This Lazy Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole combines shredded chicken, marinara, cherry tomatoes, melted mozzarella, roasted cauliflower, basil, and Italian seasoning with a crisp Parmesan topping for a delicious weeknight dinner without all the carbs!
I love Italian food, so I was determined to reimagine some of my favorites that align with a low-carb diet. This keto casserole is an easy and healthy way to enjoy the Italian restaurant favorite- chicken parmesan.
To keep it low carb, I incorporated roasted cauliflower for texture and almond flour instead of traditional bread crumbs mixed with the parmesan for the crunchy crust. It does not disappoint! In fact, this Parmesan chicken casserole is a hit that the whole family enjoys!
If you're a fan of a good Parmesan crust, don't miss our wild-caught pollock with a parmesan crust.
For more Italian-style, low-carb casseroles, check out our Keto Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole, Keto Italian Stuffed Peppers, or the delectable Chicken Alfredo with Spaghetti Squash - all bursting with flavor and perfect for a healthy, low-carb lifestyle.
Before getting started, I recommend taking a moment to set healthy intentions. Check out our free guide on using intentions and affirmations.
⚡ Quick Look: Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole
- 🎨 Flavor Profile: Classic Italian comfort-rich marinara, juicy chicken, melted mozzarella, roasted cauliflower, basil, and a golden Parmesan crust
- 🔥 Method: Layer cooked chicken, cauliflower, marinara, tomatoes, herbs, and cheese, then bake until bubbly and the crust is crisp
- 🍽️ Yield: Serves 6
- 🌿 Skill Level: Easy
- 🔢 Calories: Approximately 450 cal per serving
- 🥣 Main Ingredients: Chicken breasts, roasted cauliflower florets, marinara sauce, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, basil, Italian herbs, Parmesan crust
- 🌞 Best Time to Enjoy: Weeknight dinner or meal-prep lunch
- 🎯 Main Benefits: Low-carb and keto-friendly, gluten-free, packed with protein and flavor while using whole-food ingredients
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💛 Why You'll Love It
- Brings all the flavor of classic chicken parmesan in a simple, one-pan keto casserole
- Made with whole, low-carb ingredients for a balanced and satisfying meal
- Naturally gluten-free and high in protein, perfect for clean eating
- Easy to prepare and great for weeknight dinners or meal prep
- Comforting Italian flavors with melted cheese, roasted cauliflower, and fresh basil
- Family-friendly recipe that feels indulgent but supports your wellness goals
Ingredients
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.
Mozzarella Cheese: Buying a block of cheese to grate yourself avoids hidden added starches (carbs!) Organic is always best.
Almond Flour: A great low-carb alternative for the breading mixture. Organic is best.
See the recipe card for the full ingredient list and quantities.
How to Make Lazy Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Step 1: Season your cauliflower florets with avocado oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, and roast for 20 min at 425 F.
Step 2: 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.
Step 3: After reducing the oven temperature to 350 F, pour the chicken and cauliflower mixture into a casserole dish.
Step 4: In a medium bowl, combine the almond flour with the remaining mozzarella, parmesan, and Italian seasoning.
Step 5: Evenly spread the Parmesan crust mixture over the casserole.
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Step 6: Bake the casserole at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes
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 the oil and seasoning. Secure the lid and give it a good shake.
Expert 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.
Keep a close eye on the casserole during the final minutes of broiling to make sure it doesn't burn!
Lazy Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole FAQ's
Chicken Parmesan can be a nutritious choice, depending on your ingredients. 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 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.
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. This 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. The most important consideration, arguably, is to make sure you buy a block of cheese and avoid the pre-shredded types due to high starch content.
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. Parmesan is also rich in calcium and protein. When selecting Parmesan go for organic and/or "grass-fed". Also, grab a block of parm to shred or grate yourself to avoid added starches.
More Keto Casseroles
Looking for other keto casseroles? Try these:
Do you love this Lazy Keto Parmesan Casserole? Give it a 🌟 review and let us know how it went in the comments below! Don't forget to subscribe to our weekly newsletter for the latest amazing healthy recipes! For another quick dinner, try our Leftover Steak Fajitas! If you love low carb cooking, try using spaghetti squash as a pasta alternative! Learn more: How to Cook Spaghetti Squash.
Recipe
Lazy Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Baking tray
- Medium bowl
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- 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. Toss the cauliflower florets with avocado oil, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and sea salt. Lay them out on a baking tray and roast in the oven 20 min.
- Mix shredded chicken, marinara, half of the mozzarella cheese, about ¾ cup of the Parmesan cheese, a teaspoon of Italian seasoning, fresh basil, red pepper flakes, and cherry tomatoes in a large mixing bowl. Once the cauliflower is roasted, fold it into this mixture.
- Bring the oven's heat to 350°F. Pour the chicken and cauliflower blend into your casserole dish evenly.
- In a separate bowl, mix the almond flour with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan, and another teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Gently scatter this topping over the casserole mix on top.
- 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 1-2 minutes for a crispier topping.
- Finish off by garnishing the casserole with some extra basil. Serve it up warm and enjoy!
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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!