Keto Chicken Cheese Bake
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. You can also drizzle some olive oil or rub butter on the chicken to help with browning.
- Cook the chicken: In an oven-safe skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked through yet since it will bake in the oven later. Once seared, remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Prepare the cheese sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Stir frequently to ensure the cream doesn’t burn.
- Once the cream has heated up, add in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. Stir constantly until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. Season with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Assemble the dish: Place the chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning some of the cheese sauce over each piece of chicken. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the chicken and sauce to a baking dish.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet or baking dish to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C) and the cheese is bubbling and golden.
- Garnish and serve: Once the chicken is cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Tips:
- You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a more flavorful, juicier option.
- Feel free to add extra seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or red pepper flakes for a kick.
- You can also add some spinach, mushrooms, or other veggies into the cheese sauce for more texture and flavor.
This Keto Chicken Cheese Bake is a comforting, creamy, and cheesy dish that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying keto-friendly meal! Enjoy!
