Indulge in the comforting flavors of our Lazy Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole, a delicious recipe that reimagines traditional chicken parmesan into a low-carb masterpiece. Embracing a keto diet doesn't mean sacrificing flavor; this amazing recipe is proof. Baked in delicious marinara sauce, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, roasted cauliflower, basil, and Italian seasoning then topped with a crispy parmesan crust- the whole family is going to be coming back for seconds!
Our journey to create this keto casserole began with a love for the iconic Italian restaurant favorite, chicken parmesan. We wanted to develop a parmesan recipe that aligns with a low-carb diet, making it suitable for the entire family, including picky eaters.
After experimenting with various ingredients, we discovered that almond flour works wonders instead of traditional bread crumbs, offering a delightful crunch for that parmesan crust.
Utilizing pre-cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken, this parmesan chicken casserole is not only easy to prepare but also saves time, making it perfect for busy evenings. The almond flour crust adds the perfect finishing touch to the low carb chicken parmesan, ensuring each bite is as satisfying as a traditional recipe. It's a testament to how a few clever tweaks can transform a dish into something that fits a keto diet without losing its essence.
If you're a fan of a good parmesan crust, don't miss our wild-caught pollock with a parmesan crust. For those who love Italian-style, low-carb casseroles, be sure to try our other creations like the Clean Keto Turkey Broccoli Italian Bake or the delectable Chicken Alfredo with Spaghetti Squash - all bursting with flavor and perfect for a healthy, low-carb lifestyle.
In creating this parmesan chicken casserole, we encourage you to set healthy intentions for your meals. Check out our free guide on using intentions and affirmations.
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Ingredients
Rotisserie Chicken / Chicken Breasts: A choice of shredded chicken for convenience and protein. You can opt for chicken breasts, which you can cook and shred at home. Organic chicken is best.
Cauliflower: A great low-carb substitute, cauliflower adds volume and nutrients without the added sugars of traditional ingredients. Organic is best.
Unsweetened Marinara Sauce: Choosing a sauce without added sugar is crucial for keeping the dish keto. Marinara sauce brings a rich tomato flavor and antioxidants. Our favorite brand is Rao's.
Mozzarella Cheese: This cheese adds creamy and melty elements to the casserole, providing calcium and enhancing the overall texture. Organic is always best.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese infuses a savory depth to the dish, along with additional protein and calcium. Organic is best.
Almond Flour: A great low-carb alternative for the breading mixture, it lends a nutty flavor and crunchy texture to the crust. Organic is best.
Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs elevates the dish with a fragrant aroma and beneficial antioxidants. Organic is best.
Fresh Basil: Adds a fresh, aromatic touch to the dish and is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Organic is best.
Red Pepper Flakes: A hint of heat and depth, with potential metabolism-boosting properties.
Cherry Tomatoes: Offer natural sweetness and a burst of flavor, along with essential vitamins and antioxidants. Organic is best.
Avocado Oil: A healthier oil option with a high smoke point, perfect for roasting, and rich in monounsaturated fats.
Garlic Powder: Known for its robust flavor and immune-boosting properties. Opt for organic.
Onion Powder: Delivers subtle sweetness and depth, with anti-inflammatory effects. Opt for organic.
Black Pepper: Enhances flavor profiles and aids in nutrient absorption.
Sea Salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing the flavors of the casserole.
Instructions
Roasting Cauliflower: Begin by roasting your cauliflower florets. This is the first crucial step to infuse the dish with a delightful, slightly caramelized flavor. Capture the cauliflower spread out on a baking tray, ready for the oven.
Combining Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the tomato sauce, half of the mozzarella, half of the parmesan cheese, half of the Italian seasoning, half of the basil, red pepper flakes, and cherry tomatoes. Add the roasted cauliflower to this mix.
Prepping Casserole Dish: After reducing the oven temperature to 350, pour the chicken and cauliflower mixture into a casserole dish.
