Easy Keto Cabbage Chicken Bake (One-Pan & High Protein)
This Easy Keto Cabbage Chicken Bake is a delicious and incredibly simple one-pan meal perfect for weeknights! Tender cabbage “steaks” are topped with a savory, creamy chicken mixture and baked until golden and bubbly. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a hearty, low-carb dinner with minimal cleanup.
Yields: 2-3 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 35-37 minutes
Ingredients:
- 3-4 large cabbage steaks, about 1 inch thick (from half a medium head of cabbage)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, chopped into ½-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 1 tablespoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (check for no added sugar)
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or your favorite keto-friendly shredded cheese)
Equipment:
- Large baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl (optional, for spices)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven & Prep Cabbage: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the cabbage steaks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
- Prepare Chicken Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken breast. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, ¼ cup heavy whipping cream, and 2-3 tablespoons fresh parsley. Mix well until the chicken is thoroughly coated.
- Assemble & Bake (First Round): Spoon the seasoned chicken mixture evenly over each cabbage steak on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- Add Cheese & Final Bake: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Evenly sprinkle the ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken-topped cabbage steaks.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown, and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C).
- Serve & Enjoy! Let the bake cool for a few minutes before serving.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification
This Easy Cabbage Chicken Bake is a fantastic, straightforward, and highly compliant meal for your app!
- High Protein: Yes, this recipe is very high in protein. Chicken breast is an excellent lean protein source, and the heavy cream and cheese also contribute. This makes it a very satisfying meal.
- Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is low-carb. Cabbage and chicken are naturally low in carbohydrates, and the other ingredients are keto-friendly.
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly.
- Cabbage, Chicken Breast, Olive Oil, Heavy Whipping Cream, Mozzarella Cheese: These are all staples of a ketogenic diet, providing healthy fats and protein with minimal net carbs.
- Spices (Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Parsley): All are keto-friendly.
- Dijon Mustard: Generally low-carb, but it’s always good practice to check the label for any added sugars, as some brands may include them.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
