Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
Enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal with this Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole, perfect for those following a low-carb lifestyle.
This Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole is a comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, a rich creamy sauce, and a medley of vegetables. Low in carbs but high in flavor, it's the perfect meal for any day of the week.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy texture that satisfies your cravings
- Packed with protein to keep you full and energized
- Easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep
- Low in carbs, making it a great option for keto diets
A Comforting Classic Reimagined
Casseroles are a beloved comfort food, and this Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole reimagines the classic dish to fit low-carb lifestyles without sacrificing flavor. With its rich and creamy sauce, it's the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly evening or to enjoy on a busy weeknight. The combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and cheesy goodness makes it a meal that the whole family will love.
What sets this casserole apart is not just its taste, but also its nutritional profile. Packed with protein from the chicken and cheese, and filled with healthful vegetables, it provides a satisfying meal that won't leave you feeling guilty. Plus, it's an excellent way to incorporate more low-carb ingredients into your diet, making it a staple for anyone following a keto or low-carb plan.
Meal Prep Made Easy
One of the best features of this Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole is its convenience for meal prep. You can easily make a large batch at the beginning of the week, portion it out, and enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week. Not only does this save you time, but it also helps you stick to your dietary goals by having a healthy, delicious meal ready to go.
Simply prepare the casserole as directed, then store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you're ready to eat, just reheat it in the microwave or oven, and you'll have a homemade meal in minutes. It's a wonderful solution for busy individuals or families who want to eat well without spending hours in the kitchen.
Customization Options
One of the joys of making casseroles is the ability to customize them to your taste or dietary needs. This Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole can easily be adapted to include your favorite vegetables. Consider adding bell peppers, spinach, or even mushrooms to enhance the flavor and nutritional value. You can also swap out the chicken for other proteins like turkey or even cooked sausage if you're feeling adventurous.
If you're not a fan of cheddar cheese, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese such as mozzarella or pepper jack for a spicy kick. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to create a dish that’s uniquely yours while still keeping it low-carb and delicious.
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, broccoli florets, cauliflower florets, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to combine.
Transfer to Baking Dish
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread evenly. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Storing and Reheating
Storing your Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole is easy! After baking, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it an ideal option for meal planning. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.
When you're ready to enjoy your casserole again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Reheat it in the oven or microwave until it's heated through. If reheating in the oven, cover it with foil to retain moisture and prevent the cheese from burning.
Nutritional Benefits
This Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. The chicken provides a high-quality source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall health. The broccoli and cauliflower add valuable fiber, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to a well-rounded meal.
In addition, the low-carb nature of this dish makes it suitable for those looking to manage their weight or blood sugar levels. By replacing traditional pasta or rice with vegetables, you can enjoy a hearty meal without the excess carbohydrates that can lead to energy crashes later.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?
Yes, you can use raw chicken, but you will need to adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
→ Is this casserole suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This casserole stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be easily reheated.
→ Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
You can substitute cream cheese and cheddar cheese with dairy-free alternatives available in stores.
→ What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole is great on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole
Enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal with this Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole, perfect for those following a low-carb lifestyle.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Healthy & Light
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
For the Casserole
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, broccoli florets, cauliflower florets, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to combine.
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread evenly. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 850mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 6g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 30g