Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Posted on May 21, 2025

Low-Carb Chicken Parmesan Casserole with Mozzarella and Marinara

Looking for a cozy, low-carb dinner that’s loaded with flavor? This Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and bursting with classic Italian flavors—without the carbs! It’s the perfect comfort food makeover: all the deliciousness of chicken parm, layered into an easy-to-make casserole that’s ideal for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser even for those not on keto.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a total weeknight winner. First off, it’s low in carbs but high in satisfaction—thanks to layers of juicy chicken, marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese. It’s also a one-dish wonder, which means minimal cleanup (yay!). Whether you’re following a keto diet or just looking to eat a little lighter, this casserole delivers big flavor without the fuss. Bonus: it’s kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and totally customizable.

Ingredients

This Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole keeps it simple with pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this cheesy dream to life:

3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
1 ½ cups sugar-free marinara sauce (look for one with no added sugars)
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Tip: Rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe if you’re short on time!

Instructions

This Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole comes together in just a few easy steps. Let’s get cooking!

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or similar casserole dish.
Layer the chicken – Spread the cooked, shredded chicken evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
Add seasoning – Sprinkle the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) over the chicken.
Pour the marinara – Spoon the sugar-free marinara sauce evenly over the chicken.
Add cheese – Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then top with grated Parmesan.
Bake – Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and serve – Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving, if desired.

Servings and Timing

This casserole is just the right size for feeding the family or meal-prepping for the week. It’s hearty, satisfying, and reheats like a dream!

Servings: Makes about 4 generous portions
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Tips and Variations

Want to switch things up? This casserole is super flexible! Here are some easy ways to make it your own:

Add veggies: Mix in chopped spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrients and texture.
Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a bolder flavor.
Use different cheese: Try provolone, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses for a unique twist.
Make it creamy: Stir a couple tablespoons of cream cheese into the marinara before layering for an extra-rich version.
Go dairy-free: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives to keep it keto and allergy-friendly.

Storage

Leftovers? Lucky you! This Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole stores beautifully and tastes just as good (if not better) the next day.

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze individual portions or the whole casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
To Reheat: Warm in the microwave for a few minutes, or in a 350°F oven until heated through. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is this recipe truly keto-friendly?
Yes! With low-carb marinara and no breading, this casserole is perfect for a ketogenic diet.

2. Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?
This recipe is designed for cooked chicken. If you only have raw, cook it first—bake, grill, or pan-fry—then shred or chop before using.

3. What’s the best marinara sauce for keto?
Look for sugar-free or no-added-sugar marinara with fewer than 5g net carbs per serving. Rao’s and Yo Mama’s are great options.

4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble it up to 24 hours ahead and store covered in the fridge. Just bake when you’re ready.

5. How do I make it more filling?
Serve it with a side of steamed veggies, zucchini noodles, or a crisp green salad to round out the meal.

6. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger baking dish (like 9×13) and add a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

7. Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! As long as your marinara sauce and seasonings are gluten-free, this dish is naturally gluten-free and low-carb.

Conclusion

This Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole is everything you want in a low-carb dinner: quick, comforting, and full of cheesy, saucy goodness. Whether you’re following a keto lifestyle or just craving something cozy and delicious, this dish delivers big-time flavor with minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or sharing with family and friends.