Mixing Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the almond flour with the remaining mozzarella, parmesan, and Italian seasoning.
Creating the Crust: Evenly spread the parmesan crust mixture over the casserole.
Baking the Casserole: Bake the casserole at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes.
Broiling for Golden Top: Optionally, broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at 500°F.
Hint:
When preparing cauliflower for roasting, a great tip is to use a bowl with a lid for even coating. Place your cauliflower florets in the bowl and add avocado oil, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and sea salt. Secure the lid and give it a good shake. This method ensures that each floret is evenly coated with oil and spices, enhancing the flavor and texture of the cauliflower in your keto chicken parmesan casserole.
Substitutions and Variations
Almond Flour Instead of Pork Rinds: While many keto recipes use pork rinds (or pork panko) for a crunchy topping, we opt for almond flour. It's a healthier alternative that aligns with clean eating principles.
Zucchini Noodles: Next time you make this dish, consider serving it over zucchini noodles for an extra serving of veggies. Zucchini noodles are a fantastic low-carb alternative to traditional pasta, adding a fresh and slightly crunchy texture to your meal.
Cauliflower Rice: Another excellent variation is to serve the casserole over cauliflower rice. This adds volume and complements the main dish without overwhelming it with extra carbs.
Chicken Thighs: If you prefer a richer flavor, substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs. They add a different texture and depth to the top of the chicken in your casserole.
Coconut Flour for a Different Flour Option: For those who might prefer or require a different type of flour, coconut flour is a good alternative to the mixture of almond flour. It's another healthy, low-carb option that can bring a unique flavor to the dish.
Vegetable Add-Ins for More Nutrients: Consider adding other low-carb vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the casserole. They can enhance the nutritional value and add more variety to the flavors and textures.
Cheese Variations for Different Flavors: Experiment with different types of cheese for the topping or within the casserole. Each cheese brings its unique taste and texture, and you might find a new favorite combination.
Vegetarian: For a vegetarian twist on this casserole, consider replacing the chicken with a plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or even a mixture of hearty vegetables like eggplant and portobello mushrooms.
Storage
To keep leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. An airtight container helps preserve the casserole's moisture and prevents any absorption of odors from the refrigerator.
You can store the casserole in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in the oven or microwave until it's thoroughly warmed through.
For longer storage, this casserole can also be frozen. Place it in a freezer-safe airtight container and freeze for up to a month. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm up in the oven.
Top tip
Achieving the Perfect Crispy Topping: One of the keys to a mouthwatering Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole is getting that golden, crispy topping just right. To do this, make sure your mixture of almond flour and cheese is evenly spread over the top of the casserole. Before placing the casserole in the oven, gently press the topping down with the back of a spoon or spatula to ensure it's compact. This helps the topping to bake evenly, creating a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender layers beneath.
Additionally, keep a close eye on the casserole during the final minutes of broiling. Those last couple of minutes under the broiler are crucial for achieving that perfectly golden brown crust without burning it. This top tip will elevate your Keto Parmesan Casserole, ensuring a deliciously crispy topping that makes this dish a standout at any meal.
FAQ
Chicken Parmesan can be a nutritious choice, especially when prepared with a focus on clean eating and holistic nutrition principles. By using quality, organic chicken, you're getting a good source of lean protein. In traditional recipes, the breading and frying might be a concern. However, in our Lazy Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole, we use almond flour instead of bread crumbs, offering a healthier, low-carb alternative. The key is to use fresh, whole ingredients and avoid processed additives, ensuring that your Chicken Parmesan is not only delicious but also aligns with a healthy, balanced diet.
While cheese is a keto-friendly food, moderation is essential. Cheese is rich in fats and proteins but can also be high in calories. Overconsumption may lead to exceeding your daily caloric needs, which could impact weight management goals. It's important to balance cheese with other nutritious foods like leafy greens, non-starchy vegetables, and lean proteins. In a holistic nutrition approach, variety and balance are key, even within the guidelines of a keto diet.
