Imagine walking into your kitchen on a cozy evening, the comforting aroma of a bubbling casserole swirling around you, as you know dinner will soon be ready. It’s one of those days where you want something warm and satisfying but still want to keep it light. Well, grab your apron because today we’re diving into a creamy, low-carb chicken casserole that will have your taste buds dancing and your body thanking you.
Why you’ll love this recipe
This creamy low-carb chicken casserole is truly a gem in the world of comfort food. With its rich flavors and hearty texture, it feels indulgent without making you feel guilty afterward. The best part? You can enjoy all the creamy goodness without sacrificing your health goals. Imagine cheese melting into a savory mix of chicken, broccoli, and cauliflower, creating a dish that’s both filling and nutritious.
What makes this dish special is its versatility. It’s perfect for any night of the week, whether you’re entertaining the family or simply treating yourself after a long day. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients and minimal fuss, this casserole fits beautifully into any lifestyle. Plus, it’s a great way to get those veggies in — who can resist the gentle crunch of broccoli alongside the smoothness of melted cheese?
Gather these ingredients
To create this delightful dish, you’ll want to gather a few key ingredients that sing in harmony together:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: I usually use leftover rotisserie chicken; it adds such depth of flavor and saves time.
- 1 cup cauliflower, riced: This is your secret low-carb hero. It adds bulk and acts as the perfect canvas for all the flavors to mingle.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Yes, the creamy indulgence! This will make everything luscious and dreamy.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella): Use whichever cheese you love most. Cheddar gives a tangy kick while mozzarella adds that gooey stretch.
- 1 cup broccoli florets: Packed with nutrients and gives a fresh texture that balances the dish beautifully.
- 1/2 onion, chopped: This brings aromatics and sweetness, caramelizing beautifully as it bakes.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Don’t skip this! Garlic adds a robust flavor and just makes everything better.
- 1 teaspoon salt: A must for bringing out all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper: Subtle heat to round off the mix.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs introduces an aromatic twist that highlights the casserole.
Preparing Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole
Ready to roll? Let me guide you through the steps to whip this casserole together seamlessly:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This warms your kitchen and ensures a perfect bake.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, riced cauliflower, heavy cream, shredded cheese, broccoli florets, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Mix well to combine all the ingredients. I like to use a spatula to ensure everything is well coated in the creamy goodness.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly for even cooking.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese on top has turned a glorious golden brown. You’ll know it’s time when your kitchen smells like a slice of heaven!
- Allow to cool slightly before serving because, trust me, you don’t want to burn your tongue on that first glorious bite!
Best way to enjoy it
Imagine serving it straight from the oven, the cheese still gooey and inviting. This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad drizzled with Balsamic vinaigrette; the freshness will balance the richness of the dish. You could also enjoy it alongside some roasted garlic broccoli or a zesty coleslaw for an extra crunch!
Storage and reheating tips
Got leftovers? You’re in luck! Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply pop it back in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or zap it in the microwave for a quick meal. For longer storage, this casserole freezes fantastically. Just make sure to cover it tightly; it can be frozen for up to three months.
Helpful cooking tips
- If you want to add a bit more flavor, consider toasting your garlic briefly in the pan before adding it to the mix — it’ll give you that aromatic depth that takes it over the top.
- You could swap out the chicken for turkey if you’re looking for a lighter option or even leave it out entirely for a vegetarian twist!
- Feeling spicy? Toss in some red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun variations to keep your taste buds on their toes:
- Add in Italian sausage for a hearty infusion of flavors.
- Swap out the broccoli for spinach or kale if that’s more your vibe.
- Experiment with different cheeses — a smoky gouda could add a unique twist.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cauliflower, riced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Directions to follow
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, riced cauliflower, heavy cream, cheese, broccoli, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbling and golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Common questions
- How long does this take to prepare? It’s about 10 minutes of prep, then just pop it in the oven!
- Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! Prepare it and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking.
- What can I pair this with? A salad works great, or you can enjoy it on its own!
- Is this dish keto-friendly? Yes, indeed! It’s low-carb and packed with nutrients.
- How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Your kitchen adventure is waiting! This creamy low-carb chicken casserole isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that beckons connection, warmth, and a sprinkle of creativity. I invite you to dive in, share your variations, and let’s celebrate the joy of cooking together! So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get making this culinary hug!
Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole
Description
This creamy low-carb chicken casserole is a comforting dish that combines shredded chicken, riced cauliflower, broccoli, and cheese for a hearty yet healthy meal.Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Baking Instructions
-
Preheat the oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). -
Combine ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, riced cauliflower, heavy cream, shredded cheese, broccoli florets, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.Mix well to ensure everything is coated. -
Prepare baking dish
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. -
Bake
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbling and golden brown.The kitchen will smell wonderful! -
Cool and serve
Allow to cool slightly before serving.This prevents burns from hot cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 350kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 22g34%
- Saturated Fat 12g60%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 100mg34%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Potassium 400mg12%
- Total Carbohydrate 12g4%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 30g60%
- Vitamin A 500 IU
- Vitamin C 30 mg
- Calcium 300 mg
- Iron 2 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 1 IU
- Vitamin K 10 mcg
- Thiamin 0 mg
- Riboflavin 0 mg
- Niacin 4 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.3 mg
- Folate 15 mcg
- Vitamin B12 1 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 1 mg
- Phosphorus 250 mg
- Iodine 0 mcg
- Magnesium 20 mg
- Zinc 2 mg
- Selenium 20 mcg
- Copper 0.1 mg
- Manganese 0.5 mg
- Chromium 0 mcg
- Molybdenum 0 mcg
- Chloride 0 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
