Welcome to your new favorite weeknight dinner! This Low Carb Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, blending tender chicken, creamy cheese, and hearty vegetables into a dish that’s both incredibly satisfying and perfectly keto-friendly. If you’ve been searching for a simple, family-pleasing meal that won’t compromise your health goals, you’ve found it. This recipe is designed for busy people who crave delicious, nourishing food without the fuss.
Forget complicated steps and hard-to-find ingredients. We’re focusing on wholesome, simple components that come together in under an hour. It’s cheesy, it’s packed with protein, and it delivers that rich, comforting flavor you expect from a classic casserole, all without the carbs. Let’s dive in and make a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why This Is The Best Low Carb Chicken Casserole
In a world of endless dinner options, this recipe truly stands out. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a solution for healthy, stress-free eating. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this dish from the very first bite.
- Effortlessly Easy: With simple instructions and common ingredients, this casserole is perfect for cooks of all skill levels. It’s a true “mix, dump, and bake” recipe.
- Keto & Gluten-Free: This dish is naturally low in carbohydrates and completely gluten-free, making it a perfect fit for various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
- Rich & Creamy Texture: A savory blend of cream cheese, heavy cream, and melted cheddar creates a luxuriously smooth sauce that perfectly coats every piece of chicken and broccoli.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This casserole holds up beautifully in the refrigerator, making it an ideal choice for planning your weekly lunches or dinners. The flavors get even better overnight!
Essential Ingredients For This Casserole
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity. We use a handful of high-quality, low-carb staples to create a powerhouse of flavor and nutrition. Here’s what you’ll need.
For the Casserole Base:
- Shredded Chicken: Using a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver. You can also use any cooked chicken you have on hand.
- Broccoli Florets: Fresh or frozen broccoli works well here. It adds essential nutrients, fiber, and a wonderful texture that complements the creamy sauce.
- Cream Cheese: The foundation of our creamy sauce. Use full-fat, block-style cream cheese for the best texture and flavor.
- Heavy Cream: This enriches the sauce, giving it a velvety, luxurious consistency.
- Cheddar Cheese: We use shredded cheddar in the sauce and on top for that irresistible cheesy pull. Feel free to try a blend with Monterey Jack or Colby.
- Seasonings: A simple yet powerful combination of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper is all you need to make the flavors pop.
For a different take on a cheesy, comforting classic, you might also enjoy our Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole, though keep in mind it is not a low-carb option.
Step-By-Step Instructions to Make Low Carb Chicken Casserole
Ready to get cooking? Follow these simple steps to create a perfect casserole every time. It’s practically foolproof!
- Preheat and Prep: First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. If you’re using fresh broccoli, you can quickly steam or blanch it for 2-3 minutes to ensure it becomes tender in the oven.
- Mix the Creamy Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. Then, gently fold in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the shredded chicken and broccoli florets to the bowl with the cream sauce. Stir everything together until the chicken and broccoli are evenly coated.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese uniformly over the top.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to be fully melted, bubbly, and just beginning to turn golden brown on top.
- Rest and Serve: Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the sauce to set and thicken slightly, making it easier to serve. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and enjoy!
Tips, Tricks, and Variations
Want to make this recipe your own? Here are a few expert tips and creative variations to elevate your Low Carb Chicken Casserole.
Expert Tips for Success
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the casserole. Overbaking can cause the sauce to separate or become oily. You want it bubbly and melted, not browned all over.
- Ensure Cream Cheese is Soft: Let your cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing. This is the key to a smooth, lump-free sauce.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce gritty. For the smoothest melt, buy a block of cheddar and shred it yourself.
Flavor Variations
- Add Bacon: For a smoky, savory twist, fold in 6-8 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon with the chicken and broccoli.
- Swap the Veggies: Not a fan of broccoli? Steamed cauliflower florets, sautéed mushrooms, or steamed green beans are fantastic low-carb substitutes. For a delicious side, try our Garlic Butter Green Beans.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture for a gentle kick of heat.
- Italian Flair: Mix in some Italian seasoning and serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan for a different flavor profile. If you love low-carb Italian, check out our Keto Italian Meatballs recipe.
How to Store and Reheat Your Casserole
This casserole is fantastic for leftovers, making your future self very happy. Proper storage is key to keeping it fresh and delicious.
To store, allow the casserole to cool completely. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil or a lid, or transfer individual portions to airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For reheating, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, to reheat a larger amount, place it in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until warm and bubbly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this casserole freezes well. For best results, bake it first and allow it to cool completely. Cover it tightly with both plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s going into the oven straight from the fridge.
Certainly. While cheddar is a classic choice, this casserole is also delicious with a Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican cheese blend. For extra flavor, you can also add a little bit of grated Parmesan cheese to the topping.
The casserole is done when the cheese on top is fully melted and the edges are bubbling. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Let it rest for a few minutes before serving, as this allows the sauce to thicken perfectly.
Cauliflower florets are the most popular keto-friendly substitute for broccoli in this recipe. You could also use steamed green beans, asparagus, or sauteed mushrooms and spinach.
The Perfect Cheesy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Awaits
And there you have it—a simple, delicious, and satisfying Low Carb Chicken Casserole that is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. It’s proof that healthy eating can be indulgent and incredibly easy. Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think in the comments below!
If you loved this dish, don’t forget to share it with your friends and save it to your favorite board on Pinterest!
Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe
Low Carb Chicken Casserole: Cheesy, Creamy & Keto-Friendly
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth, then fold in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Add the shredded chicken and broccoli florets to the bowl with the cream sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
Notes
Feel free to substitute broccoli with cauliflower or green beans for a different twist.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
