Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole

A Low-Carb Twist on a Classic Italian-American Favorite

Chicken Parmesan: a name that instantly evokes images of golden, breaded chicken cutlets smothered in rich tomato sauce and gooey melted cheese. It’s one of the most beloved Italian-American comfort foods — hearty, indulgent, and satisfying on every level. But for those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, the traditional version poses a challenge. Between the breading, the pasta, and the sugars often found in store-bought sauces, the carb count can climb quickly. That’s where this recipe — Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole — comes in.

This casserole is everything you love about the original, but reimagined to fit a ketogenic diet. By removing the breading, skipping the pasta, and using a low-sugar marinara sauce, we’ve transformed the dish into a deeply flavorful, low-carb alternative that sacrifices none of the satisfaction. Rich in protein, packed with flavor, and crowned with bubbling cheese, this casserole is a one-dish wonder designed to keep your macros in check and your taste buds happy.

Beyond its keto compliance, this recipe shines because of its simplicity. Traditional Chicken Parmesan often involves multiple steps — dredging, breading, frying — before even getting to the sauce and cheese. In contrast, this casserole version cuts down on prep time without cutting back on flavor. By using cooked, shredded or chopped chicken (rotisserie chicken works beautifully), and layering it with a homemade or keto-friendly marinara, grated Parmesan, mozzarella, and herbs, you create a dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a hungry family.

But don’t mistake simplicity for blandness. This dish is layered with complex flavors: the tangy brightness of tomatoes, the richness of creamy cheese, the savory depth of garlic and herbs, and the juicy satisfaction of tender chicken. And because you’re working with a casserole format, you can scale it easily for meal planning, potlucks, or freezer-friendly make-ahead meals.

Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole is more than just a “diet-friendly” recipe. It’s a celebration of how traditional comfort foods can be adapted — and in some ways, improved — to suit modern dietary needs. Whether you’re following keto strictly, experimenting with low-carb eating, or just looking for a lighter version of a favorite classic, this dish delivers.

By the end, you’ll not only have a reliable, delicious recipe for Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole, but also the confidence to tweak and tailor it to suit your lifestyle. Ready to dig into a cheesy, saucy, satisfying low-carb classic?

Let’s begin.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole

PART 1: Gather and Prepare Ingredients

Before anything goes into the oven, you’ll want to have all your components prepped and ready. This not only saves time but ensures the dish comes together smoothly.

Ingredients

For the Casserole Base:

• 3 cups cooked chicken breast or thigh meat, shredded or chopped

  • (Rotisserie chicken works well for speed)

• 2 cups sugar-free marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought keto-friendly)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon dried basil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Cheese Layers:

• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (whole milk, low moisture)

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (fresh is best)

• ½ cup ricotta cheese or cream cheese (optional for creamier texture)

Topping:

• ½ cup crushed pork rinds or almond flour (for a breadcrumb substitute)

• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter

• Optional: ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes

Keto Tip: Always check nutrition labels on marinara sauces — even “healthy” brands often contain added sugars. Aim for <4g net carbs per serving.

PART 2: Preheat and Prep

Step 1: Preheat Oven

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Lightly grease a 9×9-inch or 2-quart baking dish with olive oil or butter. Set aside.

You can scale this recipe up for a larger crowd by using a 9×13-inch pan — just increase the ingredients proportionally and add 5–10 minutes to baking time.

PART 3: Season the Chicken

Step 2: Flavor the Chicken

1. In a large mixing bowl, add your shredded or chopped cooked chicken.

2. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper.

3. Pour in about 1½ cups of the marinara sauce (reserve ½ cup for the top layer).

4. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce and seasoning.

This step builds flavor into the base — don’t skip it! Bland chicken makes for a bland casserole.

PART 4: Assemble the Layers

Now that your chicken is seasoned and sauced, it’s time to layer everything into the casserole dish.

Step 3: First Layer – Chicken

1. Spread the chicken mixture evenly across the bottom of your greased baking dish.

2. Press gently with a spatula to create an even, compact layer.

Step 4: Second Layer – Creamy Cheese (Optional)

1. If using ricotta or cream cheese, drop small spoonfuls across the chicken layer.

2. Use the back of a spoon to spread it out gently.

This layer adds richness and a creamy texture but is optional. Some keto eaters prefer to skip this for a leaner version.

Step 5: Third Layer – Mozzarella and Parmesan

1. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella evenly over the surface.

2. Follow with ¼ cup Parmesan cheese.

Step 6: Fourth Layer – Marinara Sauce

1. Drizzle the remaining ½ cup marinara sauce over the top of the cheese.

2. Use the back of a spoon or spatula to spread it gently without disturbing the cheese layer too much.

Step 7: Final Layer – “Breadcrumb” Topping

1. In a small bowl, combine:

   • ½ cup crushed pork rinds or almond flour

   • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan

   • 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter

   • Optional: pinch of Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes

2. Stir to combine into a crumbly topping.

3. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole.

This mimics the golden, crispy topping of traditional Chicken Parmesan without the carbs.

PART 5: Bake the Casserole

Step 8: Bake

• Place the casserole in the center rack of your preheated oven.

• Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until:

  • The cheese is bubbling

  • The top is golden brown

  • The internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) if using freshly cooked chicken

If you want a crispier topping, turn on the broiler for the last 2–3 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.

PART 6: Rest and Serve

Step 9: Cool Slightly

• Remove from the oven and let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

• This allows the casserole to set and makes it easier to portion.

Step 10: Garnish and Plate

• Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley for color and freshness.

• Serve hot, either on its own or with low-carb sides.

Serving Suggestions (Keto-Friendly Sides)

• Zucchini noodles or spiralized vegetables

• Cauliflower rice or cauliflower mash

• Steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach

• A fresh arugula salad with olive oil and lemon

Portion Tip: One serving is typically about 1/6 of a 9×9-inch dish, which usually yields around 4–6g net carbs depending on ingredients used.