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. I love how easy it is to whip up, and it always brings smiles around the dinner table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: This casserole comes together in just about 40 minutes. Perfect for those busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves cheesy goodness! Even picky eaters will be asking for seconds.
• Meal prep friendly: Make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy leftovers throughout the week—it’s just as delicious reheated!
• Low carb delight: You get all the comfort of a classic casserole without the carbs. It’s a win-win for health-conscious eaters!
• Versatile ingredients: Use whatever veggies you have on hand or swap out the proteins to make it your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is part of the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to create this scrumptious Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe:

• 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)

Variations

One of the best things about this Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up with these tasty variations:

• Swap the protein: Use cooked turkey or shredded beef instead of chicken for a different flavor profile.
• Add more veggies: Toss in chopped bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to sneak in more nutrients.
• Make it spicy: Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or jalapeños for a kick that will warm you up!
• Change the cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for unique flavors.

How to Make Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Greasing your baking dish now will ensure that your delicious casserole doesn’t stick later on!

Step 2: Prepare the Base

In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, and cauliflower rice if you’re using it. This base is where all those wonderful flavors start coming together!

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together heavy cream, sour cream, and cream cheese until smooth. It’s important to stir continuously so that everything blends perfectly. Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mixture creates that rich sauce everyone will love! Remove from heat and mix in one cup of cheddar cheese until melted—trust me; this step makes all the difference!

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Pour that luscious cheese sauce over your chicken and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to coat everything evenly before transferring it into your prepared baking dish. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor!

Step 5: Add Cheese Topping

Sprinkle mozzarella cheese, remaining cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Who can resist a bubbly cheesy crust?

Step 6: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until it’s bubbling and golden brown on top. The aroma filling your kitchen will have everyone gathering around!

Step 7: Serve

Once baked to perfection, remove from the oven and let it rest for about five minutes before serving. This little pause allows everything to set just right so you can scoop out perfect portions.

I hope you enjoy making this Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe as much as I do! It’s sure to become a staple in your home too!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe

Creating a delicious casserole is all about the little details, and I’ve got some tips to help you nail this recipe!

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: Opting for rotisserie chicken saves you time and adds flavor, making it easier to whip up this casserole on busy weeknights.
• Don’t Skip the Steaming: Steaming the broccoli before adding it to the casserole ensures it’s tender yet still retains its vibrant color and nutrients, enhancing the overall dish.
• Mix Cheeses for Depth: Combining different types of cheese like cheddar and mozzarella not only creates a delightful melty texture but also offers a richer flavor profile.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking lets the flavors meld together and makes serving easier, as it will hold its shape better.
• Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite low-carb vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. This flexibility keeps meals exciting and helps you use up what you have on hand!

How to Serve Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe

This Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole can be a showstopper at your dinner table! Here are some ideas to present it beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh Herbs: Chopped parsley or chives add a pop of color and freshness that complements the creamy casserole.
• Red Pepper Flakes: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can introduce a gentle heat, elevating the flavor without overwhelming the dish.

Side Dishes

• Cauliflower Mash: Creamy cauliflower mash is an excellent low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes, providing comfort without the extra carbs.
• Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole.
• Roasted Asparagus: Tender roasted asparagus drizzled with olive oil brings out its natural flavors and pairs beautifully with chicken.
• Zucchini Noodles: Lightly sautéed zucchini noodles can serve as a delightful side that keeps things low carb while adding volume to your meal.

Enjoy serving up this comforting casserole alongside these tasty accompaniments!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store it for later, making busy weeknights stress-free.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• If you want to freeze the casserole, do so before baking.
• Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cover the casserole with foil to prevent it from drying out.
• Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe.

Can I use other vegetables in this Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out broccoli with other low-carb veggies like zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers. Just make sure they are cooked or steamed beforehand for best results.

How can I make this Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese alternatives. Ensure that your sour cream is plant-based as well.

How long does this casserole take to prepare?

This Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe takes only about 10 minutes of prep time and around 30 minutes of cooking time!

Can I make this casserole without cream cheese?

Yes! If you prefer, you can replace cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream or simply omit it for a lighter dish.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! This casserole is an excellent choice for meal prep; just store portions in the fridge or freezer as mentioned above.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe as much as I do! It’s a comforting, satisfying dish that brings warmth to any table. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weeknight dinner or sharing it with loved ones, I’m sure it will be a hit. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to savor every bite!