If you’ve been hunting for a hearty, comforting meal that fits perfectly into your keto lifestyle, you’ve come to the right place! Low Carb Chicken Casserole: A Delicious Keto-Friendly Recipe is everything you want in a weeknight dinner — creamy, cheesy, packed with tender chicken and vibrant veggies, all while keeping your carbs in check. This casserole isn’t just another recipe; it’s a warm hug of flavors that’s simple to make, nourishing, and sure to become a fast favorite on your keto menu.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Crafting this Low Carb Chicken Casserole: A Delicious Keto-Friendly Recipe requires simple ingredients that beautifully complement each other, bringing together flavors, textures, and colors in perfect harmony. These basics are essential to ensure each bite bursts with richness and freshness without overwhelming your carb count.
- Chicken breasts (1.5 lbs): Cubed to ensure even cooking and tender bites throughout the casserole.
- Onion (1 large): Adds a sweet, aromatic foundation to balance savory flavors.
- Garlic (2 cloves): Brings a punchy depth that enhances every other ingredient.
- Mushrooms (1 cup, chopped): Cremini or button mushrooms add an earthy, meaty texture.
- Broccoli florets (1 cup): Bright green and nutritious, for color and a slight crunch.
- Cheddar cheese (1 cup shredded): Creates that golden, gooey topping everyone craves.
- Monterey Jack cheese (1/2 cup shredded): Adds creaminess and mild flavor to the mix.
- Cream cheese (1/4 cup, softened): Gives the casserole a luscious, velvety binder.
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Helps keep the casserole moist and rich.
- Eggs (2 large): Essential for structure and holding everything together.
- Almond flour (1/4 cup): This low-carb flour adds body without the carbs of wheat flour.
- Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup grated): Offers a sharp, nutty flavor to elevate the dish.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Brings a hint of freshness and color.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle herbal notes for complexity.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Basic seasoning to enhance the natural flavors.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): For sautéing and a slight fruity richness.
- Chicken broth (1/4 cup, optional): Adds extra moisture and depth if desired.
How to Make Low Carb Chicken Casserole: A Delicious Keto-Friendly Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to go when your casserole mixture is assembled. While that heats, chop the chicken into 1-inch pieces and prepare your veggies — onions, garlic, mushrooms, and broccoli. Having everything ready makes the cooking flow seamlessly.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add your chicken cubes. Cooking them until browned on all sides (about 5-7 minutes) locks in flavor and keeps the meat juicy. If your skillet is small, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding and steaming.
Step 3: Sauté Your Veggies
After removing the chicken from the skillet, add the onion and cook it until softened and translucent (3-5 minutes). Stir in minced garlic and mushrooms, letting them cook until the mushrooms start to brown nicely (2-3 minutes). Finish by adding broccoli, cooking just until wilted (1-2 minutes), so it retains some body and bright color.
Step 4: Mix the Creamy Base
In a medium bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth. Whisk in eggs one at a time, ensuring a silky mixture that will bind your casserole perfectly.
Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients and Seasonings
Fold in almond flour, Parmesan cheese, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper to the creamy base. This combination gives your casserole its rich flavor and structure without adding carbs.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Veggies
Gently fold the cooked chicken and sautéed vegetables into the creamy mixture, turning everything into a deliciously textured filling. If you want extra moisture, stir in the chicken broth here for a lighter consistency.
Step 7: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the mixture to a greased 8×8 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses on top. Slide it into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden crust. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety and juiciness.
Step 8: Rest and Enjoy
Let the casserole rest a few minutes once it’s out of the oven — this helps it set up and makes serving easier. The aromas and melted cheese will have you eager to dig in!
How to Serve Low Carb Chicken Casserole: A Delicious Keto-Friendly Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dash of paprika adds a pop of color and freshness that elevates the homemade feel. You can even add thin slices of avocado for creaminess and a vibrant contrast to the cheesy top.
Side Dishes
Keeping the meal keto-friendly, pair this casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in olive oil and lemon, or roasted asparagus with garlic. The light sides balance the casserole’s richness perfectly without piling on carbs.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in mini ramekins to impress guests or portion ahead for meal prep. Another idea is to scoop it out onto large lettuce leaves for a unique, handheld experience that’s still keto-approved.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. Store leftovers in airtight containers to maintain moisture and flavor, making it an easy grab-and-go meal the next day without losing any of its comforting taste.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap. This Low Carb Chicken Casserole: A Delicious Keto-Friendly Recipe freezes well and can be thawed overnight in the fridge before reheating. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeks.
Reheating
Gently reheat your portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through, to keep the texture perfect and cheese melty. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the texture might become uneven, but it’s fine in a pinch!
FAQs
Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! While broccoli and mushrooms complement the dish wonderfully, you can swap in zucchini, cauliflower, or spinach to keep it low-carb and tailor it to your tastes.
Is this casserole suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. It’s a fantastic make-ahead dish that reheats well, making your weekly keto routine much easier and delicious.
Can I substitute the almond flour?
If you have a nut allergy, coconut flour is a possible substitute but use sparingly as it absorbs moisture differently. Adjust the amount accordingly to avoid a dry casserole.
What if I don’t have mayonnaise or cream cheese?
You can substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter texture or blend in sour cream; both will maintain the creamy, rich base needed for this casserole.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Try using dairy-free cheese alternatives and coconut cream in place of cream cheese and mayonnaise. The flavor and texture will shift slightly, but it still works well.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about cozying up with a slice of this Low Carb Chicken Casserole: A Delicious Keto-Friendly Recipe on a chilly evening. It’s more than just a meal — it’s a celebration of wholesome ingredients coming together in creamy, cheesy harmony that anyone following a keto lifestyle or just craving comfort will adore. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and add this dish to your rotation of go-to favorites!
Print
Low Carb Chicken Casserole: A Delicious Keto-Friendly Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This Low Carb Chicken Casserole is a delicious, keto-friendly dish packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy cheese sauce. Perfect for those following a low carbohydrate diet, it combines healthy ingredients with rich flavors and a satisfying texture. Easy to prepare and bake, this casserole is an excellent choice for a comforting weeknight meal or meal prep.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chopped mushrooms (cremini or button)
- 1 cup chopped broccoli florets
Dairy and Sauces
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
Binders and Seasonings
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking Aids
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (optional, for extra moisture)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken breasts and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Work in batches if necessary to avoid crowding. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Onion: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add Garlic and Mushrooms: Stir in minced garlic and chopped mushrooms, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the mushrooms are softened and slightly browned.
- Add Broccoli: Toss in the chopped broccoli florets and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted but still vibrant in color.
- Prepare Creamy Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth and well combined.
- Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the cream cheese mixture, whisking thoroughly after each addition to ensure a smooth texture.
- Mix Seasonings and Flour: Stir in almond flour, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper into the creamy egg mixture for flavor and structure.
- Combine Chicken and Vegetables: Gently fold the cooked chicken and sautéed vegetable mixture into the creamy sauce to fully combine all ingredients.
- Add Broth (Optional): Stir in the optional chicken broth to add extra moisture to the casserole mixture if desired.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the combined mixture into a greased 8×8 inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is heated through, and the cheese on top is melted, golden, and bubbly. Verify that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C) with a food thermometer for safety.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute broccoli with other low-carb vegetables such as cauliflower or spinach.
- The chicken broth is optional but recommended for a moister casserole.
- Make sure to cook the chicken thoroughly during the skillet step to ensure food safety.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated.
- For a dairy-free version, consider replacing cheeses with suitable vegan alternatives.
