Ah, the hustle and bustle of life can sometimes make cooking feel more like a chore than a joy. But let me tell you, when you’re craving comfort food that won’t leave you feeling sluggish, this Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole is the answer to your culinary prayers. This dish doesn’t just fill your belly; it embraces you like a warm hug on a chilly evening. I stumbled upon this gem while trying to whip up something hearty yet healthy for weeknight dinners, and it’s quickly become a routine dish in our home—one that’s met with smiles and satisfied looks every time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Picture this: a creamy, dreamy casserole bubbling away in the oven, with a delightful cheesy crust that forms on top. Doesn’t that sound tempting? Not only does this dish merge rich flavors and textures but it also serves up all the comfort of classic casseroles without the guilt that often comes with them. Whether you’re following a low-carb lifestyle or just looking to eat a bit healthier, this dish is your go-to!
What makes this casserole extra special is how versatile it can be. You can toss in different veggies or even swap out the chicken for your favorite protein—keep it fun and exciting while ensuring it stays wholesome. Plus, with cream cheese and cheddar adding velvety textures and luscious flavors, you won’t feel like you’re missing out on anything. It’s a comforting plate that makes even the busiest weeknights feel like a cozy family dinner.
Gather These Ingredients
Cooked Chicken: 2 cups, shredded. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or quickly poach some breasts. It’s a fantastic way to utilize what’s already in your fridge!
Cauliflower Florets: 1 cup. This veggie is your low-carb superstar! It adds bulk and a subtle nutty flavor while blending beautifully into the creamy mixture.
Spinach: 1 cup, chopped. Packed with nutrients, spinach brings a delicious hint of earthiness and vibrant color that you just can’t resist.
Cream Cheese: 1 cup, softened. This is the backbone of the creaminess! If you prefer, low-fat cream cheese or a dairy-free alternative works just as well without sacrificing texture.
Grated Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup. Who doesn’t love cheese? It adds that extra layer of flavor. You might even want to experiment with sharp or smoked cheddar for a twist!
Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup. This helps bring everything together. If you want an even richer flavor, homemade broth is a beautiful option!
Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon each. These spices add depth and aroma, transforming your plain casserole into something downright delightful.
Salt and Pepper: To taste. A simple pinch goes a long way to elevate those flavors.
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon. A drizzle on top not only enhances the flavor but encourages that beautiful golden crust.
Preparing Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You want it nice and hot for that cheesy goodness.
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and chicken broth. Whisk until smooth, making sure there are no lumps—this is key for that dreamy texture!
Stir in the shredded chicken, cauliflower florets, chopped spinach, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure every piece is coated in that creamy mixture; this is where the magic begins!
Grab half of the grated cheddar cheese and fold it into the mixture gently. This ensures that you’ll have cheesy goodness throughout every bite.
Transfer everything into a greased casserole dish—don’t skip this step; we want to make sure nothing sticks!
Now, sprinkle the remaining cheddar on top. Because let’s be honest, who can ever have too much cheese?
Drizzle the olive oil over the top. This gives a little extra oomph and encourages browning.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until it’s absolutely bubbling and the cheese is a luscious golden brown.
Let it cool for a few minutes before diving in—trust me, those first few bites will thank you!
How to Serve It
You’re going to want to serve this casserole hot, straight from the oven. Pair it with a crisp side salad for an added crunch, or if you’re feeling indulgent, a light garlic bread makes for a heavenly combo. For variations, toss some keto-friendly breadcrumbs on top to give it a little texture—just imagine the crunch against that creamy filling!
If you’d like to elevate the experience, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil. They not only add a pop of color but also bring a brightness that cuts through the richness of the dish.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
This casserole keeps surprisingly well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring leftovers to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply pop it in the oven or microwave. If you really want to plan ahead, feel free to freeze it for up to 3 months. Just remember to defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Extra Tips and Advice
Prep Ahead: You can prep the casserole a day in advance, keeping it in the fridge unbaked. This way, when you get home from work, all you have to do is pop it into the oven!
Spice It Up: Feel free to add some heat with red pepper flakes or even diced jalapeños if you like a good kick.
Vegetable Variations: Don’t hesitate to mix in other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers based on your preference or what you have on hand.
Creative Twists
This recipe is a canvas waiting for your personal touch! Swap out the chicken for shredded turkey or even cooked sausage for a different protein experience. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding different cheese blends—like a bit of mozzarella for extra stretch or even a sprinkle of feta for saltiness. And for a twist on flavor, toss in herbs like dill or thyme, which can elevate the dish to another level.
Ingredients List
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix cream cheese and chicken broth until smooth.
- Stir in cooked chicken, cauliflower, spinach, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Fold in half of the cheddar cheese.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
- Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
- Drizzle olive oil over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Your Questions Answered
- Can I use rotisserie chicken? Absolutely! It’s a time-saver and adds amazing flavor.
- How many servings does this make? It serves about 4-6, depending on appetites!
- Can I substitute the cream cheese? Yes, try mascarpone or a dairy-free alternative if you prefer.
- What if I’m vegetarian? You can replace chicken with chickpeas or lentils for a filling option.
- Can I make it gluten-free? You’re already on the right path—this recipe is naturally gluten-free!
This Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole isn’t just a quick meal; it’s a way to cozy up with comfort food that lights up your table and heart. Packed with nutrients and love, it offers a delightful home-cooked experience, all while keeping things healthy. I invite you to try it for yourself, sprinkle in your own flair, and let me know how it turns out. Grab those ingredients, get cooking, and don’t forget to share your variations and memories in the comments—let’s keep this cooking love alive!
Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole
Description
This Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole merges rich flavors and textures while remaining healthy and hearty for weeknight dinners.Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Preparation Steps
Preheat the oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).Mix cream cheese and broth
In a large bowl, mix cream cheese and chicken broth until smooth.Ensure there are no lumps.Combine ingredients
Stir in cooked chicken, cauliflower, spinach, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.Make sure everything is coated in the creamy mixture.Fold in cheese
Fold in half of the cheddar cheese gently.This ensures cheesy goodness throughout every bite.Transfer to dish
Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish.Make sure to grease the dish to prevent sticking.Add remaining cheese
Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.You can never have too much cheese!Drizzle with oil
Drizzle olive oil over the top.This enhances flavor and encourages browning.Bake
Bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.Cool and serve
Let cool for a few minutes before serving.This will help with cutting and serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4-6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 350kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 22g34%
- Saturated Fat 12g60%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 85mg29%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Potassium 600mg18%
- Total Carbohydrate 10g4%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 30g60%
- Vitamin A 1500 IU
- Vitamin C 20 mg
- Calcium 300 mg
- Iron 2 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 1 IU
- Vitamin K 50 mcg
- Thiamin 0.2 mg
- Riboflavin 0.4 mg
- Niacin 4 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.5 mg
- Folate 75 mcg
- Vitamin B12 1 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 1 mg
- Phosphorus 400 mg
- Iodine 0 mcg
- Magnesium 25 mg
- Zinc 2 mg
- Selenium 20 mcg
- Copper 0.2 mg
- Manganese 0.5 mg
- Chromium 0 mcg
- Molybdenum 0 mcg
- Chloride 0 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
