Ingredients for High-Protein Low-Carb Chicken Alfredo Bake

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star protein of this High-Protein Chicken Alfredo Bake. Provides lean muscle-building power. Ensure even cubes for consistent cooking.
• Heavy Cream: The essential base for a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce. Choose full-fat for ultimate creaminess. Avoid half-and-half for best results.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Crucial for authentic Alfredo flavor and thickening. Use high-quality Parmesan for superior taste. Skip pre-shredded varieties.
• Full-Fat Cream Cheese: Adds incredible body and tang, making the sauce extra luscious and low-carb friendly. Ensure it’s softened for smooth melting.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides a foundational richness and helps sauté aromatics. Unsalted butter allows you to control the overall sodium content precisely.
• Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Thins the sauce to the perfect consistency while adding savory depth. Opt for low-sodium broth to manage salt levels.
• Garlic Cloves: An absolute must for that classic, aromatic Italian-American flavor. Freshly minced garlic delivers the best punch.
• Onion Powder: Provides a subtle, savory background note without the texture of fresh onion. A great flavor builder for depth.
• Freshly Grated Nutmeg: The secret ingredient that elevates Alfredo sauce with a hint of warmth. Use just a pinch to enhance the creamy flavors.
• Shredded Low-Moisture Mozzarella Cheese: Creates that irresistible golden, bubbly topping for our Alfredo bake. Use part-skim for best melting.
• Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the wonderful flavors. Adjust to your preference, tasting as you go.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Provides a gentle warmth and aromatic kick. Freshly ground black pepper offers the most potent flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of vibrant color and fresh, herbaceous flavor as a finishing touch. Garnish just before serving for optimal impact.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Offers a touch of heat, adding a delightful subtle spice. Use sparingly, or omit if you prefer no heat.

How to Make High-Protein Low-Carb Chicken Alfredo Bake

Prep Ingredients:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes and season well with salt and pepper. Grate your cheeses and ensure cream cheese is softened. This readies you for our delicious High-Protein Low-Carb Chicken Alfredo Bake.

Cook Chicken:

In a large oven-safe skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until nicely browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside for later.

Start Sauce:

In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Whisk in chicken broth, heavy cream, softened cream cheese, onion powder, and nutmeg. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Finish Sauce & Combine:

Continue whisking the sauce gently until smooth and slightly thickened. Stir in 1 cup Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until melted and well combined. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, ensuring it’s fully coated in the creamy sauce.

Bake Alfredo:

Evenly sprinkle the 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken and sauce in the skillet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown. This completes your High-Protein Low-Carb Chicken Alfredo Bake.

Garnish & Serve:

Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Let the High-Protein Low-Carb Chicken Alfredo Bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if desired. Enjoy!

How to Store High-Protein Low-Carb Chicken Alfredo Bake

To properly store your High-Protein Low-Carb Chicken Alfredo Bake, transfer leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It stays fresh for 3-4 days. I learned the hard way that leaving it out too long causes quick spoilage; always check for any off smells or slimy texture before enjoying.

For meal prep, you can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce up to 2 days ahead, storing them separately in the fridge. Assemble and bake the dish fresh when ready to serve for the best texture and flavor.

When reheating, gently warm in the oven or microwave. A splash of chicken broth can prevent it from drying out.

What to Serve with High-Protein Low-Carb Chicken Alfredo Bake

To serve this High-Protein Chicken Alfredo Bake, scoop generous portions directly from the skillet while still warm. For a beautiful presentation, garnish with extra fresh parsley. It’s perfect to pair with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus. Enjoy this comforting dish with a glass of dry white wine.

My favorite way to serve this bake is straight from the oven, bubbling hot, alongside simple steamed green beans. The freshness perfectly balances the rich, creamy sauce, making every bite incredibly satisfying. It’s a truly delightful experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use low-fat cream or milk for this High-Protein Chicken Alfredo Bake?

I’ve tried that, and honestly, the sauce won’t be as rich or creamy. The full-fat heavy cream and cream cheese are crucial for that decadent texture. Stick to full-fat for the best results, otherwise, it can be watery.

→ How do I prevent a lumpy sauce in my High-Protein Chicken Alfredo Bake?

Lumps are usually from cold or improperly softened cream cheese. Make sure your cream cheese is completely at room temperature before adding. Whisk it into the warm cream gradually, or temper it with a little warm cream first.

→ How long can I store leftover High-Protein Chicken Alfredo Bake in the fridge?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. I always check for off smells or a slimy texture before reheating. It’s best to enjoy it sooner rather than later for freshness.

→ Can I make this High-Protein Chicken Alfredo Bake ahead or freeze it for later?

You can prep the chicken and sauce separately up to 2 days ahead, but I don’t recommend freezing the assembled bake. The dairy-heavy sauce tends to separate and get a grainy texture upon thawing and reheating.

→ Can I easily double or halve this High-Protein Chicken Alfredo Bake recipe?

Yes, you can! Doubling works well in a larger skillet or baking dish. Halving is also straightforward, just ensure your skillet is appropriately sized so the sauce doesn’t spread too thin. Adjust seasonings to taste.