Yes, Parmesan cheese is allowed and can be a great addition to a keto diet. It is low in carbs and high in fat, making it ideal for keto. Additionally, Parmesan is rich in calcium and protein. When selecting Parmesan, opt for high-quality, ideally, organic Parmesan to ensure you're getting a product without unnecessary additives or preservatives. As with all foods on a keto diet, it's important to consider portion sizes and overall balance within your daily food intake.
More Keto Recipes
Looking for other keto recipes and tips? Try these:
Pairing
Pair this recipe with steamed broccoli, green beans, or a simple side salad.
Recipe
Lazy Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole (Low Carb + GF)
Equipment
- Baking tray
- Oven mitts
Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked and shredded chicken breasts
- 1 medium cauliflower cut into florets
- 32 ounces unsweetened marinara sauce sugar-free
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
- 1.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese divided
- 1.5 cups almond flour
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning divided
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil plus extra for garnish
- A pinch of red pepper flakes
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- Garlic powder to taste
- Onion powder to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Sea salt to taste
Instructions
- Start by heating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the cauliflower florets with avocado oil, a dash of garlic powder, onion powder, a sprinkle of black pepper, and a pinch of sea salt. Lay them out on a baking tray and roast in the oven until they're tender, which should take about 20-25 minutes.
- While the cauliflower is roasting, take a large bowl and blend together the shredded chicken, your sugar-free marinara sauce, half of the mozzarella cheese, about ¾ cup of the Parmesan cheese, a teaspoon of Italian seasoning, fresh basil, a hint of red pepper flakes, and the cherry tomatoes. Once the cauliflower is roasted, fold it into this mixture.
- After you finish roasting, bring down the oven's heat to 350°F (175°C). Now, pour the chicken and cauliflower blend into your chosen casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the almond flour with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and another teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Gently scatter this topping over the casserole mix in the dish.
- Place the casserole in the oven and let it bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. For an added touch, you have the option to broil it at 500°F for an additional 2-3 minutes to achieve a beautifully golden top.
- Finish off by garnishing the casserole with some extra basil. Serve it up warm and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Final Thoughts
We hope you enjoyed discovering and perhaps even cooking our Lazy Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole. This dish is a testament to how creativity in the kitchen can lead to delicious and healthy meals that everyone in the family can enjoy.
We'd love to hear about your experience with this recipe. Did you add your own twist? How did it turn out? Your feedback and stories are what keep us inspired, so please don't hesitate to leave a comment and share your casserole adventures.
If you decide to share your culinary creation online, we'd be thrilled to see it! Tag us on Instagram @mindfullyhealthymama and show us how your casserole turned out. It's always a joy to see how each unique kitchen brings a recipe to life.
Don't forget to follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter for more scrumptious, healthy recipes and clean eating tips. Our community is growing, and we're excited to have you be a part of it.
Happy cooking,
Natalie
Alexandra says
I made a roast chicken for dinner last night, and the leftovers were perfect in this recipe. So tasty and family friendly.
Natalie Perry says
I love repurposing left overs! Glad everyone enjoyed it!
nancy says
this recipe is perfect. I love that it is keto and gf and easy to make for a weeknight!
Natalie Perry says
Thank you! We love it too!
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says
This delicious and hearty casserole was a huge hit at my house! The flavors are so rich and the ingredients are rib sticking. This will be made again!!
Natalie Perry says
Happy to hear you loved it!
Nora says
This chicken parmesan casserole sounds fantastic! Love the mozzarella parmesan combo! Will definitely give it a try this weekend! Thanks!
Natalie Perry says
Enjoy!
Andréa says
This was so delicious. The marinara sauce, cheese, and chicken combined so nicely. Certainly going to prepare it more often!
Natalie Perry says
wonderful!