty base of the casserole, providing tender, juicy protein that soaks up all the flavors.
3/4 cup no added sugar marinara sauce: Adds the perfect tangy, tomato goodness without extra carbs, keeping it keto-compliant.
1 tbsp Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs infuses the dish with classic Mediterranean flavors that complement the chicken perfectly.
2 garlic cloves (minced): Garlic brings a fragrant, savory punch that elevates every bite.
1 tbsp olive oil: Needed for sautéing the garlic, it imparts a subtle richness and helps bring out the flavors.
2 tbsp almond flour: Used as a light thickener and binder, it helps create a satisfying texture without traditional breadcrumbs.
3/4 cup parmesan cheese (grated): Sharp and salty, parmesan is key to capturing that authentic chicken parmesan taste.
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully, creating a stretchy, gooey layer that’s simply irresistible.
3/4 cup finely crushed parmesan crisps: These provide a crunchy, cheesy topping that adds a lovely contrast in texture.
Non-stick cooking spray: Keeps the casserole dish clean and prevents sticking without adding extra calories.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures your casserole will cook evenly and the cheese will melt to perfection.

Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and gently sauté it until fragrant—this should take about one minute. Be careful not to let it brown too much, or it might turn bitter.

Step 3: Stir in the Italian seasoning, marinara sauce, almond flour, and cubed chicken. Mix everything well and let it cook together for around five minutes. This allows the almond flour to thicken the sauce slightly and the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 4: Spray a 9” x 13” casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. Pour the chicken and marinara mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 5: Layer the grated parmesan cheese next, followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese. Then, sprinkle the finely crushed parmesan crisps on top to get that perfect crunchy finish.

Step 6: Bake the casserole for 25 to 30 minutes until it’s heated throughout and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it towards the end to ensure the topping crisps up nicely without burning.

Step 7: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This resting time helps everything settle and makes it easier to portion out.

Servings and Timing

This Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe makes about 10 generous servings, perfect for a family meal or leftovers to enjoy throughout the week. Prep time is a quick 10 minutes, mostly chopping and mixing. The cook time is about 30 minutes, including sautéing the garlic mixture and baking everything together. Altogether, you’re looking at around 40 minutes to have a delicious, satisfying casserole on the table. I usually allow a 5-minute cooling period before serving to make sure it holds its shape nicely on the plate.

How to Serve This Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

A clear glass baking dish filled with a cheesy baked dish is shown on a white marbled surface. The dish has three main layers visible: at the bottom, a rich orange sauce, followed by a gooey white melted cheese layer, and topped with a crumbly golden brown crust. A woman's hand holds a black spoon scooping a portion from the dish, lifting the layers to show the melted cheese stretching in strings between the spoon and the remaining food. The crust has a crunchy texture with specks of black seasoning. The overall look is warm and inviting, with a mix of smooth, melted, and crispy textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this casserole, I love pairing it with simple keto-friendly sides that complement its rich, cheesy flavors. Steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans sprinkled with a bit of lemon zest bring a fresh, crisp contrast to the creamy casserole. You could also serve a simple arugula salad tossed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar to add a peppery, tangy bite that balances the dish perfectly.

For presentation, I often garnish the casserole with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil leaves to add a pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness. Serving it right from the casserole dish adds a cozy, family-style feel, but for a special touch, plating individual portions with a drizzle of extra marinara sauce and a sprinkle of parmesan creates a welcoming, restaurant-quality vibe. I recommend serving this casserole hot or warm, as the cheese is at its melty, gooey best—though it’s also surprisingly delicious enjoyed at room temperature for a make-ahead lunch.

As for drinks, I’m a fan of pairing this casserole with a crisp glass of dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which cuts through the richness nicely. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a splash of lemon or a chilled iced tea with fresh mint complements the flavors without overpowering them. Whether it’s a family weeknight dinner or a festive potluck, this casserole fits right in and always feels like a special treat.

Variations

I love experimenting with this recipe to tailor it to different tastes and dietary needs. For instance, if I want to boost the veggie content, I will add sautéed spinach or zucchini slices right into the chicken mixture before baking. It adds color, texture, and extra nutrition without compromising flavor. You could also swap out chicken breast for ground turkey or even cooked Italian sausage if you like a bit more spice and meat variety.

For those following a gluten-free diet, this casserole is already a perfect fit, thanks to the almond flour replacement and the use of parmesan crisps instead of breaded toppings. If you want to make it vegan, I’d recommend using plant-based chicken substitutes and vegan mozzarella and parmesan-style cheeses, though the texture and flavor will change somewhat. Still, it’s a delicious alternative that keeps the spirit of the dish alive!

If you want to switch up the flavor profile, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat or incorporate fresh basil and oregano into the sauce mixture for a brighter, more herby taste. You could also experiment with swapping the marinara for a creamy pesto sauce for an entirely different but equally tasty twist. Additionally, cooking this casserole in individual ramekins or smaller dishes can be a fun way to make personalized portions for gatherings.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep everything fresh and flavorful. I find that glass containers with tight-fitting lids work best because they don’t absorb odors. Leftovers will stay good for about 3 to 4 days, giving me plenty of time to enjoy second or even third helpings without the casserole drying out or losing its creamy texture.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully, which I love for busy weeks. To freeze, I portion the casserole into individual airtight containers or wrap the entire dish tightly with plastic wrap followed by foil. It keeps well in the freezer for up to 2 months. When I want to enjoy it later, I just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results. Freezing doesn’t significantly change the texture, making it an excellent make-ahead meal option.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer using the oven or a toaster oven to bring back that lovely melty cheese topping and even warmth throughout. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit, cover the casserole lightly with foil to prevent over-browning, and heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just heat in short bursts to avoid rubbery cheese and stir gently in between. Avoid overheating, as it can dry out the chicken and reduce that creamy texture I adore.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, but you can easily cook your own chicken breast or thighs, then cube them for this recipe. Just be sure to cook the chicken thoroughly and let it cool before mixing with the other ingredients. It won’t change the overall flavor, only the prep time.

Is this recipe suitable for strict keto diets?

Yes, I designed this Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe specifically with low-carb, keto-friendly ingredients like almond flour and no sugar marinara sauce. The carb count is minimal, making it an ideal choice for anyone watching their carb intake.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

While the traditional version relies heavily on cheese for flavor and texture, you can substitute dairy-free cheeses to make it dairy-free. Look for good quality plant-based mozzarella and parmesan-style options. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will differ slightly, but it’s doable and delicious in its own right.

What can I serve instead of parmesan crisps for the topping?

If you don’t have parmesan crisps, you can substitute with crushed pork rinds or even a sprinkle of additional almond flour mixed with parmesan cheese to create a crunchy topping. Alternatively, using extra shredded mozzarella and broiling at the end gives a nice golden crust as well.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the casserole the day before, cover it tightly, and keep it refrigerated. When you’re ready, bake it as instructed, though it might take a few extra minutes to heat through since it’s coming from cold. This makes it a wonderful option for meal prep or entertaining.

Conclusion

I’m so excited for you to try this Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe because it has truly become a go-to comfort meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing. With its layers of bold flavors, melty cheese, and easy preparation, it’s a dish that brings joy to any dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping ahead for busy nights, or hosting friends, this casserole never fails to impress. Give it a try—I promise it’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection like it did in mine!