Name: Low Carb Chicken Casserole for Cozy Weeknight Dinners
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 4 cups Cooked Chicken (shredded or cubed; rotisserie chicken works great); 8 oz Cream Cheese (softened); 1 cup Sour Cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter substitute); 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese (feel free to mix in mozzarella or pepper jack); 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder; 1 teaspoon Onion Powder; to taste Salt and Pepper; 2 cups Steamed Broccoli or Cauliflower (or your favorite low-carb veggies)

A sudden craving swept over me as I flipped through my recipe collection—a desire for something hearty, yet light on the carbs. Enter the Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole, a dish that brings together tender chicken and an optional medley of veggies in a creamy embrace. This casserole not only makes meal prep a breeze but also keeps your weeknight dinners feeling indulgent without the guilt. Whether you’re following a keto plan or simply trying to lighten up your menu, this one-pan wonder baking in your oven will certainly impress. What’s your secret ingredient that makes comfort food feel like a healthy choice?

Why is this casserole a weeknight winner?

Simplicity reigns supreme with this Low Carb Chicken Casserole; any home cook can master it with just a few mix-and-bake steps. Flavorful and creamy, the blend of chicken, cream cheese, and cheddar creates a deliciously satisfying dish that feels indulgent yet guilt-free. Customizable, you can personalize it with your favorite veggies, making it an excellent way to use up what’s in the fridge—think broccoli or cauliflower! Meal Prep Friendly, it stores well, allowing you to whip it up for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. Perfect for family gatherings, this casserole is sure to become a go-to comfort food that your loved ones will request again and again. Try pairing it with a refreshing salad for a complete meal, just like with my Ranch Chicken Casserole or Sweet Spicy Chicken.

Low Carb Chicken Casserole Ingredients

Get ready for a hearty dish packed with flavor!

For the Casserole

Cooked Chicken – Shredded or cubed for protein; rotisserie chicken works great for convenience.
Cream Cheese – Adds rich, creamy texture; ensure it’s softened for easier mixing.
Sour Cream – Provides extra creaminess with a tangy taste; Greek yogurt is a lighter substitute.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Delivers that gooey, melted goodness; feel free to mix in mozzarella or pepper jack for variety.
Garlic Powder – Infuses a savory depth; fresh garlic can bring a more vibrant flavor if preferred.
Onion Powder – Adds sweetness and complexity; consider adding fresh onions for texture.
Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning and balancing the overall flavor.

For Optional Veggies

Steamed Broccoli or Cauliflower – Great for added nutrition and crunch; swap for your favorite low-carb veggies if desired.

Unleash the potential of this Low Carb Chicken Casserole and turn your weeknight dinners from ordinary to extraordinary!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Low Carb Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. This friendly preparation sets the stage for our Low Carb Chicken Casserole, ensuring everything bakes evenly and comes out perfectly golden.

Step 2: Combine the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked, shredded or cubed chicken with softened cream cheese, sour cream, and a generous sprinkle of garlic and onion powders, along with salt and pepper. Use a spatula to mix these ingredients together until the mixture is creamy and well-blended, which should take about 3–5 minutes. The goal is to create a smooth, flavorful base for your casserole.

Step 3: Incorporate the Vegetables
If you’re adding vegetables for an extra crunch and nutrition boost, gently fold in the steamed broccoli or cauliflower into the creamy chicken mixture. This should be done carefully to avoid breaking up the vegetables too much; you want them to be evenly distributed while still retaining their shape. This step adds a delightful texture to your Low Carb Chicken Casserole.

Step 4: Transfer and Spread
With the filling ready, transfer the chicken and veggie mixture into the greased casserole dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom of the dish, ensuring the mixture is level for uniform cooking. This step is essential for even heat distribution, resulting in a beautifully baked casserole.

Step 5: Add Cheese Topping
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese generously on top of the chicken mixture. This will create a melty, golden crust as the casserole bakes. Make sure to cover the mixture well with cheese, as this will enhance the overall creaminess and flavor of your Low Carb Chicken Casserole.

Step 6: Bake and Monitor
Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 20–25 minutes. Keep an eye on it as it cooks; the cheese should melt beautifully and begin to turn a light golden brown. This visual cue indicates that your casserole is nearing perfection.

Step 7: Rest Before Serving
Once the baking time is complete, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before digging in. Allowing it to rest helps the flavors meld together and makes serving easier. You’ll end up with a creamier texture and better slice integrity with this simple step.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Scoop out portions of your fragrant, creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole onto plates and serve warm. It pairs wonderfully with a green salad for a refreshing contrast, making it a hearty yet light dinner option that brings comfort to your table.

