© Original Recipe By The Cozy Crumb ©
🍗🥑 Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole: The Ultimate Healthy Chicken Bake
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a satisfying, flavorful dish that aligns with your keto or low carb lifestyle, look no further than this creamy low carb chicken casserole. This dish combines tender chicken, a velvety sauce, and a crispy topping, all while keeping carbohydrate content in check. The luscious creaminess and savory seasonings create a comforting meal that rivals any traditional chicken bake, but with the added benefit of being keto-friendly and packed with nourishing ingredients.
Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this healthy chicken bake is sure to become a staple in your low carb repertoire.
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy schedules.
- One-Pot Meal: Fewer dishes, less cleanup—simply assemble and bake.
- Creamy & Flavorful: Rich, velvety sauce that doesn’t compromise your carbs.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables or cheese.
- Healthy & Low Carb: Made with wholesome ingredients that support your keto goals.
3. Ingredient Notes
To craft a truly flavorful low carb chicken casserole, selecting high-quality, fresh ingredients is essential. Use organically raised chicken breasts or thighs for tender, juicy meat that absorbs flavors beautifully. Heavy cream forms the creamy base, and opting for full-fat versions enhances richness without unnecessary carbs.
Cheese options like shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or a sprinkle of Parmesan add savory depth. Vegetables like cauliflower or zucchini can be included as low-carb fillers, providing texture and nutrients without extra carbohydrates. Seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika elevate the flavor profile—don’t skimp on these aromatic spices for a taste that truly shines.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
Preparing this delicious creamy chicken bake is easier with the right tools. I recommend the Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer for perfectly cooked chicken with a crispy exterior and tender interior. Its versatile functions reduce the need for multiple appliances.
To make slicing vegetables and shredding cheese effortless, a high-quality T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set is invaluable, providing durable and reliable cookware for every step.
For a comprehensive kitchen upgrade, the Ninja 12-in-1 Smart Double Oven offers multiple cooking modes, simplifying meal assembly.
5. How to Make Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole
Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Bake or pan-fry until golden and cooked through—look for an internal temperature of 165°F. The aroma of seasoned chicken will fill your kitchen, promising the deliciousness to come.
Make the Creamy Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, cream cheese, shredded cheese, and a touch of Dijon mustard. Whisk until smooth and set aside. This luscious sauce is the heart of your casserole—rich, cheesy, and full of flavor.
Assemble and Bake
Layer the cooked chicken in a baking dish, then pour the creamy mixture over it. Add chopped vegetables if desired, and sprinkle extra cheese on top for a crispy, bubbly finish. Bake at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes or until the sauce is hot and bubbling, and the cheese is golden brown. The kitchen will be filled with inviting aromas—crispy edges and a velvety sauce await.
6. Expert Tips for Success
- Use Thickened Cream: Heavy cream gives you that luscious texture without extra carbs. Avoid using milk or lighter dairy options.
- Pre-Cook Vegetables: If adding veggies like cauliflower or zucchini, sauté or steam them slightly beforehand to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
- Cheese Choices Matter: For the best melt and flavor, combine shredded mozzarella and Parmesan. Use fresh, high-quality cheese for optimal taste.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the casserole towards the end to prevent it from drying out or over-browning.
7. Variations & Substitutions
If you’re looking for alternative ingredients, consider using cooked turkey or rotisserie chicken to save time. For dairy-free options, swap heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese substitutes. Want more fiber? Add in some cooked fiber-rich vegetables like chopped kale or spinach.
8. Storage & Reheating
This healthy chicken bake stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short bursts or bake at 350°F until warmed through. For best results, keep the casserole covered during reheating to retain moisture.
9. FAQ
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dish up to the baking stage, then cover and refrigerate. Bake it fresh when ready for a quick and effortless meal.
Is this recipe paleo-friendly?
While it’s keto and low carb, traditional paleo diets exclude dairy. To adapt, use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, or chopped spinach work great. Just sauté or steam them slightly before adding to prevent excess moisture.
What cheese melts best in this casserole?
Mozzarella provides excellent meltability, while Parmesan adds a savory crunch. Combining both ensures a flavorful, bubbly top.
10. Conclusion
This creamy low carb chicken casserole offers a comforting, nutritious, and delicious meal suited for keto and low carb lifestyles. It’s easy to make, customizable, and bursting with flavor—perfect for satisfying your cravings without sacrificing your health goals. Give it a try, and enjoy a nourishing, cheesy, wholesome chicken bake that everyone will love!
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Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole
A creamy, cheesy chicken casserole that is low in carbs and high in flavor. Easy to prepare, ideal for weeknights and meal prep. Loaded with shredded chicken and covered in a rich, smooth sauce, topped with melted cheese and herbs.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Spread shredded chicken evenly in a baking dish.
- Pour the cheesy sauce over the chicken and mix gently to combine.
- Sprinkle additional cheese on top, if desired.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use cooked, shredded chicken for quick preparation.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low carb, keto
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
