Baked Spicy Keto Chicken and Cheese Casserole
A rich, spicy casserole layering tender chicken thighs with melted cheese and a creamy sauce, perfect for a low-carb keto dinner. This american-inspired keto (keto, low carb) ready in about 40 minutes pairs olive oil, minced garlic, diced green chilies for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1/4 cup diced green chilies
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb cubed chicken thighs and 3 cloves minced garlic, sautéing for 5-6 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Step 2: Stir in 1/4 cup diced green chilies, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 3: Lower heat and add 4 oz cream cheese and 1/2 cup heavy cream to the skillet, stirring continuously until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Step 4: Transfer the chicken mixture to a 9x9-inch baking dish, then evenly sprinkle 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Step 5: Bake uncovered for 15 minutes until the cheese bubbles and edges turn golden brown.
- Step 6: Remove from oven and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro; let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Spicy Keto Chicken and Cheese Casserole take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Baked Spicy Keto Chicken and Cheese Casserole?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Spicy Keto Chicken and Cheese Casserole?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Spicy Keto Chicken and Cheese Casserole for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Baked Spicy Keto Chicken and Cheese Casserole keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
