Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole: Cozy, Cheesy & Keto-Friendly

This Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole is a warm, satisfying one-dish meal that’s loaded with juicy chicken, tender vegetables, and a rich, cheesy cream sauce—all without the carbs. Whether you’re following a keto lifestyle or just trying to cut back on refined carbs, this casserole delivers maximum comfort without compromising flavor.

Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry family, this low carb casserole is simple to prepare and versatile enough to customize with your favorite low-carb veggies or proteins. It’s the kind of dish that makes you forget it’s healthy.

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Why You’ll Love This Low Carb Casserole

• Creamy, cheesy, and comforting—everything you want in a casserole

• Keto-friendly and gluten-free

• One-pan meal—no need to prepare sides

• Freezer and meal prep friendly

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Ingredients Overview: Flavor and Function

Every ingredient in this dish is chosen to keep it low in carbs while maintaining a creamy, rich texture and deep flavor.

1. Cooked Chicken

You can use rotisserie chicken, shredded chicken breast, or diced chicken thighs. This is the base protein and adds bulk and flavor.

2. Cream Cheese

Provides a thick, velvety base and tangy flavor. Use full-fat cream cheese for best consistency and fat content for keto.

3. Heavy Cream

Creates the creamy sauce while keeping carbs minimal. It also helps loosen the cream cheese into a pourable consistency.

4. Shredded Cheese

A mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella works best—cheddar for bold flavor and mozzarella for gooey texture.

5. Low Carb Veggies

Broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms, and spinach are great options. They add texture, nutrients, and balance to the richness of the dish.

6. Garlic and Onion Powder

Add savory depth without the carbs that come from actual onions or garlic cloves.

7. Mustard or Dijon (Optional)

Just a teaspoon adds brightness and tang to cut the richness of the cream.

8. Bacon (Optional but Highly Recommended)

Adds smoky flavor and crunch, which balances the creaminess. Plus, it’s keto gold.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Lightly grease a 9×13 casserole dish or medium baking dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

• Use 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed.

• If using raw chicken, sauté with salt and pepper until fully cooked, then proceed.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

• In a skillet over medium heat, sauté:

  • 2 cups broccoli florets

  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)

  • 1–2 cups cauliflower rice or chopped cauliflower

• Cook until just tender, about 5–6 minutes. Set aside.

Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce

In a saucepan or skillet, melt:

• 4 oz cream cheese

• ½ cup heavy cream

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Stir until smooth, then add:

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Simmer gently until the sauce is thick and creamy.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

In a large mixing bowl or directly in the baking dish, combine:

• Cooked chicken

• Sautéed vegetables

• Cream sauce

Mix well to coat evenly. Pour into baking dish and smooth the top.

Step 6: Top and Bake

• Sprinkle with 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.

• Optional: Top with crumbled bacon or crushed pork rinds for a crispy topping.

• Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving—it helps the sauce thicken slightly and flavors meld.

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Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Expert Tips

• Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to cut down on prep time.

• Soften cream cheese ahead of time to make the sauce easier to mix.

• Don’t overcook veggies during sautéing—they’ll finish in the oven.

Variations

• Tex-Mex version: Add taco seasoning and top with pepper jack cheese.

• Buffalo-style: Add ¼ cup hot sauce to the cream sauce, use blue cheese instead of cheddar.

• Pesto twist: Stir 2 tablespoons pesto into the sauce and use shredded parmesan as your topping.

Substitutions

• Dairy-free: Use dairy-free cream cheese, coconut cream, and vegan cheese (note: not all dairy-free versions are low-carb).

• Vegetables: Use zucchini, spinach, kale, or green beans.

• No cream cheese? Use sour cream or full-fat Greek yogurt (note: this increases carbs slightly).

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Serving Ideas & Occasions

This dish is incredibly versatile and can be served as a full meal or alongside lighter options.

Pair With:

• Mixed green salad with vinaigrette

• Roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts

• Cauliflower mash or low-carb biscuits

Ideal For:

• Weeknight dinners: Easy to prep ahead

• Keto meal prep: Portion and store for up to 4 days

• Family meals: Loved by low-carb and carb-lovers alike

• Potlucks: Just warm and serve—stays creamy even when reheated

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Nutritional & Health Notes

This casserole is designed to support low carb, high fat (LCHF) and ketogenic diets. Here’s a general breakdown:

• Low carb: ~5–6g net carbs per serving depending on vegetable choices

• High fat: Cream cheese, heavy cream, and shredded cheese provide healthy fats for energy and satisfaction

• Protein-rich: Chicken and cheese provide ample protein

• Gluten-free: No flour or bread crumbs needed

Want to cut more carbs?

• Use fewer starchy veggies (avoid carrots or peas)

• Swap cauliflower rice for chopped spinach or kale

• Choose full-fat dairy for better satiety and fewer additives

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?

Yes, but cook it first in a skillet with salt and pepper before adding it to the casserole. The chicken must be fully cooked before baking.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

3. Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. Already baked leftovers can also be frozen and reheated.

4. What vegetables are lowest in carbs for this casserole?

• Broccoli

• Cauliflower

• Spinach

• Zucchini

• Mushrooms
  These keep the dish low in net carbs and add texture and nutrients.

5. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, but the sauce won’t be quite as creamy. Use dairy-free cream cheese, coconut cream, and shredded plant-based cheese alternatives.

6. How can I make it spicy?

Add chopped jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne, or mix hot sauce into the cream sauce for heat.

7. Can I prep this ahead?

Absolutely. Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and store in the fridge. Bake when ready to serve, adding 5 extra minutes to the cook time if cold from the fridge.

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