There’s something magical about the warmth of a homemade casserole, don’t you think? It’s like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket on a chilly evening. This Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole is one of those recipes that, for me, feels like a big hug right from the oven. I remember the first time I made it—it was during a busy week filled with work and responsibilities. I wanted something easy, comforting, and low-carb that would satisfy everyone in the family. This dish turned into an instant favorite, and I’m excited to share it with you today!
Why you’ll love this recipe
Let’s talk about what makes this casserole special. First, it’s creamy and cheesy without the heavy guilt that usually accompanies comfort food. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll whip up a dish that feels indulgent but stays within your low-carb goals. The chicken is tender and shredded to perfection, paired with creamy cream cheese and savory chicken broth, which creates a rich base that’s just ridiculous in flavor.
And let’s not forget about the broccoli. It’s not just a sprinkle for color; it’s packed with nutrients and gives the casserole a vibrant crunch. Imagine the bubbly, golden top when it comes out of the oven—pure bliss! Plus, it’s a simple one-dish meal, minimizing clean-up after a long day. Who wouldn’t love that? Cozy vibes, health benefits, and minimal effort… it’s a win-win!
Gather these ingredients
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Chicken: You’ll need 2 cups of cooked chicken, shredded. This can be leftover rotisserie chicken or poached breast; just ensure it’s cooked through and ready to shred.
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Cream Cheese: A full cup of softened cream cheese is what gives this casserole its dreamy creaminess. It’s the secret ingredient that ties everything together. If you want a lighter option, consider using Neufchâtel cheese—it works just as well!
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Chicken Broth: Grab a cup of chicken broth to add depth of flavor. Homemade is always best if you’ve got it, but low-sodium store-bought is perfectly fine.
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Broccoli Florets: You’ll want 1 cup of fresh broccoli florets. This adds a burst of color and nutrients to the dish. Frozen broccoli works too, but be sure to thaw and drain it well before using.
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Cheddar Cheese: A cup of shredded cheddar cheese takes this comforting dish to the next level. Sharp cheddar gives it an extra kick of flavor, but feel free to use your favorite melting cheese here.
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Onion and Garlic: One chopped onion and two minced garlic cloves provide aromatic magic, creating a savory foundation for your casserole.
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Seasonings: Season it up with 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder, plus salt and pepper to taste. These little hits of flavor are what elevate the dish beyond ordinary.
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Olive Oil: A teaspoon of olive oil is used for sautéing the onion and garlic. If you’re magnifying the flavors, it’s worth it!
The cooking process explained
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Preheat: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is where the magic begins!
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Sauté: In a skillet over medium heat, drizzle in the teaspoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become fragrant and just slightly golden. This step really wakes up the flavors—you won’t want to skip it!
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Mix It Up: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, chicken broth, broccoli, and cheddar cheese. Then sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together until everything is well incorporated. You want a uniform texture—it’s like a creamy hug waiting to be baked!
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Transfer: Get your greased baking dish and pour the mixture in, spreading it out evenly. This helps it cook evenly and ensures everyone gets a piece of that gooey goodness.
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Bake: Now, pop it into the oven for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it—you’re looking for that beautiful bubbling effect and a golden top, which means your casserole is ready for the spotlight!
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Serve Hot: Serve it up hot, and trust me, you’ll be greeted with smiles all around!
Best way to enjoy it
This casserole stands alone as a hearty meal, but there are ways to elevate it even further. Serve it with a simple side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette for that refreshing crunch. A scoop of creamy coleslaw can also add an interesting texture. And don’t forget a light drizzle of hot sauce for those who like a kick!
If you’re feeling adventurous, try topping it with some crushed pork rinds before baking for an unexpected crunch. For a more Mediterranean twist, think about adding sun-dried tomatoes or olives to the mix. The world is your oyster!
Storage and reheating tips
If you find yourself with leftovers (which I honestly doubt because it’s THAT good), you can keep them stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Simply reheat in the microwave or pop it back in a warm oven until heated through.
Want to freeze some for later? This casserole freezes beautifully! Just ensure it’s cooled completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It should last up to three months in the freezer, so you always have a cozy meal at the ready.
Helpful cooking tips
- Chicken: If you’re ever in a pinch, rotisserie chicken or even store-bought grilled chicken can save you time. Just shred it up and you’re set!
- Cheese Variations: Want to experiment? Try swapping the cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack for an exciting twist.
- Thickening agents: If you prefer a thicker casserole, add a tablespoon of almond flour or coconut flour to the mixture.
Creative Twists
Feeling creative? Here are a few variations to keep things fresh. Consider adding other veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for an extra layer of flavor. You could even stir in some spinach for a pop of color and even more nutrients.
Or how about making it a Southwest-inspired dish? Swap out the broccoli for corn and add some taco seasoning instead of garlic and onion powder. This opens up a whole new flavor profile!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Directions to follow
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken, cream cheese, chicken broth, broccoli, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Serve hot and enjoy your lovely casserole!
Your questions answered
- Can I use raw chicken? Yes, but you’ll need to cook it first. Shredded cooked chicken makes this dish easy and quick.
- What do I serve with this? A side salad or roasted veggies would complement the casserole beautifully.
- How long can I keep leftovers? In the fridge, they’ll last about three days.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare it the day before and just bake it when you’re ready.
- Can I add more veggies? Definitely! Carrots, cauliflower, or kale would all work great.
This Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole is not just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace in a dish. I hope you give it a try and experience the warmth that brings everyone together around the dinner table. Don’t hesitate to add your own twist, and feel free to share your experiences—the kitchen is all about experimenting and sharing joy! Happy cooking!
Use Your Leftovers
Reduce food waste by making these recipes with your leftover ingredients:
Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole
Description
This Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole is a cozy meal that's creamy and cheesy without the heavy guilt. Packed with chicken, broccoli, and topped with cheddar cheese, this casserole is both delicious and nutritious.Ingredients
Casserole Ingredients
Directions
Casserole Prep
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Preheat Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). -
Sauté Onions and Garlic
In a skillet over medium heat, drizzle in the teaspoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and slightly golden. -
Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, chicken broth, broccoli, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. -
Transfer to Baking Dish
Grease a baking dish and pour the mixture in, spreading it evenly. -
Bake Casserole
Bake for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. -
Serve Hot
Serve it up hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 400kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 28g44%
- Saturated Fat 10g50%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 90mg30%
- Sodium 600mg25%
- Potassium 600mg18%
- Total Carbohydrate 10g4%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 35g70%
- Vitamin A 500 IU
- Vitamin C 60 mg
- Calcium 300 mg
- Iron 2 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 1 IU
- Vitamin K 10 mcg
- Thiamin 0 mg
- Riboflavin 0.5 mg
- Niacin 1 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.5 mg
- Folate 10 mcg
- Vitamin B12 2 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg
- Phosphorus 300 mg
- Iodine 0 mcg
- Magnesium 30 mg
- Zinc 2 mg
- Selenium 25 mcg
- Copper 0.2 mg
- Manganese 0.4 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.


