Introduction
Hi there! I am Benjamin Sharif, and if you are looking for a way to enjoy a comforting dinner without the heavy carb count, you have come to the right place. Have you ever wondered if it is truly possible to create a creamy, cheesy meal that feels like a massive hug but actually fits within your health goals? I still remember standing in my grandmother’s kitchen as a young boy, watching her master the art of the casserole. She always said that a good meal should make people happy, and that is exactly what this Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole does for my family today.
I know how life gets. Between work, the kids Adams and Jana, and managing the house with my wife Emily, time is our most precious ingredient. That is why I developed this recipe. It relies on simple staples and smart swaps to deliver maximum flavor with zero guilt. Whether you are a seasoned pro or just starting your journey in the kitchen, this dish is designed to be approachable and absolutely delicious. Let us dive into why this is about to become your new favorite weeknight staple.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole
Growing up in a home where food was the center of every celebration, I learned that the best recipes are the ones that bring people back for seconds. This Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole is no exception. Here is why my family and I absolutely adore it:
- Quick and Convenient: You can have this in the oven in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic Tuesday nights.
- Ketogenic Friendly: By swapping out pasta or rice for nutrient dense vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower, we keep the net carbs low while keeping the satisfaction high.
- Kid Approved: My kids, Adams and Jana, are usually picky about their greens, but when they are smothered in a creamy cheese sauce, they disappear in seconds!
- Meal Prep Hero: This dish actually tastes even better the next day, making it the ultimate solution for healthy work lunches.
- Highly Customizable: You can easily swap proteins or veggies based on what you have in your fridge. If you love a bit of a kick, check out my chicken bacon ranch casserole for a similar vibe with extra crunch.
Ingredients for Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole
To get started, you will need a few basic items that are likely already in your pantry. I always recommend using the freshest ingredients possible to really make those flavors sing.
- 3 cups cooked chicken shredded or chopped (rotisserie chicken works great here)
- 4 cups broccoli florets steamed until tender crisp
- 1 cup sour cream or full fat Greek yogurt
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Optional: Crispy bacon bits or sliced green onions for topping
If you find yourself short on broccoli, you can easily use cauliflower or even zucchini. For those who want more protein variety, this base sauce is quite similar to what I use in my high protein crustless chicken pot pie which is another huge hit in the Sharif household.
How to Make Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole
Step by Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with olive oil or butter to ensure nothing sticks to the sides.
- Mix the Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream. Use a whisk or a fork to blend them until the mixture is smooth and free of large lumps. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Fold in the Ingredients: Add your cooked chicken and the steamed broccoli florets to the bowl. Stir gently to ensure every piece of chicken and every floret is well coated with that luscious creamy sauce. Fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese at this stage.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Use the back of a spoon to level it out so it cooks uniformly.
- Add the Topping: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and the parmesan cheese over the top. This is what creates that beautiful golden crust we all love. For extra inspiration on cheesy baked dishes, you might enjoy my cheesy chicken pasta bake though this casserole keeps things much lower in carbs!
- Bake to Perfection: Place the dish in the center rack of your oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You are looking for the cheese to be bubbly and just starting to brown around the edges.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This helps the sauce set slightly. Top with fresh green onions or crispy bacon if you are feeling fancy.
Pro Tips and Variations
After making this dish dozens of times for Emily and the kids, I have picked up a few tricks that make a world of difference. First, make sure your broccoli is well drained after steaming. Excess water can make the casserole watery. I also love using a mix of cheeses. A bit of Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack can add a lovely stretch and a hint of heat.
As suggested by experts on low carb chicken casserole, you can also add a crunch on top using crushed pork rinds or almond flour mixed with butter. This mimics the classic cracker topping without the carbohydrates. If you want a more Mediterranean flair, try adding sundried tomatoes and spinach, similar to the flavors in my creamy tuscan chicken recipe easy.
Serving Suggestions
While this Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole is a complete meal on its own, I love pairing it with a few sides to round out the dinner table. A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette provides a nice acidic contrast to the rich creaminess of the casserole. You could also serve it alongside some cauliflower rice or even a side of roasted asparagus. If you are looking for a totally different chicken experience for another night, my garlic butter chicken bites go perfectly with a big green salad.
Storage and Reheating
If you happen to have leftovers, you are in luck. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I recommend using the oven at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes to keep the texture of the cheese intact. If you are in a rush, the microwave works fine, but do it in 1 minute increments to avoid drying out the chicken. I do not recommend freezing this specific recipe because dairy based sauces can sometimes separate when thawed, affecting the creamy texture we worked so hard to create.
FAQ about Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole
Can I use raw chicken? I recommend using cooked chicken for this recipe to ensure it is juicy and perfectly done within the 20 minute bake time. If you use raw chicken, you will need to bake it significantly longer, which might overcook the broccoli.
How can I make this dairy free? You can substitute the cream cheese and sour cream with coconut cream and a dairy free cheese alternative, though the flavor profile will shift slightly. Recipes like this are often discussed on Molly’s Home Guide for specific dietary adjustments.
Is this meal prep friendly? Absolutely! It holds up very well and is one of my favorite things to pack for a quick lunch during a busy work week.
Final Thoughts on Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole
Cooking is about more than just food; it is about the moments we share around the table. I hope this recipe brings as much joy and connection to your home as it does to mine. If you enjoyed making this, please leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out! Do not forget to save this recipe on Pinterest so you can find it whenever the craving hits. For more inspiration, feel free to subscribe to my newsletter and join our growing community of home cooks. Grab your apron and let us keep making memories in the kitchen!
Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with olive oil or butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream. Use a whisk or a fork to blend them until the mixture is smooth and free of large lumps. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add your cooked chicken and the steamed broccoli florets to the bowl. Stir gently to ensure every piece of chicken and every floret is well coated with that luscious creamy sauce. Fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese at this stage.
- Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Use the back of a spoon to level it out so it cooks uniformly.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and the parmesan cheese over the top.
- Place the dish in the center rack of your oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You are looking for the cheese to be bubbly and just starting to brown around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This helps the sauce set slightly. Top with fresh green onions or crispy bacon if you are feeling fancy.
