Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for a dinner that balances cozy comfort with wholesome, waistline-friendly ingredients, this Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe is about to become your weeknight hero. Packed with juicy chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, a blend of ooey-gooey cheeses, and just the right hint of spices, every bite is hearty yet guilt free. This is a dish designed for everyone at the table: it’s simple to prepare, brimming with flavor, and brings a golden, bubbling finish that just begs for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The success of this casserole is all about embracing simple staples that pack a punch. Each ingredient adds its own special touch, from rich creaminess to pockets of bright veggies and that irresistible cheesy topping. Here’s what you’ll need to make the Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe truly shine:

• Cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken works perfectly here and saves time, but any cooked, shredded, or diced chicken will do the trick.
• Broccoli florets: Steam them just until tender for a burst of color and a satisfying bite that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
• Cauliflower rice (optional): Adds bulk and a tender texture with hardly any carbs—totally optional, but a great way to sneak in extra veggies.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Brings sharp, classic cheddar flavor and a gorgeous golden top once baked.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Offers gooey meltiness, making each forkful irresistible.
• Heavy cream: The base of the luscious, velvety sauce that ties everything together.
• Sour cream: Delivers a lovely tang that keeps the dish from feeling too heavy.
• Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese melds seamlessly into the sauce for extra body and depth.
• Garlic powder: Adds savory warmth that highlights the chicken and cheese.
• Onion powder: Rounds out the savoriness for that home-cooked essence.
• Smoked paprika: Offers a sweet-smoky undertone and a touch of vibrant color.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to make every other ingredient pop.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Sprinkle this over the top for a nutty, crispy finish.

How to Make Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), which helps ensure your casserole bakes up hot and bubbly every time. Give a good coat of cooking spray or butter to a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks—and clean-up is just as easy as the prep!

Step 2: Prepare the Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine your already-cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, and that optional cauliflower rice if you’re using it. Toss them gently together so every scoop ends up with a bit of everything. This trio forms the hearty backbone of the Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe, balancing protein, veg, and satisfying bulk.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Set a medium saucepan over medium heat, and whisk together the heavy cream, sour cream, and softened cream cheese until the mixture becomes smooth and velvety. Next, stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, plus a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Once homogenous, take the pan off the heat and stir in one cup of cheddar cheese until it’s fully melted—it should be glossy, thick, and oh-so tempting!

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Pour that glorious cheese sauce over your chicken and veggie mixture. Toss everything gently but thoroughly, making sure every bite will have creamy, cheesy goodness. Transfer this mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer for even cooking and those coveted crispy edges.

Step 5: Add the Cheese Topping

Time for the finishing touch! Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese, the rest of your cheddar, and, if you’d like a nutty, crisp top, a scattering of Parmesan all over the surface. This trio gets beautifully golden and bubbly in the oven, locking in moisture and flavor.

Step 6: Bake

Slide the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for that iconic golden brown top with molten cheese peeking through, as well as a bit of bubbling around the edges. Let the aroma fill your kitchen—it’s the promise of dinner perfection!

Step 7: Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and, if you can stand the wait, let it rest for about five minutes. This lets the sauce set just enough for perfect slices or scoops. Dish it up hot and watch as everyone digs eagerly in—this Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe is always a crowd-pleaser!

How to Serve Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

Bring a fresh pop to your Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe by topping it with a handful of chopped parsley or chives just before serving. You can also add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a few cracks of black pepper for extra color and aroma—the little finishes go a long way!

Side Dishes

Pairing this casserole with the right sides really elevates dinner. Think crisp green salads with a tangy vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, sautéed zucchini ribbons, or even a bowl of creamy coleslaw. Since the casserole is already quite hearty, simple vegetable sides work best to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun change, consider serving the casserole in individual ramekins for a dinner party, or scoop it into lettuce cups for a low-carb handheld option. You can even tuck leftovers into low-carb wraps for an indulgent next-day lunch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover your casserole dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days—perfect for meal prepping or grabbing a quick lunch that’s still every bit as delicious!

Freezing

If you want to make the Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe ahead of time for a future busy night, it freezes beautifully. For best results, assemble the casserole but wait to bake until you’re ready to eat. Wrap it well, freeze for up to three months, then bake directly from frozen (add 10–15 minutes extra to the baking time).

Reheating

To reheat, place the casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered loosely with foil, until warmed through—this preserves the creamy texture and melty cheese. For single servings, the microwave works just fine, but let them stand for a minute so the heat evenly distributes.

FAQs

Can I use different vegetables in this casserole?

Absolutely! While broccoli and cauliflower rice are classic low-carb choices, feel free to swap in bell peppers, spinach, or even zucchini. The important thing is to lightly steam or sauté any veggies first so they don’t release too much water while baking.

What’s the best type of chicken to use?

Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver for this Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe because it’s flavorful and ready to go, but leftover grilled or poached chicken works just as well. Just aim for bite-sized pieces so every bite has that tasty chicken texture.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can fully assemble the casserole (minus the cheese topping, if you prefer) up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then add cheese and bake fresh when you’re ready—dinner, on your schedule!

How can I add some spice to the dish?

If you love a little kick, stir in some chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or even a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce before assembling. It adds a whole new layer of flavor without complicating the recipe at all.

Is this Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe keto-friendly?

Yes! With its low-carb veggie base, high protein content, and rich creaminess from cheeses and cream, this casserole is definitely keto-approved. Just double-check any store-bought ingredients for hidden carbs if you’re tracking closely.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something irresistible about a bubbly, cheesy casserole that brings everyone to the table. Whether you’re eating low carb by choice or simply looking for an easy, comforting meal, this Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe covers all bases. Warm, satisfyingly cheesy, and endlessly adaptable, I can’t wait for you to call this your new favorite, too!

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