Hey y'all! If you're looking for a cozy, creamy, and utterly satisfying meal that fits perfectly into your low-carb lifestyle, this Low Carb Chicken Casserole with Cheese is about to become your new favorite. It's packed with juicy chicken, melty cheese, and savory flavors that make it a hit for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping for the week. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Low Carb Chicken Casserole with Cheese
- Ready in under an hour, it's perfect for busy weeknights.
- Packed with rich, cheesy flavor without the carb overload.
- Family-friendly – even picky eaters will love it!
- Great for meal prep and reheats beautifully.
- Keto-friendly and gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy it.
Ingredients for Low Carb Chicken Casserole with Cheese
- 2 lbs cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Low Carb Chicken Casserole with Cheese
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If your chicken isn't already cooked, poach or bake the breasts until cooked through and shred with two forks. Chop the broccoli and cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
Step 2: Sauté Veggies
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Toss in the garlic, broccoli, and cauliflower, cooking for another 5-7 minutes until just tender. Season with smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Add the shredded chicken and sautéed veggies to the creamy cheese mixture. Stir until everything is well combined. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese evenly on top.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes, garnish with fresh parsley, and dig in!
Notes & Tips for the Best Low Carb Chicken Casserole with Cheese
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor.
- For extra creaminess, add a splash more heavy cream to the sauce.
- Check out these keto cooking tips for more inspiration.
Low Carb Chicken Casserole with Cheese Variations
- Buffalo Style: Mix in ¼ cup buffalo wing sauce and top with blue cheese crumbles.
- Mediterranean: Add chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese.
- Bacon Ranch: Swap broccoli for spinach, add ¼ cup chopped cooked bacon, and a tablespoon of ranch seasoning.
Required Equipment for Low Carb Chicken Casserole with Cheese
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- 9x13-inch casserole dish
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Low Carb Chicken Casserole with Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave for 2-3 minutes per serving.
Serving Recommendations & Pairings
- Pair with a crisp green salad tossed in olive oil and lemon juice.
- Serve alongside cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini for extra veggies.
- Enjoy with a refreshing glass of iced tea or a low-carb sparkling water.
Pro Tips for the Best Low Carb Chicken Casserole with Cheese
- Shred your cheese from a block – it melts smoother than pre-shredded.
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes for easier slicing and serving.
- Check out this guide to low carb cheese options for even more ideas.
FAQ – Low Carb Chicken Casserole with Cheese
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
- Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, making them a great substitute in this recipe.
- Is this casserole keto-friendly?
- Yes, this Low Carb Chicken Casserole with Cheese is keto-friendly, with minimal carbs and plenty of satisfying fats and protein. Learn more about keto diets here.
- Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
- Definitely! Assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, cover, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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1Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x9-inch baking dish.
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2In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
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3Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
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4Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and chopped green onions evenly over the top.
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5Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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6Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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