Keto Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a simple, satisfying low-carb dinner that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. If you love bold, garlicky chicken, you might also enjoy a comforting pasta twist like creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta for a family-style meal.
Why make this recipe
This Keto Garlic Parmesan Chicken is perfect when you want something hearty, flavorful, and fast. It focuses on high-quality ingredients that shine with very little fuss: juicy chicken, real butter, fresh garlic, and sharp Parmesan. The recipe is naturally low in carbs and high in protein, which makes it a great option for people following keto, low-carb, or simply whole-food approaches.
It’s also incredibly versatile. This dish moves easily from weeknight dinner to dinner-party main, and it pairs well with many sides, so you can stretch it into many meals across the week. Because it bakes in one dish, cleanup is quick — a major win on busy nights.
How to make Keto Garlic Parmesan Chicken
This recipe is straightforward, but small details make a big difference. Follow the directions below and use the pro tips later on to maximize juiciness and flavor.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the garlic butter mixture over them.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top of the chicken.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve.
Ingredients :
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Ingredient notes and substitutions:
- Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the easiest prep. If you have very large breasts, consider halving them horizontally so they cook evenly. For a darker, richer flavor, bone-in chicken can be used but will alter cooking time.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best texture and flavor. Pre-grated cheese is convenient but sometimes contains anti-caking agents that affect browning.
- Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control salt; add salt later to taste. If you prefer, olive oil or ghee can be used as a lighter or dairy-free alternative.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is recommended; jarred minced garlic will work in a pinch but is less bright.
- Italian seasoning: A simple mix of basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary is ideal. Use fresh herbs if you have them — about three times the volume of dried herbs.
Directions :
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the garlic butter mixture over them.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top of the chicken.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve.
Pro Tips for Success Keto Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Pound or even out the chicken breasts: If the breasts are uneven, the thin parts will overcook while thick parts remain underdone. Put them between plastic wrap and gently pound to an even thickness for reliable cooking.
- Let it rest: After baking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meat moist.
- Check internal temperature: For perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer. The safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F (74°C) measured at the thickest part.
- Use fresh Parmesan and real butter: The combination of fresh Parmesan and butter browns better and has more depth of flavor than pre-grated cheese or margarine.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan: Give the breasts a little space in the baking dish so the butter and cheese can crisp rather than steam.
Flavor Variations Keto Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Lemon-Parmesan: Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and a little zest to the butter-garlic mix for bright citrus notes. Top with extra lemon zest before serving.
- Herbed and Smoky: Stir in 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika and a teaspoon of fresh chopped thyme or rosemary to the butter mixture for a smoky, aromatic twist.
- Creamy Mushroom Parmesan: Sauté sliced mushrooms until golden and add them around the chicken in the baking dish. Right before serving, spoon a little pan sauce or heavy cream (if not strictly keto) over the chicken for a richer finish.
- Bacon and Chive: Crisp 3–4 slices of bacon and sprinkle on top of the baked chicken with chopped chives for a salty, savory finish.
Serving Suggestions Keto Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Low-carb sides: Serve with steamed broccoli, sautéed green beans, or a mixed green salad tossed with olive oil and lemon to keep the meal keto-friendly.
- Cauliflower mash: A creamy cauliflower mash is an excellent substitute for mashed potatoes and pairs naturally with the buttery, garlicky sauce.
- Zucchini noodles or roasted Brussels sprouts: Both are great low-carb vegetables that soak up the Parmesan flavor and add texture.
- Make it a platter: Slice the chicken and add it to a platter with marinated olives, roasted peppers, and fresh cherry tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired dinner board.
Storage and Freezing Instructions Keto Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Refrigerator: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently in a low oven (around 325°F / 160°C) until warmed through to retain moisture.
- Freezing: For best results, freeze cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Label with the date. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating tips: Reheat at a moderate oven temperature (325°F / 160°C) covered with foil for 10–15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). To revive the crust, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to re-crisp the Parmesan topping.
- Saucy variations: If you added a cream or mushroom sauce, store sauce separately if possible. Reheat sauce gently on the stovetop and add to the chicken when warming to maintain texture.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving) — Approximate
- Calories: 435 kcal
- Protein: 58 g
- Carbs: 1 g
- Fat: 21 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
Notes on nutrition:
- These values are estimates based on moderate-size chicken breasts (about 6 oz / 170 g each), 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, and 1/4 cup butter divided across 4 servings. Exact numbers will vary with ingredient brands and portion sizes.
- This dish is high in protein and moderate in healthy fats, making it suitable for a ketogenic or low-carb meal plan when paired with low-carb sides.
FAQ About Keto Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes. The recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates and high in protein and fat thanks to the chicken, butter, and Parmesan. To keep it keto-friendly, pair it with low-carb sides like leafy greens, roasted non-starchy vegetables, or cauliflower-based dishes.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Chicken thighs will be juicier and a bit more forgiving if you accidentally overcook them. Bone-in thighs will need more time to reach the safe internal temperature, so adjust the baking time and check the temperature with a meat thermometer.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
If you need a dairy-free version, replace butter with a high-quality olive oil or dairy-free butter substitute, and swap the Parmesan for a dairy-free grated cheese or a crunchy topping made from ground almonds mixed with nutritional yeast. Flavor will shift, but the garlic and herbs will still shine.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The most reliable way is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken; it should read 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part — the meat should be opaque and the juices should run clear.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes. You can mix the garlic-butter and coat the chicken breasts, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bring the chicken to room temperature before baking. Topping with Parmesan just before baking will help maintain a crisp finish.
How can I make the cheese topping extra crispy?
Use freshly grated Parmesan and pat it lightly onto the chicken so it adheres. For extra browning, switch the oven to broil for the last 1–2 minutes of cooking — watch carefully so the cheese doesn’t burn. A shallow baking dish allows the cheese to brown better than a very deep pan.
Final Thoughts
Keto Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a quick, reliable recipe that proves simple ingredients can produce impressive results. It’s flexible enough for weeknights, yet elegant enough to serve guests. With a few small adjustments — lemon for brightness, mushrooms for earthiness, or bacon for a smoky punch — this recipe can become a staple in your rotation.
Try the basic version first to get comfortable with cooking times, then experiment with the flavor variations and serving ideas listed here. When you want a comforting, low-carb meal with minimal fuss, this chicken delivers consistently.
Keto Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Keto
Description
A simple, satisfying low-carb dinner that highlights bold flavors with minimal effort, featuring juicy chicken, real butter, fresh garlic, and sharp Parmesan.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the garlic butter mixture over them.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top of the chicken.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve.
Notes
For maximum juiciness, pound chicken breasts to an even thickness and allow resting after baking. Use fresh ingredients for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Keto
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 435
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 58g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
