Oh, you know those nights when you just crave that cheesy, Italian comfort food, but your low carb or keto plan keeps whispering warnings in your ear? I totally get it! That’s where this recipe swoops in like a superhero, trust me. I’m Olivia, and as someone who develops recipes focused on happy, healthy eating, my goal is always to deliver maximum flavor without the carb crash. That’s why this Low Carb Chicken Parmesan Casserole is my go-to. It’s unbelievably easy, packs a powerhouse of protein, and tastes exactly like the classic dish—just without any of that heavy breading getting in the way. You’re going to love how rich and satisfying this feels!
Why This Low Carb Chicken Parmesan Casserole is Your New Favorite Dinner
Listen, you don’t have to give up your favorite flavors just because you’re eating healthier! This little number is genuinely perfect for weeknights when you need a win. It’s so high in protein, which keeps you feeling full and fueled for hours. It’s such a fantastic twist on a classic Italian dish. Honestly, it’s one of my favorite healthy high protein recipes for a reason.
- It delivers all the gooey cheese and savory tomato sauce you crave, zero flour required.
- It’s super fast—we’re talking under 40 minutes total, making it ideal for those busy evenings.
- This recipe fits perfectly into your routine if you’re looking for Easy High Protein Low Carb Meals.
- It’s filling enough to count as one of your best High Protein Dinner Ideas without making you feel sluggish after dinner.
Ingredients Needed for Low Carb Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Okay, the ingredient list is refreshingly simple, which is what I love when I’m running around after teaching a morning wellness class! Since we skip the traditional breading, we rely on the cheese and a special topping for all that incredible texture. Make sure your chicken is already cooked—rotisserie works great in a pinch!
For the best flavor here, especially since the sauce is a star in this dish, try to grab a really good quality jarred marinara. I always check for ones with lower sugar content, or better yet, use a homemade batch if you have one ready. High-quality sauce makes *all* the difference when you’re leaning into straightforward Italian flavors.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Two pounds of cooked chicken, diced up nice and chunky.
- One and a half cups of your low-carb marinara sauce, split for layering.
- One cup of creamy ricotta cheese to give it that beautiful, soft middle layer.
- Five ounces of grated Parmesan cheese for mixing in.
- Eight ounces of fresh mozzarella cheese—make sure you slice this, it melts so much better than the shredded tubs!
- A quarter cup of melted butter for that crunchy top!
- One cup of grated Parmesan cheese for the topping mixture.
- One cup of finely ground almond flour—this is our secret weapon for crunch!
- Two tablespoons of fresh herbs, like basil or parsley, chopped up for garnish at the end.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Low Carb Chicken Parmesan Casserole Topping
If you’re used to standard recipes, you might look at this topping mixture—butter, almond flour, Parmesan—and think, “Wait, where’s the crunch?!” I promise you, this combination creates an amazing texture that holds up beautifully while baking. It’s one of those smart little tricks you pick up when focusing on Keto High Protein Meals. We are getting crispy golden goodness without touching breadcrumbs, and it’s spectacular!
My biggest tip here is patience with your butter. You absolutely need it fully melted and incorporated with the Parmesan and almond flour. Don’t rush this mixing step, or you’ll end up with dry pockets of flour scattered over your gorgeous mozzarella. I like to make sure the mixture looks like wet, sandy crumbs before I even think about sprinkling it on top.
Achieving Golden Brown Perfection
When the baking time is up and the sauce is bubbling but the top is still a little pale, don’t panic. This is when you need to use your broiler, but watch it like a hawk! Almond flour browns much faster than wheat flour. I stick right by the oven door and aim for just 60 to 90 seconds max. You want deep golden spots, not charcoal spots, you know?
Pull it out right when the cheese is perfectly melted underneath and the topping is toasted. That quick blast under the heat is what turns this simple casserole into a showstopper!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Low Carb Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Alright, let’s get this glorious, cheesy tower built! The beauty of this easy healthy chicken dinner is how little time it takes before it’s headed to the oven. First things first: make sure your oven is hot! Go ahead and preheat it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit—this is non-negotiable for even cooking.
Here is the assembly process, step-by-step:
- The Base Layer: In a big bowl—and I mean a big bowl, because we’re mixing everything up—gently combine your diced cooked chicken, one cup of that lovely marinara, and all the creamy ricotta cheese. You don’t want to smash the chicken, just coat it nicely.
