Description
There’s something deeply comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole bubbling away in the oven—especially when it’s both satisfying and low in carbs. This Keto Chicken Cheese Bake is the kind of dish that wraps you up like a cozy blanket after a long day. It’s the ultimate weeknight dinner when you want something hearty, comforting, and simple to pull together.
This recipe has become a favorite in many households for good reason—it delivers all the creamy, melty goodness you’d expect from a traditional chicken casserole, without any of the carb-heavy ingredients. Whether you’re strictly following a keto lifestyle or just looking for a wholesome, feel-good meal, this one ticks all the boxes.
The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity—tender chicken, a rich cream cheese base, and layers of melted cheese, all baked until bubbly and golden. It’s reminiscent of those classic midwestern casseroles passed down through generations, but with a modern, keto-friendly twist. Serve it up with a side of roasted veggies or a crisp green salad, and you’ve got a meal that’s both comforting and nourishing.
Ingredients
4 tablespoons butter
1½ cups diced yellow onion
2 tablespoons finely minced fresh garlic
8 ounces cream cheese
½ cup heavy cream
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
8 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup turkey ham, diced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the aromatics
Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s nice and bubbly, toss in the diced onions and cook for about 3–4 minutes, just until they’re soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, letting the garlic release its aroma—your kitchen will smell incredible already.
Step 2: Make the creamy base
Lower the heat slightly and add the cream cheese to the skillet. Stir it around until it melts down into a thick, rich sauce. Then, pour in the heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until smooth. This is your luscious, cheesy base that’ll bring the whole casserole together.
Step 3: Add the chicken and ham
Next, fold in your cooked chicken and diced turkey ham, making sure every piece is coated in that velvety cheese sauce. This is the point where you’ll start getting hungry, just from how good it smells.
Step 4: Layer and top with cheese
Transfer the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses over the top—this triple cheese combo creates the perfect golden crust as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake to bubbly perfection
Pop the dish into a preheated 375°F oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges.
Step 6: Let it rest, then garnish
Once out of the oven, let it sit for 5 minutes so the cheesy layers can settle. Then sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving—it adds a fresh contrast to all that rich creaminess.
Notes
You can easily make this dish ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just add an extra 5–10 minutes to the bake time if it’s coming straight from the fridge. You can also swap out the turkey ham for cooked turkey sausage or extra chicken if you prefer.