🧀 High-Protein Cheesy Chicken Bake

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken, this comforting casserole is a great high-protein, low-carb dinner. Juicy chicken patties are baked in a rich Parmesan-mozzarella cream sauce until bubbling and golden.

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: About 45 minutes

🥘 Ingredients

For the Chicken Patties

• 1 lb (450 g) ground chicken or finely chopped chicken breast
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup almond flour
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil, for cooking

For the Creamy Cheese Sauce

• 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, optional

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken mixture

Add the ground chicken, Parmesan, almond flour, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper to a large bowl.

Mix gently until everything is evenly combined.

Divide the mixture into 8 small patties, about 2–3 inches wide.

2. Brown the chicken patties

Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.

Add the patties and cook for approximately 3–4 minutes per side, until lightly golden. They don’t need to be completely cooked yet because they’ll finish in the oven.

Transfer the patties to a plate.

3. Make the creamy sauce

Using the same skillet, add the butter or olive oil.

Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds.

Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

Add the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.

4. Add the cheese

Reduce the heat to low.

Gradually stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and smooth.

Don’t let the sauce boil vigorously after adding the cheese, as this can cause it to become oily or grainy.

5. Assemble the casserole

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, transfer the sauce to a lightly greased baking dish.

Arrange the chicken patties in the creamy sauce, making sure they’re partially surrounded by the cheese sauce.

Spoon a little sauce over the tops.

6. Bake

Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is completely cooked and the sauce is bubbling.

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

7. Brown the cheese

For that beautiful golden, bubbly topping shown in the picture, switch the oven to broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.

Watch closely—the cheese can brown very quickly.

8. Rest and serve

Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes.

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.

🥦 Best Low-Carb Sides

Serve with:

• Steamed broccoli
• Roasted asparagus
• Garlic sautéed spinach
• Cauliflower mash
• Zucchini noodles
• Green beans

💪 Approximate Nutrition

Per serving, based on 4 servings:

Calories: ~420–450
Protein: ~38–42 g
Total carbs: ~6–8 g
Net carbs: ~4–6 g
Fat: ~24–28 g

Actual nutrition varies by the chicken, cheese, cream, and other brands used.

🔥 Tips

• For the leanest version, use ground chicken breast and light cream or half-and-half.
• Don’t overcook the chicken patties before baking; browning them first keeps them flavorful while the oven finishes cooking them.
• For extra protein, add ½ cup cottage cheese blended into the sauce.
• For a spicy version, add red pepper flakes or a little cayenne.
• Leftovers keep refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat well in the oven or microwave.