Keto Chicken Casserole – Packed with juicy chicken, creamy cheese, and nutritious veggies, this low-carb casserole is a go-to for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This keto chicken casserole features simple, low-carb ingredients you likely already have on hand or can find easily. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
- Chicken Breast (boneless, skinless) – Cooked and shredded or cubed.
- Cream Cheese – Adds a creamy base and rich texture.
- Heavy Cream – For a rich, creamy sauce without added carbs.
- Shredded Cheese – Cheddar, mozzarella, or a combination for a gooey, cheesy topping.
- Vegetables – Broccoli, cauliflower, or spinach are great low-carb options.
- Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, and Pepper – Essential seasonings to enhance flavor.
- Bacon (optional) – Adds a salty crunch that pairs perfectly with chicken and cheese.
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Keto Chicken Casserole
- Use Pre-Cooked Chicken: Save time by using rotisserie chicken or leftovers. It’s convenient and adds flavor.
- Avoid Extra Moisture: Blanch and thoroughly dry any fresh veggies to avoid a watery casserole.
- Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. Paprika or Italian seasoning can add a nice twist.
- Go Light on Salt: Cheese and bacon are naturally salty, so be cautious about adding too much extra salt.
Variations on Keto Chicken Casserole
One of the best things about this keto chicken casserole is how customizable it is. Here are some variations to try:
- Mexican Keto Chicken Casserole: Add diced green chilies, cumin, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex twist. Top with a dollop of sour cream and diced avocado after baking.
- Keto Buffalo Chicken Casserole: Mix in some buffalo sauce for a spicy kick and top with crumbled blue cheese.
- Mushroom and Spinach Casserole: Swap broccoli for sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a savory, earthy flavor profile.
- Pesto Chicken Casserole: Add a couple of tablespoons of pesto sauce to the creamy mixture for a fragrant, herby dish.
How to Serve Keto Chicken Casserole
This casserole is a meal on its own, thanks to the protein, healthy fats, and fiber from the vegetables. However, if you’d like to make it a more substantial meal, here are some ideas:
- Side Salad: A fresh side salad with leafy greens, cucumbers, and a simple olive oil dressing balances the richness of the casserole.
- Cauliflower Rice: Serve with cauliflower rice to keep things low-carb and add an extra serving of vegetables.
- Keto Bread Rolls: If you’re in the mood for something bread-like, try serving with keto-friendly rolls for a comforting meal.
How to Store and Reheat Keto Chicken Casserole
This casserole is fantastic for meal prep and can easily be stored for later. Here’s how:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: This dish freezes well. Place portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience, though the oven method preserves the texture better.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this keto chicken casserole ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s been chilled.
Can I use different cheeses?
Yes, this recipe is flexible with cheese! Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend work well. Just avoid very soft cheeses like ricotta, which won’t melt as well.
Is there a dairy-free option?
You can try using coconut cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative to keep it creamy and keto-friendly. Opt for dairy-free cream cheese made from nuts for a similar texture.
Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?
Yes, add all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours. Stir well and add cheese on top during the last 30 minutes to melt.
What other vegetables can I add?
Zucchini, bell peppers, and even riced cauliflower work well. Just be mindful of the moisture level to avoid a watery casserole.
Keto Chicken Casserole (Low Carb)
Keto Chicken Casserole - Packed with juicy chicken, creamy cheese, and nutritious veggies, this low-carb casserole is a go-to for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken breast (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 3 cups fresh cauliflower florets
- 1 tsp kosher salt, divided
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened (I used light cream cheese)
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Steam the Veggies: Bring about an inch of water to boil in a saucepan with a steamer basket. Add broccoli and cauliflower, sprinkle with ½ tsp salt, cover, and steam for 5 minutes or until tender. (If you don’t have a steamer basket, simply add the florets directly to the boiling water.)
- Let them cool once done to stop the cooking.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the heavy cream, softened cream cheese, and seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and remaining salt). If the cream cheese is stubbornly thick, microwave for 15 seconds to blend it smoothly. Set aside.
- Combine: In a large bowl (or directly in your baking dish to save on dishes), mix together the shredded chicken, steamed veggies, and shredded carrot. Pour the creamy sauce over the top and stir until everything is well-coated. Spread this mixture into an even layer in a 4-quart casserole dish.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then bake for 20 minutes, uncovered, until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1 gramsAmount Per Serving Calories 441Total Fat 32gSaturated Fat 17gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 11gCholesterol 131mgSodium 560mgCarbohydrates 12gFiber 4gSugar 5gProtein 29g
TastyFitnessRecipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although tastyfitnessrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
This Keto Chicken Casserole is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious, low-carb meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to prepare. It’s customizable, packed with nutritious ingredients, and excellent for meal prep. Plus, it’s sure to be a hit with the entire family—even those who aren’t on a keto diet will love it!
Still hungry! Try my other keto recipes: