Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this delicious chicken parmesan casserole keto gf that I’ve been whipping up lately! It’s honestly one of my favorite weeknight dinners. Imagine tender, juicy shredded chicken smothered in rich marinara sauce and topped with gooey melted cheese. Not only is it super comforting, but it also fits perfectly into a keto and gluten-free lifestyle. I love how simple it is to make, and it’s always a hit with family and friends. Trust me, you won’t even miss the carbs with this one! The best part? You can throw it together in no time and have a hearty meal that everyone will enjoy. Let’s get started on making this delightful dish!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Chicken Parmesan Casserole Keto GF
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial because a hot oven helps the cheese melt beautifully and brown just right. Nobody wants a soggy casserole, right? So, make sure you don’t skip this part!
Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine your cooked shredded chicken, marinara sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. I like to use a fork to mix everything together until it’s well combined. This is where the magic happens! The spices bring out the flavors of the chicken, and the marinara makes it saucy and delicious. If you want to add in some veggies, like spinach or zucchini, feel free; it’s a great way to pack in extra nutrients!
Assemble the Casserole
Now, it’s time to spread the chicken mixture evenly in a baking dish. I usually use a 9×13 inch dish, but any similar size will do. Just make sure it’s evenly distributed so it cooks through nicely. Once that’s done, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan on top. Don’t be shy with the cheese—this is what makes it so gooey and delicious! A little tip: if you want that golden crust, make sure to cover all the chicken mixture with cheese.
Bake the Dish
Pop your baking dish in the oven and let it bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. I like to keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to avoid burning. If you’re unsure, just give it a little shake—if it jiggles too much, it needs more time!
Serving Instructions
Once it’s out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps everything settle and makes it easier to scoop out. You can garnish with some fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor! Trust me, this dish is going to be a crowd-pleaser, and it’s perfect for dinner any night of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Deliciously flavorful with a comforting Italian twist.
- Keto-friendly and gluten-free, so it fits into various dietary needs.
- Using rotisserie chicken makes it even faster to throw together.
- Customizable with vegetables for added nutrients and flavor.
- One dish means less cleanup, which is always a win in my book!
- It’s a hearty meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
Tips for Success
Alright, friends, let’s make sure your chicken parmesan casserole keto gf turns out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips to ensure you nail it:
- Quality Ingredients: Always use high-quality marinara sauce; it makes a huge difference in flavor! Look for one with no added sugars to keep it keto-friendly.
- Chicken Choice: Rotisserie chicken is a game-changer if you’re short on time. It’s already cooked and packed with flavor, so it cuts down your prep time significantly.
- Don’t Skimp on Cheese: Go for full-fat mozzarella and parmesan for that creamy, gooey texture we all crave. Low-fat options just don’t melt the same!
- Layering is Key: When you sprinkle the cheese, make sure it covers all of the chicken mixture. This helps create that beautiful golden crust we all love.
- Watch the Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so start checking your casserole around the 25-minute mark. You want that perfect bubble and golden brown on top—keep an eye on it!
- Let it Rest: After baking, give it a few minutes to cool. This helps everything firm up a bit, making it easier to serve without it falling apart.
- Experiment: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to the chicken mixture for a little extra zing. Fresh basil or oregano works wonders!
With these tips in your back pocket, I’m confident your casserole will be a hit! Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information Section
Here’s the estimated nutritional information for one serving of this scrumptious chicken parmesan casserole keto gf. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this will give you a good idea of what to expect:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 100mg
This dish is not only satisfying but also aligns perfectly with a keto diet while being gluten-free. Enjoy the flavors without the guilt!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked shredded chicken?
Absolutely! If you prefer using fresh chicken, just cook it first—grilling or baking works great. Once cooked, shred it and then follow the recipe as usual.
Is this chicken parmesan casserole keto-friendly?
Yes! This dish is designed to be keto-friendly, with low carbohydrates and high protein, making it a perfect fit for your low-carb diet.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in some spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor. Just chop them finely and mix them in with the chicken.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving!
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! You can freeze the chicken parmesan casserole before baking. Just wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s talk about how to store any leftovers of this delicious chicken parmesan casserole keto gf. First off, make sure to let it cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation that can make it soggy. Once it’s cooled, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You’ll find that the flavors actually meld together even more as it sits!
If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze the casserole. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or use a freezer-safe container. It should last in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Then, you can pop it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until heated through, usually about 20-25 minutes. Just keep an eye on it and make sure the cheese is bubbly and golden again. So easy, right?
For reheating individual portions, the microwave works well too! Just cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plate to avoid splatters. Heat it in short intervals of 1-2 minutes, checking in between to ensure it’s heated thoroughly. Enjoy every last bite of this comforting dish, even on the days after you’ve made it!
Print
Chicken Parmesan Casserole Keto GF: 7 Comforting Delights
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Keto, Gluten Free
Description
A delicious chicken parmesan casserole that is keto-friendly and gluten-free.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, marinara sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly in a baking dish.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrients.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: chicken parmesan casserole keto gf