There’s something heartwarming about a cozy casserole, don’t you think? It brings back memories of bustling kitchens, laughter, and family gatherings. One of my all-time favorites—both for its comfort and simplicity—is this Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole. This dish not only fills your belly but often warms your soul too! And here’s the best part: it’s low carb, making it perfect for those days when you’re trying to eat a bit lighter without sacrificing flavor.
Why you’ll love this recipe
Imagine a dish that’s not only creamy and cheesy but also packed with nutritious vegetables. This casserole is a delightful blend of tender chicken, vibrant cauliflower, and broccoli, all swimming in a dreamy sauce made from heavy cream and two kinds of cheese. If you’re looking for a meal that checks all the boxes—delicious, satisfying, and low-carb—this is it.
What makes this recipe stand out? It’s flexibility! You can toss in leftover veggies, switch up the cheese, or even play with spices depending on your mood. Plus, it comes together in a snap—you’ll have dinner on the table in less than an hour! Who doesn’t love that?
Gather these ingredients
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2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: The star of our show! Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut or some leftover grilled chicken. Shredded breast or thigh flesh works fabulously—pick your poison!
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1 cup cauliflower florets: These little beauties not only add bulk but also an excellent source of nutrients. You can easily swap in frozen cauliflower florets if that’s what you’ve got on hand.
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1 cup broccoli florets: Hello, vibrant green hues! Broccoli also contributes fiber and a satisfying crunch. Want to keep it simple? Use a mix of veggies or just stick to one!
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1 cup heavy cream: A rich, silky base that makes this dish incredibly creamy. If you want to lighten it up a bit, substitute half and half—just know it’ll lose some of that lusciousness.
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1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella): Cheese lovers, rejoice! Cheddar will provide a sharp bite, while mozzarella gives it that ooey-gooey texture. You could also use a dairy-free cheese alternative if you’re keeping it vegan.
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1/2 cup cream cheese: This is where the magic happens! Cream cheese thickens the casserole while adding extra creaminess.
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2 cloves garlic, minced: Because garlic makes everything better! You could use garlic powder if you’re in a pinch, but fresh is always best.
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1 teaspoon onion powder & 1 teaspoon garlic powder: These two elevate the flavor all around. They’re a pantry staple and add a warm, savory depth.
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Salt and pepper to taste: Simple but essential to bring all the flavors together. Don’t skip this seasoning step!
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1 tablespoon olive oil: A little oil helps to sauté the garlic and kickstart the cooking process. Feel free to use butter for richer flavor.
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1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional): It adds a nice touch of color—if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some on top!
The cooking process explained
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Preheat: First, crank up your oven to 350°F (175°C). This preheating magic ensures an evenly cooked casserole.
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Sauté the garlic: In a large skillet, heat that tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about 1-2 minutes. It’ll make your kitchen smell heavenly!
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Mix the goodness: Grab a large bowl and combine your cooked chicken, cauliflower florets, broccoli, heavy cream, cream cheese, shredded cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, and a bit of salt and pepper. Give it a good mix—make sure every ingredient feels like it’s part of the family.
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Transfer to a baking dish: Pour this glorious mixture into a greased baking dish. Don’t worry about perfection; rustic is in!
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Sprinkle & Bake: If you’re using paprika, sprinkle it on top now. Then, pop it in the oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
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Cool and serve: Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Trust me; that waiting will pay off as the flavors have a moment to meld!
Best way to enjoy it
Ah, serving! This creamy casserole is a meal all on its own, but if you want to elevate the dining experience a touch, consider pairing it with a fresh green salad or some zesty roasted vegetables. A drizzle of balsamic reduction over the salad cuts through the richness beautifully. You could also serve some keto-friendly bread on the side to soak up all that delightfully creamy sauce—because who doesn’t love some good bread?
Storage and reheating tips
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare, but hey, it happens), store them in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. And if you want to freeze it? You totally can! Just ensure it’s cooled completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It should stay fresh for about a month.
Helpful cooking tips
Here are a few pro tips to elevate your casserole game:
- Toast your spices for a minute in the sauté pan before adding other ingredients to unleash their full potential.
- Don’t shy away from mixing in other veggies like bell peppers or spinach if you’ve got them. They add color and nutrients!
- For a slightly crunchy topping, consider adding a sprinkle of almond flour or crushed pork rinds before baking.
Creative Twists
Want to add some flair? Swap the chicken for shredded turkey from Thanksgiving leftovers, or make it vegetarian by increasing the broccoli and cauliflower! You could even experiment with a spicy cheese blend for a kick—think pepper jack or a spicy cheddar. Throw in some chopped spinach or artichokes for a Mediterranean twist. The only limit is your creativity!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Directions to follow
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cauliflower, broccoli, heavy cream, cream cheese, shredded cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle paprika on top, if using.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and golden on top.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Your questions answered
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Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes! Just make sure it’s cooked and shredded before mixing it in. -
How long does this dish take to prepare?
About 10-15 minutes of prep plus baking time—so around 40 minutes total! -
Is this casserole kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids love cheesy dishes, and this one packs veggies in a fun way. -
Can I add other vegetables?
For sure! Get creative with whatever you have—zucchini, asparagus, or even diced peppers work well. -
What’s a great side to pair it with?
A fresh green salad or a side of steamed veggies would complement it beautifully.
If you’re still reading, thank you for joining me on this cozy culinary adventure! Cooking is a beautiful journey, and I’m thrilled you’re on this one with me. Whether you’re revisiting this creamy bounty for a family dinner or indulging solo, know that each bite is bursting with flavor and heart. So roll up your sleeves, get those ingredients together, and happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear how your version turns out—share your thoughts or tweaks in the comments below!
Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole
Description
This Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a rich sauce, creating a delicious meal that's low in carbs and high in flavor.Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Preparation Steps
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Preheat the oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). -
Sauté the garlic
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. -
Mix ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cauliflower, broccoli, heavy cream, cream cheese, shredded cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well. -
Transfer to dish
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. -
Sprinkle and bake
If using, sprinkle paprika on top, then bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top. -
Cool and serve
Let cool for a few minutes before serving.This helps flavors meld together.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 500kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 44g68%
- Saturated Fat 24g120%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 150mg50%
- Sodium 600mg25%
- Potassium 800mg23%
- Total Carbohydrate 10g4%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 40g80%
- Vitamin A 500 IU
- Vitamin C 60 mg
- Calcium 300 mg
- Iron 2 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 2 IU
- Vitamin K 100 mcg
- Thiamin 0.1 mg
- Riboflavin 0.3 mg
- Niacin 5 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.2 mg
- Folate 40 mcg
- Vitamin B12 1 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 1 mg
- Phosphorus 300 mg
- Iodine 0 mcg
- Magnesium 25 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.