Expert Tips for the Best Casserole

Seasoned Chicken: Use well-seasoned cooked chicken to establish a robust flavor base in your Low Carb Chicken Casserole. A bit of prior seasoning can elevate the dish!
Rest Time: Allow the casserole to rest once baked for about 5 minutes. This helps it set and enhances the flavors, making each bite delicious.
Texture Matters: Ensure your cream cheese is softened before mixing to achieve that smooth, creamy consistency; hard cream cheese can lead to lumps in the filling.
Veggie Swap: Feel free to substitute vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand. Bell peppers or zucchini can add a delightful surprise to your Low Carb Chicken Casserole.
Watch the Bake: Keep an eye on the casserole as it bakes; every oven is unique! Aim for a melted, lightly golden cheese topping for the best results.

Make Ahead Options

These Low Carb Chicken Casseroles are perfect for busy home cooks who want to save time during the week! You can prep the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance by combining the cooked chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, and seasonings in a baking dish. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate to maintain freshness. If you’d like to add veggies, fold them in just before baking to keep their texture intact. When you’re ready to enjoy, remove the casserole from the fridge, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and bake it for 20-25 minutes at 375°F (190°C). With these make-ahead tips, you’ll have a hearty and delicious meal waiting for you after a long day!

What to Serve with Low Carb Chicken Casserole

A cozy dinner calls for delightful pairings that elevate your comforting meal experience.

Crunchy Green Salad: A fresh salad adds a crisp, refreshing contrast to the creamy casserole, enhancing every bite. Try a simple vinaigrette for zing!
Garlic Breadsticks: Soft, warm breadsticks are perfect for swooping up any leftover cheesy goodness from your casserole dish. The garlic flavor complements the dish beautifully.
Zucchini Noodles: For an extra low-carb touch, serve your casserole over zoodles. They soak up the creamy sauce splendidly while adding a slight crunch.
Steamed Asparagus: The mild, earthy flavor of asparagus provides a nice balance to the richness of the casserole. A squeeze of lemon brightens it up further.
Roasted Cauliflower: This veggie dish has a delightful texture that pairs well with the creaminess of your chicken casserole. Plus, it’s another low-carb option!
Sparkling Water: For a refreshing drink, sparkling water with a slice of lemon is light and energizing, making it an ideal thirst-quencher alongside your meal.
Dark Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, indulge in a rich and silky dark chocolate mousse. Its smooth texture contrasts nicely with the casserole’s creaminess while staying low on carbs.

Low Carb Chicken Casserole Variations

Feel free to unleash your culinary creativity with this delightful casserole, crafting a dish that’s uniquely your own!

Vegetable Medley: Swap steamed broccoli or cauliflower for bell peppers or zucchini to add vibrant colors and crunch.
Protein Swap: Use shredded turkey or even ground beef instead of chicken for a different flavor profile and texture.
Cheese Twist: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a fun twist on the traditional cheddar topping. Each cheese brings its own character to the casserole.
Creaminess Boost: Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version that still maintains that creamy texture.
Herbs Galore: Stir in fresh or dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or parsley for added aroma and depth of flavor, turning every bite into a fragrant experience.
Heat It Up: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a touch of heat in your dish, elevating the flavor to new heights.
Low Carb Crunch: Incorporate chopped almonds or crushed pork rinds as a topping for an added crunch without the carbs.

This versatile dish reminds me of my cherished Chicken Cobbler Dinner, where you’re welcomed to mix and match until you’ve created a masterpiece that’s just your style!

Storage Tips for Low Carb Chicken Casserole

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days; ensure the casserole is completely cooled before sealing to maintain freshness.

Freezer: This Low Carb Chicken Casserole freezes well! Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or use a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen, then warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through.

Serving Reminder: Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes after baking or reheating to enhance its creamy texture before serving.

Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right chicken?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and convenience, I recommend using rotisserie chicken. It’s already cooked and full of flavor. If using raw chicken, bake or poach it beforehand, seasoning it to your preference to enhance the dish.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Very simple! Store your Low Carb Chicken Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure it has completely cooled before sealing it, which helps maintain its freshness and texture.

Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can! To freeze, wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until heated through.

What if I can’t find cream cheese?
If you’re out of cream cheese, Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute! It will give a similar creamy texture, along with a tangy flavor. Alternatively, you can use ricotta cheese for a slightly different taste. Just make sure whatever you choose is at room temperature before mixing for a smooth consistency.

Are there any dietary considerations?
Absolutely! This Low Carb Chicken Casserole is gluten-free and suitable for low-carb diets, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions. For allergies, ensure to check labels on all packaged ingredients, especially the cheeses and any store-bought chicken options to avoid cross-contamination. If cooking for pets, avoid using onion and garlic as they can be harmful to them.

What vegetables can I use if I don’t have broccoli or cauliflower?
No worries! Feel free to customize your casserole with any low-carb veggies you have on hand. Zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach are all excellent options. Just make sure to pre-cook harder veggies like zucchini to avoid excess moisture in the casserole. This flexibility keeps the dish fresh and exciting every time you make it!