Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe Perfect for Busy Nights

The smell of a bubbling chicken casserole coming out of the oven is pure comfort, isn’t it? This Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole recipe is a lifesaver when you’re short on time but still craving something hearty and satisfying. Packed with tender chicken, creamy sauce, and veggies, it’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent while staying light on carbs. Whether you’re managing a low-carb diet or just looking for a new weeknight favorite, this casserole is sure to win over your taste buds.

I first whipped this recipe up during a hectic work week when I wanted something quick, filling, and family-friendly. Honestly, it’s been on repeat ever since! It’s simple enough for busy nights but still special enough to serve guests. Plus, with easy ingredient swaps, you can make it your own while keeping that creamy, cheesy goodness intact. Trust me, you’ll love this one!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Comes together in under 45 minutes, including bake time. Perfect for those nights when you want dinner without the fuss.
• Low Carb: Each serving is packed with protein and healthy fats, making it ideal for keto or low-carb diets.
• Simple Ingredients: No fancy grocery trips required; chances are you already have everything in your kitchen.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the cheesy, creamy texture, and grown-ups appreciate the hearty, satisfying flavors.
• Versatile: Swap veggies, tweak seasonings, or add your favorite toppings to make it your own.
• Comfort Food Reinvented: All the indulgence of a classic casserole without the heavy carbs.

What makes this casserole stand out is the balance between creamy richness and wholesome ingredients. The chicken stays moist, the veggies provide freshness, and the cheese? Well, it’s exactly the kind of gooey topper you’d expect from a casserole. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like a kitchen hero—without breaking a sweat.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses easy-to-find ingredients that come together for a perfectly creamy, cheesy casserole. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken: 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great).
• Broccoli: 2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets (steamed or blanched).
• Cauliflower Rice: 1 cup, cooked (a great low-carb substitute for traditional rice).
• Cream Cheese: 4 ounces, softened.
• Sour Cream: 1/2 cup (for creaminess).
• Shredded Cheese: 1 1/2 cups, divided (cheddar or mozzarella work perfectly).
• Heavy Cream: 1/4 cup (optional, for an extra creamy sauce).
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon (adds flavor).
• Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste.
• Butter: 1 tablespoon, for greasing the baking dish.

If you don’t have cauliflower rice on hand, you can substitute it with chopped zucchini or even skip it entirely for a more traditional casserole texture. The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need much to make this recipe, which is part of its charm. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch casserole dish works best for even cooking.
• Mixing Bowls: One large bowl for combining ingredients.
• Whisk: For blending the creamy sauce.
• Spatula: To spread the casserole mixture evenly.
• Knife & Cutting Board: For chopping veggies and shredding chicken.

If you don’t have a casserole dish, you can use any oven-safe dish with similar dimensions, like a deep skillet or pie pan. Just make sure it’s big enough to hold the ingredients without spilling over.

Preparation Method

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, heavy cream (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Add the cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, and cauliflower rice to the bowl. Stir to coat the ingredients evenly in the creamy sauce.
4. Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
5. Top with 1 cup of shredded cheese, spreading it evenly across the casserole.
6. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, then switch to broil for 3-5 minutes to achieve a golden, bubbly cheese topping.
7. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Tip: If your casserole looks too thick while mixing, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up. The sauce should be creamy but not overly dense.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Don’t Overcook the Veggies: If using fresh broccoli, steam it just until tender-crisp. Overcooking can make it mushy.
• Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken—it’s flavorful and perfectly shredded.
• Broil for a Golden Top: Switching to broil for the last few minutes creates a beautiful, bubbly cheese crust.
• Season Generously: Low-carb dishes rely on bold seasoning for flavor. Don’t skimp on salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
• Customize the Cheese: Mix cheddar with Parmesan or Gruyere for a richer flavor profile.

Feel free to prep the components ahead of time—cook the chicken, steam the veggies, and mix the sauce earlier in the day for an even faster dinner.

Variations & Adaptations

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or diced tofu for a meat-free casserole.
• Seasonal Veggies: Use asparagus or zucchini in place of broccoli during spring and summer.
• Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the creamy sauce for a kick of heat.
• Different Protein: Use cooked turkey, ground beef, or even shrimp for a fun twist.
• Cheese-Free Option: Skip the shredded cheese topping and use almond flour mixed with melted butter for a crispy crust instead.

When I’m in the mood for something extra indulgent, I’ll add a sprinkle of crumbled bacon on top before baking—it’s a game changer!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This casserole is best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. Here’s how to serve and store it:

• Serving: Serve it as a main course with a simple green salad or roasted veggies on the side.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave for 1-2 minutes.

Pro tip: The flavors deepen after a day in the fridge, making leftovers even tastier!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional benefits of this casserole:

• Calories: Approximately 300 per serving.
• Protein: Packed with lean chicken for muscle-building protein.
• Carbs: Less than 8 grams per serving, perfect for low-carb diets.
• Healthy Fats: Cream cheese, sour cream, and cheese provide satisfying fats.
• Vitamins & Minerals: Broccoli adds fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants to the dish.

This casserole is gluten-free, keto-friendly, and can easily be adapted for dairy-free diets with simple swaps.

Conclusion

This Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole recipe is everything you want in a weeknight dinner: simple, comforting, and packed with flavor. The creamy chicken and cheesy topping make it feel indulgent, but it’s light enough to keep you on track with your low-carb goals.

Whether you’re serving it to your family or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I love how versatile it is—every time I make it, I tweak something to keep it fresh and exciting. Give it a try and let me know your favorite variation!

Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments below or tag me if you try this recipe. Happy cooking!

FAQs

Can I make this casserole dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese, coconut cream instead of sour cream, and vegan shredded cheese as substitutes.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Absolutely. Just thaw and drain them before adding to the casserole to avoid excess moisture.

How do I make this recipe keto-friendly?

This recipe is already keto-friendly, but you can add more fats like avocado slices or use additional cheese for more keto macros.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes. Add a splash of cream if it seems dry.

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