Baked Spicy Keto Chicken and Cheese Casserole

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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 (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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the chicken mixture to a 9x9-inch baking dish, then evenly sprinkle 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese on top.
  5. Step 5: Bake uncovered for 15 minutes until the cheese bubbles and edges turn golden brown.
  6. Step 6: Remove from oven and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro; let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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.

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