DREAMY LOW CARB CHICKEN BAKE

I’ll never forget the first time I tasted a truly amazing chicken casserole. It was at a potluck, and it was so rich and comforting. I knew I needed to recreate that experience, but with a healthy twist! Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole- Creamy & Dreamy you’ll ever make!

The Ultimate Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole: Your New Go-To Comfort Food

Are you craving a dish that’s both incredibly satisfying and fits perfectly into your low-carb lifestyle? Look no further! This chicken casserole is the answer. It’s packed with flavor, unbelievably creamy, and so easy to make, it’ll become a weeknight staple. Seriously, prepare to be amazed by how delicious healthy eating can be! We’re talking comfort food without the guilt.

This isn’t your grandma’s heavy, carb-laden casserole. We’re using clever swaps and delicious ingredients to create a dish that’s both satisfying and good for you. Forget feeling deprived – this is about enjoying every single bite!

Why You’ll Absolutely LOVE This Recipe

• It’s Low Carb: Perfect for keto, Atkins, or anyone watching their carb intake.
• It’s Creamy & Delicious: Seriously, the texture is out of this world.
• It’s Easy to Make: Minimal prep time and simple steps mean you can whip this up even on a busy weeknight.
• It’s Versatile: Easily customizable to your favorite flavors and veggies.
• It’s Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will love this one!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor)
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/2 cup cooked bacon crumbles (because everything’s better with bacon!)

See? Nothing too complicated! You likely have many of these ingredients in your kitchen already.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Cooking!

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking.
2. Cook the cauliflower. You have a few options here: steam it until tender-crisp (about 8-10 minutes), boil it (6-8 minutes), or roast it in the oven with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper until slightly softened (about 15-20 minutes). Roasting will give it a slightly sweeter, nuttier flavor.
3. Shred the cooked chicken. I like to use two forks for this, it’s quick and easy. You can also use an electric mixer on low speed for a super-shredded texture.
4. In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, green onions, minced garlic, onion powder, and garlic powder. Make sure the cream cheese is truly softened, otherwise, you’ll end up with lumps. Beat everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. This is the foundation of our delicious sauce!
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy! Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
6. Gently fold in the cooked cauliflower and shredded chicken into the cream cheese mixture. Be careful not to overmix, you want to keep the cauliflower texture.
7. If using, stir in the cooked bacon crumbles. Because, well, bacon!
8. Pour the mixture into a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish. This size is perfect for even cooking.
9. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese (if desired) over the top. More cheese is always a good idea, right?
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on it, as oven temperatures can vary.
11. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together even more.
12. Garnish with extra green onions or fresh parsley, if desired. This adds a pop of color and freshness.

And there you have it! A creamy, dreamy, low-carb chicken casserole that’s sure to impress.

Success Tips for the Perfect Casserole

Want to guarantee casserole perfection? Here are my top tips:

• Don’t Overcook the Cauliflower: Slightly undercooked cauliflower is better than mushy cauliflower. Aim for tender-crisp.
• Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: This is crucial for a smooth and creamy sauce. If you forget to take it out ahead of time, you can microwave it in 15-second intervals until softened, but be careful not to melt it.
• Season Generously: Salt and pepper are your best friends! Don’t be afraid to season each layer of the casserole.
• Customize to Your Liking: Feel free to add other low-carb vegetables like broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
• Make it Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Variations & Additions: Make It Your Own!

The beauty of this casserole is its versatility. Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
• Add veggies: Broccoli florets, chopped spinach, sliced mushrooms, or diced bell peppers all work beautifully.
• Change the cheese: Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
• Add a crunchy topping: Sprinkle crushed pork rinds or almond flour mixed with melted butter over the top for added texture.

Feel free to experiment and find your perfect combination! This recipe is just a starting point.

Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal

This casserole is delicious on its own, but here are some ideas for rounding out your meal:

• A simple side salad: A light and refreshing salad is the perfect complement to the rich casserole.
• Steamed green beans or asparagus: These add a touch of freshness and color to the plate.
• Cauliflower rice: For an extra dose of veggies.
• Avocado slices: For healthy fats and a creamy texture.

Storing & Reheating: Enjoying Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or bake the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Why This Recipe Works: The Science Behind the Deliciousness

This recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s also cleverly designed to be both low-carb and satisfying. Here’s why:

• Cauliflower as a Carb Substitute: Cauliflower is a fantastic low-carb alternative to potatoes or rice. It has a mild flavor that absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Cream Cheese and Heavy Cream: These provide the richness and creaminess that we crave in a casserole, without adding unnecessary carbs.
• Protein Power: The chicken provides a good source of protein, which helps keep you feeling full and satisfied.
• Healthy Fats: The mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt) and cheese provide healthy fats, which are essential for a balanced diet.

It’s a win-win situation! You get all the flavor and satisfaction of a traditional casserole, without the guilt.

Other Low-Carb Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re looking for more delicious and easy low-carb recipes, be sure to check out some of my other favorites. I think you would love CHICKEN BACON PASTA! It is a family favorite in my house. Also, the BBQ CHICKEN MAC HEAVEN is a unique and delicious dish. Don’t forget to try my KOHLRABI CHICKEN, it’s surprisingly good and a great way to use kohlrabi. For a lighter option, the Mushroom Ricotta Zucchini Boats are a fantastic choice. And if you’re in the mood for another casserole, the Chicken Parmesan Casserole and the Cheesy Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole are both incredibly satisfying and easy to make.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy the Journey!

Cooking should be a fun and enjoyable experience. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own. Most importantly, enjoy the process and savor every delicious bite! You’ve got this!

Lady Maria

Dreamy Low Carb Chicken Bake

This creamy and comforting low-carb chicken casserole is a perfect weeknight meal. It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and satisfying without the guilt, making it a family-friendly favorite for those watching their carb intake.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon crumbles optional
• Olive oil if roasting cauliflower

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large bowl
• Steamer or pot for boiling cauliflower (optional)
• Roasting pan (optional)
• Two forks or electric mixer for shredding chicken
• measuring cups and spoons
• knife
• Cutting board
• Oven

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the cauliflower: steam until tender-crisp (8-10 minutes), boil (6-8 minutes), or roast with olive oil, salt, and pepper (15-20 minutes).
3. Shred the cooked chicken using two forks or an electric mixer.
4. In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, green onions, minced garlic, onion powder, and garlic powder. Beat until smooth and creamy.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Gently fold in the cooked cauliflower and shredded chicken into the cream cheese mixture. Be careful not to overmix.
7. If using, stir in the cooked bacon crumbles.
8. Pour the mixture into a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
9. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese (if desired) over the top.
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden brown.
11. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
12. Garnish with extra green onions or fresh parsley, if desired.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps in the sauce. Don’t overcook the cauliflower; it should be tender-crisp. Customize the casserole by adding other low-carb vegetables like broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. To store, refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F until heated through. For a crunchy topping, try crushed pork rinds or almond flour mixed with melted butter.