If you’re looking for a comforting yet healthy dinner option, this Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole is just the recipe you need. Packed with tender, juicy chicken, rich ricotta cheese, gooey mozzarella, and a savory marinara sauce, this casserole delivers all the comforting flavors you crave, while keeping it low carb. Perfect for anyone on a keto or low-carb diet, it’s a satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
The best part about this casserole is that it’s super simple to make. With just a handful of ingredients, you can have a delicious, hearty meal ready in no time. The creamy cheeses blend beautifully with the rich marinara sauce, while the crispy almond flour topping adds the perfect crunch. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, this low-carb chicken casserole will quickly become a favorite in your dinner rotation.
Packed with protein and healthy fats, this casserole is the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a great option for a healthy weeknight dinner or even meal prep for the week ahead.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly – A perfect option for those following a low-carb or keto diet without sacrificing flavor.
- Quick and Easy to Prepare – With only a few simple steps, you can have this casserole ready in under an hour.
- Packed with Flavor – The combination of marinara, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich and savory dish that everyone will enjoy.
- Great for Meal Prep – This casserole keeps well in the fridge and is perfect for preparing ahead of time.
- Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters will love this hearty, cheesy casserole.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- Cooked chicken (diced)
- Keto marinara sauce
- Ricotta cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh mozzarella cheese (sliced)
For the Topping:
- Butter (melted)
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Almond flour
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Variations
Add Vegetables
Incorporate veggies like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms into the casserole for an added burst of nutrients and flavor.
Use Different Cheese
If you’re not a fan of ricotta, you can substitute it with cream cheese or mascarpone for a slightly different flavor.
Make it Spicy
Add some red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinara sauce to give the casserole a spicy kick.
Swap the Chicken for Ground Meat
You can easily swap the diced chicken with ground beef, turkey, or sausage for a different twist on the recipe.
Make it Dairy-Free
Use dairy-free cheeses and a dairy-free butter alternative for a dairy-free version of this casserole.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Assemble the Casserole
In the prepared casserole dish, spread a layer of diced cooked chicken evenly across the bottom. Pour 1 cup of the keto marinara sauce over the chicken and mix it together.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
Top the chicken and marinara mixture with the ricotta cheese, spreading it evenly. Then, layer the mozzarella cheese slices over the ricotta, followed by the remaining ½ cup of marinara sauce and grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping
In a separate bowl, mix together the melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and almond flour. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. If you like a crispy topping, broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use Cooked Chicken – This recipe is perfect for using up leftover cooked chicken, whether from a rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken breasts.
- Don’t Skip the Topping – The almond flour and Parmesan topping adds a wonderful crunch and texture to the casserole, so be sure to include it!
- Add More Seasoning – Feel free to season the chicken and sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning to enhance the flavor.
- Watch the Baking Time – Every oven is different, so keep an eye on the casserole to make sure it doesn’t overcook. The top should be golden and bubbly.
- Let it Rest – Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to help it set and make it easier to slice.
How to Serve
This Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole can be served on its own as a main dish, but it also pairs wonderfully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete low-carb meal. For extra flavor, you can serve it with a drizzle of extra marinara sauce or a side of garlic bread made with low-carb bread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Freezing
This casserole freezes well! After baking, allow it to cool completely, then cover it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and heated through.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the casserole in the oven. If you need to reheat it in the microwave, place a damp paper towel over the casserole to prevent it from drying out.
FAQs
1. Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use raw chicken. Just cook it thoroughly before assembling the casserole.
2. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes, just make sure the marinara sauce is low-carb and doesn’t contain added sugars.
3. Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it uses almond flour in the topping instead of breadcrumbs.
4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
5. Can I use shredded mozzarella instead of sliced mozzarella?
Yes, shredded mozzarella will work just fine. Just be sure to use a generous amount to cover the casserole.
6. Can I substitute almond flour with another flour?
If you’re not on a low-carb diet, you can substitute almond flour with regular flour, but this will no longer make the dish low-carb.
7. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, if you’re using frozen chicken, be sure to thaw and cook it thoroughly before adding it to the casserole.
8. Is this casserole spicy?
No, this casserole is not spicy. However, you can add some red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a little heat if desired.
9. How do I get the topping extra crispy?
Broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking to get the topping nice and crispy.
10. Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Yes, you can add vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the casserole for added nutrition.
Conclusion
This Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole is a delicious, hearty, and healthy meal that’s perfect for anyone following a low-carb or keto diet. With its combination of tender chicken, creamy cheeses, and a flavorful marinara sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or preparing meals in advance, this casserole is a great choice for a satisfying, low-carb dinner. Try it out and enjoy all the flavors of comfort food without the carbs!