Keto Cheesy Chicken Bake
The Keto Cheesy Chicken Bake is a quick, low-carb, and keto-friendly dinner dish combining tender chicken breasts with a creamy cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and gooey mozzarella. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a comforting and flavorful bake perfect for busy weeknights and keto lifestyles.
- Author: Sarah
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten Free
Protein
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Dairy & Liquids
Seasonings & Spices
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking Fats
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- Prep and Season the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to enhance the flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden crust but remain slightly undercooked inside to ensure even cooking during baking.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a bowl, combine the heavy cream, shredded cheddar, shredded mozzarella, paprika, and additional salt and pepper. Mix well to create a rich, creamy cheese sauce that will coat the chicken perfectly.
- Assemble and Bake: Place the seared chicken breasts in a baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the chicken and spread it generously. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is bubbling and golden on top.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the bake from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the cheese to settle so the chicken is easier to slice and serve. Enjoy warm, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or chives.
Notes
- Use room temperature chicken to ensure even cooking and prevent dryness.
- Don’t skip searing; it adds flavor and creates a desirable crust on the chicken.
- Freshly shred cheese instead of using pre-shredded for better melting quality.
- Monitor oven time carefully to keep chicken juicy and cheese perfectly melted.
- Let the dish rest after baking for a creamy, sliceable finish without cheese sliding off.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 165 mg
Keywords: keto chicken bake, low carb chicken recipe, cheesy chicken bake, keto dinner, quick keto meal, gluten free dinner