If you’re on the lookout for a comforting, delicious, and nutritious dish, this Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe is an absolute winner. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and vibrant vegetables, it makes for a fulfilling meal without loading you up on carbs. Whether you’re managing your carb intake or just craving a wholesome home-cooked dinner, this recipe brings together flavors and textures that are guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each item is essential, contributing to the creamy texture, savory notes, and colorful appeal of the casserole, making the cooking process straightforward without sacrificing flavor.
- 2 pounds chicken breast, boneless and skinless: Provides lean protein and the hearty base of the dish.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds luscious creaminess that ties the casserole together.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Delivers a rich, melty topping with a sharp, tangy punch.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Enhances the sauce with a tangy depth and velvety texture.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: De-glazes the pan and adds savory moisture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for sautéing chicken, contributing subtle fruitiness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses warm, aromatic flavor throughout.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Rounds out the savory notes beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Brings a gentle heat that complements the creamy sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds color and a mild smoky nuance.
- 1 cup cauliflower florets: A low-carb vegetable that provides subtle crunch and nutrition.
- 1/2 cup chopped spinach: Adds vibrant green color and a boost of vitamins.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions: Offers fresh, mild onion flavor and a crisp finish.
How to Make Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Cube the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s nice and hot when your casserole is ready to bake. While it warms up, place the chicken breasts on a clean cutting board and cut them into bite-sized cubes. This makes the chicken cook evenly and allows each piece to soak up the creamy sauce later.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken cubes and cook them for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’re aiming for tender, fully cooked chicken that isn’t dry — no pink should remain in the center. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 3: Build the Flavorful Sauce
In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up those tasty browned bits from the bottom — this is where a lot of the flavor lives! Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Then, add the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let this simmer gently for a few minutes until the sauce thickens just a bit, creating a rich base for the casserole.
Step 4: Enrich the Sauce and Combine
Stir in the sour cream until the sauce becomes silky and smooth. Lower the heat, return the cooked chicken to the skillet, and toss it so every piece gets coated in the creamy mixture. Next, mix in the chopped spinach and green onions, letting them soften and mingle their fresh flavors with the sauce.
Step 5: Prepare the Cauliflower and Assemble
In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and cook the cauliflower florets for about 5 minutes. You want them tender but still holding their shape to add texture contrast. Drain well and fold the cauliflower into the skillet’s creamy chicken mixture evenly.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the entire mixture to a baking dish and smooth it out. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, covering the surface to form a golden, bubbly crust once baked. Pop it into the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. When the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbling, remove it and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop of freshness, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or additional green onions over the top right before serving. A dusting of crushed red pepper flakes works well if you like a gentle heat to contrast the creamy richness.
Side Dishes
This casserole stands beautifully on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted asparagus can bring a wonderful textural balance. A side of sautéed mushrooms or a simple cucumber salad can also brighten the meal and keep the carb count low.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch. Another fun idea is layering in a deep-dish skillet, letting each portion have a crispy cheese edge. Either way, the presentation invites warmth and comfort at the dinner table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe, cool any leftovers to room temperature and store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making for a perfect next-day lunch or quick dinner fix.
Freezing
To freeze, transfer cooled casserole portions into freezer-safe containers. This dish freezes well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to preserve the creamy texture and prevent curdling. You can also use a microwave on medium power, but stirring occasionally helps keep the sauce smooth and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a touch more richness and moisture. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s excellent for meal prep. The casserole holds up well refrigerated and freezes beautifully, making it a convenient make-ahead meal for busy weeks.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream, Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute, providing similar tanginess and creaminess with a bit more protein.
Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers can be great additions to boost nutrition and add variety — just keep an eye on cooking times to maintain texture.
How low is this recipe on carbs?
This chicken casserole is specifically designed to be low carb by using cauliflower instead of starchy sides and focusing on creamy, high-fat ingredients that keep you satisfied without excess carbs.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about a dish that feels indulgent yet fits perfectly into a low carb lifestyle, and this Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe does exactly that. It’s creamy, comforting, easy to make, and packed with flavor from start to finish. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find your new go-to meal that everyone will love, week after week.
Print
Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 45m
- Total Time: 1h 0m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This Low Carb Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying dish perfect for those looking to enjoy a comforting meal without the carbs. Tender bite-sized chicken breast pieces are cooked in a rich, flavorful cream sauce with garlic, spices, and fresh greens, then combined with tender cauliflower florets and baked with a golden layer of melted cheddar cheese on top. It’s an ideal keto-friendly casserole that’s hearty, delicious, and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 pounds chicken breast, boneless and skinless
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chopped spinach
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Vegetables and Topping
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Prepare Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a clean cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut them into bite-sized cubes for even cooking.
- Cook Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken cubes and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
- Set Chicken Aside: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside to prepare the sauce.
- Make Sauce Base: In the same skillet, add the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom using a wooden spoon to incorporate flavor.
- Add Spices: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika to the broth and mix well.
- Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine, letting the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so it thickens slightly.
- Incorporate Sour Cream: Stir in the sour cream until fully incorporated, smoothing out the sauce.
- Add Chicken and Greens: Reduce heat to low, return the cooked chicken to the skillet, and stir to coat thoroughly with the creamy sauce. Then add chopped spinach and green onions, mixing everything evenly.
- Cook Cauliflower: In a separate pot, bring water to a boil. Add cauliflower florets and cook for about 5 minutes until tender but still firm. Drain well.
- Combine Cauliflower: Add the drained cauliflower to the skillet with the chicken mixture and carefully fold it in for even distribution.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the entire mixture into a baking dish and spread it out evenly to prepare for baking.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole, covering the surface completely.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set. Serve warm and enjoy your low carb meal.
Notes
- You can substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard if preferred.
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary to the sauce.
- Make sure not to overcook the cauliflower so it maintains a slight crunch.
- This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated; reheat in the oven before serving.
- To reduce fat content, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the texture will differ slightly.
