Keto Chicken Cheese Bake

By deiv3 on September 6, 2024

The Keto Chicken Cheese Bake is a comforting, low-carb dish that's packed with flavor and incredibly easy to make. Combining tender chicken with rich, gooey cheese and flavorful seasonings, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you're craving something hearty but keto-friendly. The best part? It's versatile and can be customized with various vegetables or toppings to suit your taste while keeping the carbs low.

This recipe is all about simplicity, using ingredients like juicy chicken, shredded cheese, and a creamy base to create a delicious casserole-style dish that the whole family will love. The creamy cheese sauce binds everything together, while the baked top layer gets golden and crispy, creating a wonderful texture contrast with the tender chicken inside. Whether you're following a ketogenic diet or just want a satisfying, low-carb meal, this Keto Chicken Cheese Bake is a must-try.

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)
1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 small onion (finely chopped)
2 tbsp butter or olive oil
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Cook the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika. In a large skillet, heat the butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown. The chicken doesn't need to be fully cooked through as it will finish cooking in the oven. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Sauté the onions and garlic: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until softened and fragrant. Remove from heat.
Prepare the cheese sauce: In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Stir in the sautéed onions and garlic. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the bake: Place the cooked chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the dish.
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C) and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired. Serve hot, and enjoy!

Optional Add-ins:

Vegetables: You can add low-carb vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or zucchini for extra flavor and texture.
Bacon: Sprinkle crumbled cooked bacon over the cheese before baking for a savory twist.

Nutritional Information (per serving, makes 4 servings):

Calories: 470
Fat: 35g
Carbohydrates: 4g (Net Carbs: 3g)
Protein: 32g

This Keto Chicken Cheese Bake is a creamy, cheesy delight that's perfect for anyone looking for a low-carb, high-protein meal. With tender chicken and a rich cheese sauce, it's a delicious and satisfying option for those on the keto diet!