Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe

When you’re in the mood for a hearty, comforting meal but want to keep things low carb, this Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe is the answer. Packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, this dish satisfies cravings without the carbs. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or serving to family and friends.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or olive oil.

Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Cook the Chicken:
   Use pre-cooked chicken to save time. Shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this recipe.
2. Steam the Broccoli:
   • Steaming Method: Place broccoli florets in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for 4–5 minutes until tender.
   • Microwave Method: Place broccoli in a microwave-safe bowl with 2 tablespoons of water. Cover and microwave on high for 3–4 minutes.
3. Cook the Cauliflower Rice:
   Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil, then sauté the cauliflower rice for 3–4 minutes until tender. Season with a pinch of salt and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Melt and Mix:
   In a medium saucepan, melt the cream cheese over medium-low heat. Once softened, stir in the heavy cream and whisk until smooth.
2. Add Flavor:
   Stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
3. Check Consistency:
   If the sauce is too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of water or chicken broth to thin it out slightly.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Layer Ingredients:
   In the prepared casserole dish, layer the cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, cauliflower rice, bell peppers, and onions.
2. Pour the Sauce:
   Evenly pour the creamy cheese sauce over the casserole, ensuring all ingredients are well-coated.
3. Add Toppings:
   Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. For added crunch, sprinkle crushed pork rinds or almond flour as a topping.

Step 5: Bake

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. If you prefer an extra-crispy topping, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.

Step 6: Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Salad: Pair the casserole with a simple green salad for a well-rounded, low-carb meal.
• Low-Carb Bread: Serve alongside keto-friendly bread or rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Zoodles or Spaghetti Squash: Add extra veggies by serving the casserole with zucchini noodles or roasted spaghetti squash.

Tips for Success

1. Use Pre-Cooked Chicken:
   Rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken saves time and adds great flavor.
2. Customize Veggies:
   Swap broccoli and cauliflower rice for zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms to suit your preferences.
3. Shred Your Own Cheese:
   Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents, which can affect the sauce’s creaminess. Freshly shredded cheese melts better.
4. Don’t Overcook Broccoli:
   Steam broccoli until just tender to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking.

Variations

1. Add Protein:
   Mix in cooked bacon, sausage, or ham for extra protein.
2. Spicy Twist:
   Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a bit of heat.
3. Herby Flavor:
   Stir in fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil for an aromatic touch.
4. Vegetarian Version:
   Skip the chicken and add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Low Carb and Keto-Friendly: Perfect for those watching their carb intake.
2. One Dish Wonder: Minimal cleanup with everything baked in a single dish.
3. Customizable: Adapt the ingredients to fit your tastes and dietary preferences.
4. Perfect for Meal Prep: Make ahead and enjoy throughout the week.

Conclusion

This Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe is a game-changer for quick, healthy meals that don’t compromise on flavor. With its creamy cheese sauce, tender chicken, and nutrient-packed vegetables, it’s a satisfying dish that fits perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle. Try it today and experience how delicious low-carb eating can be!

Yield: 6

Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe

Print

When you’re in the mood for a hearty, comforting meal but want to keep things low carb, this Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe is the answer. Packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, this dish satisfies cravings without the carbs. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or serving to family and friends.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works well)
• 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
• 1 cup cauliflower rice (optional, for added volume)
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup sour cream
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
   
2. Prepare the Base:
   In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, and cauliflower rice (if using).
   
3. Make the Sauce:
   In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together heavy cream, sour cream, and cream cheese until smooth.
   Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat and mix in 1 cup of cheddar cheese until melted.
   
4. Assemble the Casserole:
   Pour the cheese sauce over the chicken and vegetable mixture, tossing to coat evenly. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
   
5. Add Cheese Topping:
   Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese, remaining cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
   
6. Bake:
   Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the top is golden brown.
   
7. Serve:
   Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Low Carb Additions: You can add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to enhance the nutritional content.

Keto-Friendly Tip: Opt for full-fat versions of the dairy products to keep it keto-compliant.

Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.