Cheesy Low Carb Chicken Casserole

$- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup cauliflower florets, steamed and chopped - 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup cream or unsweetened almond milk - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish) This casserole is not just tasty; it’s also healthy. Each serving has about 400 calories. It is low in carbs, with roughly 8 grams per serving. You will get around 30 grams of protein and 30 grams of fat. The chicken provides protein, while the cauliflower and broccoli add fiber and vitamins. Cream cheese and cheddar offer calcium and healthy fats. This dish is a great way to enjoy a filling meal without the carbs! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Start by preheating your oven. This step helps the casserole cook evenly. Greasing the dish stops the food from sticking. You can use cooking spray or a little oil for this. - Mix shredded chicken, cauliflower, and broccoli. - Prepare cream cheese mixture. Next, you will combine your main ingredients. In a large bowl, add the shredded chicken, steamed cauliflower, and steamed broccoli. Mix them well. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Then add cream or almond milk, minced garlic, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend this mixture until it is creamy and well mixed. - Pour cream cheese mixture over the vegetables. - Transfer to the baking dish and add cheddar cheese. - Baking time and tips for doneness. Now, pour the cream cheese mix over the chicken and veggies. Stir everything carefully to coat each piece. Transfer this mix into your greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly and top it with shredded cheddar cheese. Bake the casserole in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Look for bubbly cheese and a light golden color. Let it cool a bit before serving. Enjoy your dish with some green onions on top for a fresh look! To ensure even cooking, I recommend cutting your veggies into similar sizes. This helps them cook at the same rate. Use a sharp knife for safe and quick chopping. A large mixing bowl works well for combining your ingredients without making a mess. A spatula is perfect for folding in the cream cheese mixture to ensure everything is well coated. Adding herbs can boost flavor. Fresh thyme or basil works great. If you want a kick, try some red pepper flakes. For cheese, if you want a twist, use mozzarella or pepper jack instead of cheddar. These can add different textures and tastes to your casserole. Serve your casserole hot right from the dish for a cozy feel. Spoon portions onto plates for a more formal look. Garnish each serving with green onions for a pop of color. A sprinkle of fresh herbs can also brighten your plate. Use a colorful dish to make your meal more appealing too. This can turn an ordinary meal into something special. Pro Tips Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker option, consider using store-bought rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds great flavor. Mix Up the Veggies: Feel free to substitute other low-carb vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a different flavor and texture. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, to create a unique taste profile. Make Ahead: This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve! {{image_2}} You can easily swap out ingredients to suit your taste. For low-carb veggie options, use zucchini or spinach. These will keep the dish light and tasty. If you want to change the protein, try turkey or even tofu. Both give a nice texture and flavor. If you need a dairy-free version, use cashew cream instead of cream cheese. Unsweetened coconut milk can replace the cream too. For those who need gluten-free options, check your spices and sauces. Most are naturally gluten-free, making this dish safe for you. Want some heat? Add sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick. You can also make it Mediterranean by adding olives, artichokes, or feta cheese. These changes will make your casserole exciting and full of flavor. Each version brings a new twist to this simple meal. To store your leftover low carb chicken casserole, let it cool first. Once cooled, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. I like to use glass containers with lids. They are great for easy heating later. For freezing, use freezer-safe containers. Portion out servings before freezing. This makes it easy to reheat just what you need. When you want to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot. This keeps the taste and texture nice. In the fridge, the casserole lasts about 3 to 4 days. Always check for any signs of spoilage. If it smells off or looks strange, it's best to toss it. For safety, never leave food out for more than two hours. Make sure to store it properly to enjoy later! What can I serve with Low Carb Chicken Casserole? You can serve this dish with a fresh salad. A side of green beans or steamed asparagus works well, too. These sides balance the rich flavors of the casserole. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare it a day before. Just cover it and refrigerate. When you're ready, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? Absolutely! This casserole is great for meal prep. You can divide it into portions and store them in containers. It keeps well in the fridge for easy meals during the week. How do I know when the casserole is done? Look for bubbly cheese and a golden top. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. The casserole should be hot all the way through. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken? Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred it and mix it in. The flavors of the spices and cheese will blend nicely with it. How many carbs are in the casserole per serving? Each serving has about 6 grams of carbs. This makes it a great option for low-carb diets. Can this be adapted for other diets such as keto or paleo? Yes, this recipe is perfect for keto. Simply use almond milk instead of cream for paleo. You can also add more low-carb veggies to adjust the dish to your needs. This blog post covers a tasty, low-carb chicken casserole recipe packed with nutrients. We went over the main and additional ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips. You can adapt the recipe to fit different diets or change the flavors. Remember, this dish is great for meal prep and leftovers. With simple storage tips and answers to common questions, you’ll be ready to enjoy this dish anytime. Dive into this healthy recipe and make it your own!$

A delicious and creamy low carb casserole packed with chicken and vegetables.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup cauliflower florets, steamed and chopped
1 cup broccoli florets, steamed
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
0.5 cup cream or unsweetened almond milk
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
to taste salt and pepper
0.25 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped cauliflower, and steamed broccoli.
In another bowl, beat together the cream cheese, cream (or almond milk), minced garlic, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the chicken and vegetables, and stir until everything is evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing out the top.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the surface of the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions.

Notes

Serve hot directly from the baking dish or spoon portions onto plates, garnishing each serving with extra green onions for a pop of color.

Keyword casserole, cheesy, chicken, low carb