Creamy Keto Italian Chicken Casserole (Cheesy, Flavorful & Easy!)

Creamy Keto Italian Chicken Casserole (Cheesy, Flavorful & Easy!)

Enjoy a comforting and hearty meal with this Creamy Keto Italian Chicken Casserole! Tender shredded chicken is baked in a rich, cheesy cream sauce, infused with classic Italian herbs and a touch of savory marinara, all topped with golden mozzarella and Parmesan. It’s an incredibly easy, low-carb, high-protein, and gluten-free dinner perfect for busy weeknights!

Yields: 4-6 servings Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 25-30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded (about 3-4 cups shredded chicken)
• 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened to room temperature (full-fat recommended)
• ½ (24-ounce) jar Rao’s Marinara Sauce (or your favorite low-carb, no-sugar-added marinara)
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (check for no added sugar)
• 1 tablespoon garlic lovers seasoning (check for no added sugar, e.g., FlavorGod Garlic Lovers)
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided (freshly shredded recommended)
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided (freshly shredded recommended)
• Cooking spray (for casserole dish)

Equipment:

• 9×13 inch casserole dish
• Medium mixing bowl
• Spoon or spatula

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven & Prep Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Lightly spray a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
   • Place the cooked and shredded chicken evenly in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
2. Season Chicken & Add Cream Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded chicken generously with the Italian seasoning, garlic lovers seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss gently to coat the chicken.
   • Dot spoonfuls of the softened cream cheese evenly over the seasoned chicken.
3. Add Marinara & Cheese: Pour the ½ jar of Rao’s Marinara Sauce evenly over the chicken and cream cheese.
   • Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese and ¾ cup of the shredded Parmesan cheese over the marinara layer.
   • Gently swirl or lightly mix the layers together in the casserole dish with a spoon or spatula to combine the cream cheese, marinara, and some of the cheese with the chicken. This creates a creamy sauce throughout.
   • Finally, top the casserole with the remaining ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese.
4. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges, heated through, and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden brown.
5. Rest & Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Success:

• Cooked Chicken: You can use leftover roasted chicken, rotisserie chicken (check for sugar in seasoning), or boil/bake chicken breasts specifically for this recipe.
• Softened Cream Cheese: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for easy spreading and smooth mixing.
• Rao’s Marinara: Rao’s is a popular choice for keto as it’s typically sugar-free. Always double-check the label of any marinara sauce to confirm no added sugars or starches.
• Seasoning Blends: While “Garlic Lovers Seasoning” sounds delicious, always quick-check any pre-made seasoning blends for hidden sugars or fillers to ensure keto compliance. Italian seasoning is usually fine, but a quick check never hurts.
• Freshly Shredded Cheese: For the best melt and texture, freshly shredded mozzarella and Parmesan are recommended over pre-shredded, which often contain anti-caking agents.
• Mixing for Creaminess: Gently mixing the cream cheese and marinara with the chicken and some cheese before the final topping ensures a creamy sauce throughout the casserole.

Storage: Store any leftover Creamy Keto Italian Chicken Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

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Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification

• High Protein: Yes, from the chicken and various 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, provided the following crucial ingredient checks are made:
  • Rao’s Marinara (or other): Crucial to use a low-carb, no-sugar-added marinara.
  • Seasonings: While most dried herbs and spices are keto, it’s good practice to quickly check pre-made blends (like “Garlic Lovers Seasoning”) for hidden sugars or anti-caking agents that might add carbs.
  • Cream Cheese/Mozzarella/Parmesan: These are all excellent keto staples.
• Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Read more on how to prepare Cheesy Chicken & Bacon Bake.