- First Assembly: Scoop that whole chicken mixture right into your casserole dish and spread it out evenly across the bottom. Then, spread the remaining half cup of marinara right over the top of the chicken layer. Go ahead and lay those beautiful slices of fresh mozzarella over the sauce.
- Make the Crunch Topping: In a separate medium bowl, this is where you make magic! Whisk together your melted butter, the full cup of grated Parmesan you set aside for the topping, and the almond flour. Mix it until it looks sandy and thoroughly combined.
- Top It Off: Sprinkle that crunchy butter-almond topping evenly over the mozzarella layer.
- Bake Time: Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. You’re looking for it to be golden brown and bubbly all around. Just a quick reminder: If you’re using a very cold glass dish, let it sit on the counter for 15 minutes while the oven preheats, or even place the cold dish right in the cold oven and turn it on. This little trick keeps the glass from cracking!
- Finish Strong: Once it’s out and looking perfect, sprinkle those fresh herbs over the top. Let it rest for just a minute or two before digging in. Enjoy!
Ingredient Notes and Low Carb Substitutions for the Casserole
When you’re sticking to a plan like low carb or keto, the details on your ingredients matter so much more than with traditional recipes, right? It’s often the sneaky sugars hiding in familiar pantry staples that trip us up! So, let’s talk sauce for this Low Carb Chicken Parmesan Casserole.
That marinara I mention? You have to read the label, seriously. Many jarred sauces sneak in added sugar that just isn’t necessary. Look for brands that keep their ingredient list short and sweet, focusing on tomatoes and herbs. If you can’t find one you love, don’t stress! You can just take your favorite low-sugar variety and jazz it up yourself. Throw in a teaspoon of Italian seasoning and maybe half a teaspoon of garlic powder—instant flavor boost!
Now, let’s chat about that beautiful, creamy layer you get from the ricotta cheese. Ricotta is naturally low in carbs, which is great, but if you happen to run out or have a texture preference, you can absolutely play around with it. Full-fat cream cheese works wonders as a substitute, especially if you whip it up first with a splash of almond milk or water to loosen it up. This keeps the casserole delightfully rich and creamy, which is what we want for those satisfying low carb healthy meals.
I encourage you to explore my other diet recipes for more swaps and ideas too!
Serving Suggestions for Your High Protein Low Carb Dinner
So, you have this magnificent, cheesy casserole ready to go, and now you need the perfect supporting cast! Since this is already such a hearty, flavor-packed dish, you don’t want sides that fight it—you want things that offer freshness and that lovely green contrast. Trust me on this; a bright side cuts through the richness perfectly.
For simple Low Carb Dinner Ideas, I always reach for greens. A big, simple mixed green salad dressed with good quality olive oil and lemon juice is always a winner. If you want to get a little more creative with your vegetables, roasted asparagus or quickly steamed green beans tossed with a hint of salt and pepper are fantastic.
If you’re feeling ambitious and want something roasted, my Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Pecans are shockingly good alongside Italian flavors, even though they seem a little sweet. They turn crispy and delicious, adding flavor without adding unnecessary carbs. Keep it light, keep it green, and you’ll have a perfectly balanced, wonderfully satisfying meal!
Storage and Reheating the Low Carb Chicken Parmesan Casserole
I’m all about making your week easier, so good news: this casserole is totally meal-prep friendly! If you’re looking ahead for those super busy days, you can totally prep this up ahead of time. Just cover it tightly with foil, and pop it in the fridge—it holds up beautifully for up to two days. Isn’t that great for planning out your Low Carb Healthy Meals for the week?
If you’re reheating leftovers later on (and you should, they’re amazing!), you have a couple of options. For the best texture, especially keeping that mozzarella gooey under the almond flour topping, I always recommend using the oven. Wrap it loosely in foil and heat it at 325 degrees until it’s hot all the way through. This usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
If you’re totally pressed for time, the microwave will work, of course! Just be aware that the topping might lose a tiny bit of its crispness. Use medium power in short bursts, stirring gently between each burst to heat evenly. Either way, these leftovers last up to four full days in the fridge—which is just proof of how well the low-carb ingredients hold their moisture!
Frequently Asked Questions About Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole
I always get the same questions when people first make this casserole, which is an amazing sign that everyone wants to integrate more easy gluten free recipes into their routine! Since we’ve ditched the traditional breading, sometimes folks need a little clarification on how to keep things low carb but still absolutely delicious. Here are some common things I hear!
Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, please do! This is one of my favorite shortcuts for getting a great Keto Dinner Recipe on the table quickly. Rotisserie chicken is already seasoned and perfectly cooked. Just shred or dice about two pounds worth, and you skip a whole step. It holds up wonderfully in the final bake.
Is this recipe completely gluten-free?
It sure is! Because we use almond flour instead of regular breadcrumbs or wheat flour for the topping, this is naturally gluten-free. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a classic Italian-American flavor profile while avoiding gluten without sacrificing any of the tasty, crunchy texture up top. It’s proof that healthy chicken casserole recipes don’t have to be complicated!
What if I want to make this a Keto Dinner Recipe variation without ricotta?
That’s a great question about keeping things purely keto! If you want to avoid ricotta for any reason, my favorite approach is to use full-fat cream cheese instead. Soften about 8 ounces of cream cheese and whip it really well with a tablespoon or two of heavy cream and maybe a tiny splash of lemon juice until it’s smooth and spreadable. This gives you that necessary creamy binder just like the ricotta!
How can I sneak in more veggies to make this part of my Healthy High Protein Recipes?
I love that you’re thinking about bundling in those veggies! You can sauté some thinly sliced mushrooms or spinach until they are completely wilted and dry, and then fold them right into the chicken mixture along with the ricotta. Just make sure you squeeze every last drop of moisture out of those greens before mixing them in!
Share Your Low Carb Chicken Parmesan Casserole Experience
Truly, nothing makes my day faster than hearing from you all when you try one of my recipes! I hope that digging into this rich, low-carb version of a classic makes you feel cozy and satisfied without any of the guilt. I’m Olivia Bennett, and my whole mission at Sena Recipes is making healthy living intuitive and delicious!
If you made this Low Carb Chicken Parmesan Casserole, please take a minute to leave a rating—five stars if it earned it! And please snap a photo and tag me on social media. I love seeing your kitchen creations. I’m always tinkering and trying new balance-focused meals, so let me know in the comments below what you thought of the almond flour topping and what I should cook up next!
Share Your Low Carb Chicken Parmesan Casserole Experience
Truly, nothing makes my day faster than hearing from you all when you try one of my recipes! I hope that digging into this rich, low-carb version of a classic makes you feel cozy and satisfied without any of the guilt. I’m Olivia Bennett, and my whole mission at Sena Recipes is making healthy living intuitive and delicious! You can read a little more about my philosophy right here, but connecting with you directly is the best part of my job.
If you made this Low Carb Chicken Parmesan Casserole, please take a minute to leave a rating—five stars if it earned it! Your feedback is what helps other home cooks feel confident trying new healthy kitchen creations. And please snap a photo and tag me on social media. I love seeing your kitchen creations pop up in my feed!
Let me know in the comments below what you thought of the almond flour topping and what low carb comfort food I should tackle next! Happy cooking, everyone!
Print
Low Carb Chicken Parmesan Casserole
- Total Time: 40 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A simple, high-protein casserole that captures the flavor of Chicken Parmesan without the heavy breading, suitable for low carb or keto diets.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds cooked chicken diced
- 1 ½ cups keto marinara divided
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 5 ounces grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese sliced
- ¼ cup butter melted
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup almond flour
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, 1 cup of the marinara, and ricotta cheese.
- Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and spread the remaining ½ cup of marinara over the chicken. Top with the sliced parmesan and fresh mozzarella cheese.
- In a medium bowl, stir together the melted butter, 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and almond flour. Sprinkle this topping over the casserole.
- Bake for 25 minutes, until golden and bubbly. You can brown the top under the broiler for a few minutes if you prefer more color.
- Sprinkle with fresh herbs and serve.
Notes
- If you use jarred marinara instead of homemade, add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and ½ teaspoon garlic powder to it.
- You can prepare this casserole up to two days ahead of time and keep it covered in the refrigerator.
- Allow the dish to come to room temperature before baking, or place the cold casserole dish in the oven while it preheats to prevent the dish from cracking.
- Leftovers keep well for up to four days.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Unsaturated Fat: 15
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 38
- Cholesterol: 150
Keywords: Low Carb Chicken Parmesan Casserole, chicken parmesan casserole, keto chicken parmesan, high protein low carb meals, gluten free chicken parmesan, healthy chicken casserole