Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole is a comforting dish that’s packed with flavor and perfect for weeknight dinners.
This Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole is an easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for those who are watching their carb intake while still wanting a hearty meal.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Low in carbs but high in flavor
- Creamy, rich texture that satisfies
- Easy to prepare for busy weeknights
- Versatile with different vegetable options
A Comforting Dish for Any Occasion
Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole is not just a meal; it's a comforting embrace after a long day. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it brings warmth to your dinner table while being easy to prepare. This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick yet satisfying. It can easily become a family favorite, with everyone looking forward to seconds.
Additionally, this casserole is a fantastic option for meal prep. You can make a large batch, refrigerate, or freeze portions for later. It reheats beautifully, making it an ideal dish for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week. Plus, with its low-carb profile, it fits seamlessly into various dietary plans without sacrificing taste.
Versatility of Ingredients
One of the best aspects of the Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole is its versatility. While the base recipe includes broccoli and cauliflower, you can easily swap in your favorite low-carb vegetables. Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers can add different flavors and textures to the dish, allowing you to customize it to your liking. This adaptability means you can enjoy this casserole in multiple ways, keeping mealtime exciting.
You can also experiment with different cheeses to change the flavor profile. While cheddar and mozzarella are popular choices, adding cream cheese or gouda can elevate the dish to new heights. Feel free to get creative with herbs and spices as well; a pinch of paprika or Italian seasoning can add an extra layer of depth to this already delicious casserole.
Health Benefits of the Ingredients
This casserole is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Chicken provides a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health. The inclusion of broccoli and cauliflower adds dietary fiber and important vitamins, such as Vitamin C and K, which support immune function and bone health. Together, they create a balanced dish that nourishes your body without the excess carbs.
Using heavy cream in moderation contributes healthy fats, which can promote satiety and provide energy. When combined with the right vegetables and seasonings, you can create a meal that is both satisfying and beneficial for your health. This dish proves that you don’t have to compromise nutrition for flavor; with Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole, you can have both.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients for a delicious casserole:
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Make sure to have all ingredients prepped for a smooth cooking experience!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your casserole:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Sauté the Vegetables
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add broccoli and cauliflower, sautéing until slightly tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Prepare the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the sautéed vegetables, shredded chicken, and half of the shredded cheese. Pour the cream mixture over the top and stir to combine.
Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and top with the remaining cheese.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden.
Serve
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy low carb chicken casserole!
Serve warm and enjoy this comforting meal!
Tips for Perfecting Your Casserole
To ensure your Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole turns out perfectly, make sure your vegetables are sautéed just right. They should be tender but not mushy, as they will continue cooking in the oven. It's also important to mix the cream sauce thoroughly with the chicken and vegetables to achieve an even distribution of flavors throughout the casserole.
Experiment with the baking time based on your oven's performance. If you notice the cheese browning too quickly, you can cover the dish with foil during the last few minutes of baking. This allows the casserole to cook through without over-browning the top.
Serving Suggestions
Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables. The freshness of a salad can balance the richness of the casserole, making for a well-rounded meal. If you're looking for a heartier option, consider serving it alongside a low-carb bread or cauliflower rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
For a finishing touch, sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top before serving. Not only does this add a pop of color, but it also enhances the flavor and freshness of the dish. Your guests will be impressed with both the presentation and taste!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli and cauliflower. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using.
→ What other proteins can I use?
You can substitute the chicken with turkey or even cooked sausage for a different flavor.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and bake it when you're ready to eat.
→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this casserole keeps well in the fridge and can be reheated easily, making it great for meal prep.
Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole
Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole is a comforting dish that’s packed with flavor and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Created by: Delilah Spencer
Recipe Type: Healthy & Light
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add broccoli and cauliflower, sautéing until slightly tender, about 5-7 minutes.
In a mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
In a large bowl, mix the sautéed vegetables, shredded chicken, and half of the shredded cheese. Pour the cream mixture over the top and stir to combine.
Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and top with the remaining cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden.
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy low carb chicken casserole!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 8g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 30g