Low Carb Chicken Casserole

Low carb chicken casserole with vegetables in a baking dish

Why Make This Low Carb Chicken Casserole

If you’re looking for a delicious and wholesome meal that’s both satisfying and low in carbohydrates, you’ve hit the jackpot with this Low Carb Chicken Casserole. This dish blends tender, shredded chicken with nutritious vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower, creating a savory and comforting meal. With its creamy texture and melted cheese topping, not only will your taste buds rejoice, but you’ll also feel great knowing that you’re staying on track with your dietary goals. This casserole can easily become a staple in your meal prep rotation, as it’s simple to prepare and full of flavor without the excess carbs.

How to Make Low Carb Chicken Casserole

Making this Low Carb Chicken Casserole is a breeze! You’ll find that the steps are straightforward and you can bring this comforting dish to life in no time. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll create a creamy, cheesy casserole that everyone will love. Plus, it’s highly customizable, allowing you to swap in your favorite vegetables or cheeses based on what you have available.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 cup cauliflower florets
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil or cooking spray for greasing the dish

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, broccoli, cauliflower, and half of the cheese.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  5. Pour the cream mixture over the chicken and vegetable mixture, stirring until well combined.
  6. Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish and top with the remaining cheese.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  8. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your low carb chicken casserole!

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

  • Calories: 350
  • Total Fat: 23g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 2g
  • Protein: 30g

How to Serve Low Carb Chicken Casserole

This casserole is wonderfully versatile and can be served as a main dish or as an accompaniment to a fresh garden salad. For a heartier meal, pair it with a side of roasted vegetables or sautéed greens. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep for the week, or even as a comforting dish during chilly evenings. Serve it hot and watch everyone dig in!

How to Store Low Carb Chicken Casserole

Once you’ve made this delicious casserole, you’ll want to make sure it stays fresh. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you’re looking to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just remember to let it cool completely before transferring it to the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until hot.

Expert Tips for Perfect Low Carb Chicken Casserole

  1. Cooked Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken to save time on prep, or make it from scratch using leftover roast chicken.
  2. Veggie Variations: Feel free to add other low-carb vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
  3. Cheese Choices: Experiment with different varieties of cheese like mozzarella, gouda, or a spicy pepper jack for a flavor twist.
  4. Creamy Texture: If you want a thicker sauce, add a tablespoon of cream cheese to the cream mixture while whisking.

Delicious Variations

  • Southwestern Style: Add black beans, corn, and a teaspoon of cumin for a southwestern twist.
  • Italian Flavor: Mix in some Italian seasoning and use mozzarella cheese for a flavor reminiscent of lasagna.
  • Spicy Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños and use pepper jack cheese for a spicy version of the casserole.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use frozen vegetables?

    • Yes! You can absolutely use frozen broccoli and cauliflower. Just make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before adding them to the casserole mixture.

  2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

    • Certainly! You can prep it a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and bake it when you’re ready to serve.

  3. What can I use instead of heavy cream?

    • If you want a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half and half or even a non-dairy milk like almond or coconut milk (though the texture may vary slightly).

Conclusion

This Low Carb Chicken Casserole isn’t just a tasty meal—it’s also a healthier option that fits perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s comfort food at its best. Encourage your friends and family to try it, and share your own variations! Whether you serve it as a weeknight dinner or a dish for special occasions, it will surely be a crowd-pleaser. Grab those ingredients and get cooking—your next favorite recipe awaits!

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