Fresh & Flavorful Keto Chicken Caprese Casserole (Cheesy, Aromatic & Easy!)
Capture the essence of summer with this Fresh & Flavorful Keto Chicken Caprese Casserole! Tender, seasoned chicken cubes are baked with creamy Boursin cheese, juicy tomato slices, and fragrant fresh basil, all topped with melted Monterey Jack and Parmesan. It’s an easy, low-carb, high-protein, and naturally gluten-free dinner that’s a delightful addition to your health journey!
Yields: 4-6 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 30-35 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1.5 – 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 (5.2-ounce) block Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese (or similar keto-friendly flavored cream cheese)
- 2-3 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced (e.g., Roma or beefsteak)
- ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 6 slices Monterey Jack cheese (or shredded, about 1 cup)
- 2-4 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Equipment:
- 9×13 inch casserole dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Spatula or spoon
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven & Prep Chicken: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed chicken breast with 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Toss until the chicken is well coated.
- Transfer the seasoned chicken cubes evenly to a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
- Add Cheeses & Veggies (Initial Layer):
- Break up the Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese into small pieces and dot them evenly over the seasoned chicken.
- Arrange the thinly sliced tomatoes over the chicken and Boursin cheese.
- Sprinkle the fresh chopped basil generously over the tomatoes.
- Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the basil.
- Initial Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is mostly cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C in the center) and the Boursin cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Final Cheese & Broil: Remove the casserole from the oven.
- Arrange the Monterey Jack cheese slices (or sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack) evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the Monterey Jack cheese is melted and bubbly.
- For a golden-brown finish, turn on the broiler to low and broil for 1-3 minutes, watching very closely to prevent burning.
- Rest & Serve: Remove from the oven. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese to set slightly. Enjoy!
Tips for Success:
- Cubed Chicken: Ensure chicken is cut into uniform 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
- Boursin Cheese: Make sure it’s at room temperature for easier spreading. If you can’t find Boursin, you can use plain full-fat cream cheese mixed with 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and dried Italian herbs.
- Fresh Basil: Fresh basil is essential for the authentic Caprese flavor.
- Don’t Overcook: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) without drying out.
- Broiler Watch: The broiler works quickly! Stay by the oven and pull the casserole out as soon as the cheese is golden and bubbly to your liking.
- Serving Suggestions: This casserole is fantastic on its own, or served alongside a simple green salad, steamed asparagus, or spiralized zucchini.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification:
This Chicken Caprese Casserole is a delicious addition to your health journey!
- High Protein: Yes, from the chicken and cheeses.
- Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is very low-carb. All listed ingredients are naturally low in carbohydrates.
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly. All listed ingredients are suitable for a ketogenic diet.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Read on how to prepare Roasted Sausage and Veggies.