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Keto Chicken Garlic Parmesan Bake - Creamy, Comforting, and Low-Carb

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Garlic cloves (fresh) or garlic paste
  • Unsalted butter
  • Cream cheese
  • Heavy cream
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (preferably freshly grated)
  • Shredded mozzarella
  • Italian seasoning (or dried oregano and basil)
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or chives (for garnish)
  • Olive oil (for searing, optional)
  • Fresh spinach or broccoli florets (optional add-ins)
  • Lemon (zest or a squeeze, optional for brightness)

Method
 

  1. Prep the oven and pan: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Season the chicken: Pat chicken dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning.
  3. Optional quick sear: For extra flavor, heat a little olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken 1–2 minutes per side until lightly golden. Transfer to the baking dish.
  4. Make the garlic sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Whisk in cream cheese until smooth, then pour in heavy cream. Stir in Parmesan, Italian seasoning, a small pinch of red pepper flakes, and a little salt and pepper. Simmer 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Add veggies (optional): If using spinach, stir it into the hot sauce to wilt. If using broccoli, quickly steam it until crisp-tender, then fold into the sauce or scatter around the chicken.
  6. Assemble: Pour the garlic Parmesan sauce over the chicken. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly on top.
  7. Bake: Bake 20–25 minutes for breasts (15–20 for thinner cuts, 25–30 for thicker). Chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
  8. Finish and rest: If you want extra color, broil 1–2 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. Rest 5 minutes. Add a little lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon if you like, and garnish with chopped parsley or chives.
  9. Serve: Pair with zucchini noodles, a simple salad, roasted asparagus, or cauliflower mash to keep it keto.