Low Carb Chicken Casserole
Introduction
Have you ever wondered if a comforting casserole can be both delicious and low in carbs? If you’re looking for a satisfying meal that won’t derail your dietary goals, you’re in the right place! This Low Carb Chicken Casserole is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor, making it the perfect dish for busy weeknights. In this post, we’ll explore the recipe, its nutritional benefits, and tips to make it your own, ensuring that you can enjoy a hearty meal without the guilt.
Ingredients List
Creating a Low Carb Chicken Casserole is simple and requires just a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced) – You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- 1 cup broccoli florets – Fresh or frozen works well.
- 1 cup cauliflower rice – A great low-carb alternative to traditional rice.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) – For that creamy, cheesy goodness.
- 1/2 cup cream cheese – Adds richness and creaminess.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth – To keep everything moist.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – For flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – Enhances the taste.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
Optional Substitutions:
- Chicken: Swap for turkey or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Broccoli: Use spinach or green beans for variety.
- Cheese: Try feta or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Cream cheese: Greek yogurt can be a lighter alternative.
Timing
Preparing your Low Carb Chicken Casserole is quick and efficient. Here’s a breakdown of the timing:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
This is about 20% less time than the average casserole recipe, making it a perfect choice for those hectic weekdays!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
If you haven’t already, shred or dice your cooked chicken. Place it in a large mixing bowl.
Step 3: Add Vegetables
Add the broccoli florets and cauliflower rice to the bowl with the chicken. Mix well to combine.
Step 4: Mix in the Cheese and Cream
In a separate bowl, blend the cream cheese with the chicken broth until smooth. Stir in half of the shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the chicken and vegetables, and stir until everything is well coated.
Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the entire mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
Step 6: Top with Remaining Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top of the casserole. This will create a deliciously cheesy crust as it bakes.
Step 7: Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Step 8: Serve
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a comprehensive look at the nutritional details for one serving of Low Carb Chicken Casserole (assuming 6 servings):
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 8g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 30g
This casserole is not only low in carbs but also high in protein, making it a great choice for anyone looking to maintain a healthy diet.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
If you’re looking to enhance the nutritional profile of your Low Carb Chicken Casserole, consider these modifications:
- Use Greek Yogurt: Substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter option that adds protein.
- Add More Veggies: Increase the vegetable content by adding bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. This boosts fiber and nutrients.
- Gluten-Free Options: Ensure that any broth or sauces used are gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your Low Carb Chicken Casserole, consider these serving suggestions:
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Top with chopped parsley or chives for a fresh flavor boost.
- Pair with a Salad: Serve alongside a mixed green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a complete meal.
- Add a Side of Avocado: Sliced avocado adds healthy fats and creaminess that complements the casserole perfectly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing your Low Carb Chicken Casserole, keep these common pitfalls in mind:
- Overcooking the Chicken: Ensure your chicken is cooked just right before adding it to the casserole. Overcooked chicken can become dry.
- Not Mixing Thoroughly: Make sure all ingredients are well combined to ensure even flavor distribution.
- Skipping the Cooling Period: Allowing the casserole to cool slightly before serving helps it set and improves the texture.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
To maximize freshness and flavor, follow these storage tips for your Low Carb Chicken Casserole:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
Conclusion
In summary, this Low Carb Chicken Casserole is a delicious, nutritious, and easy-to-make meal that fits perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, it’s sure to become a family favorite. We invite you to try this recipe, share your feedback in the comments, and subscribe for more delicious updates!
FAQs
What can I serve with low carb chicken casserole?
You can serve it with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or cauliflower rice to keep your meal low carb.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and bake it just before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can portion it out for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Substitute the cheese and cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives like almond cream cheese and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Can I use raw chicken in this recipe?
While you can use raw chicken, it’s recommended to pre-cook it to ensure even cooking and avoid any food safety issues.
Low Carb Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover)
- 1 cup broccoli florets (lightly steamed or blanched)
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional topping: 1/4 cup crushed pork rinds or extra cheese for crunch
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a medium baking dish.
In a large bowl, mix together sour cream, cream cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Fold in the shredded chicken, broccoli, bell pepper, and onion. Mix well.
Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese, saving a little to sprinkle on top.- Transfer mixture to the baking dish. Top with remaining cheese (and pork rinds, if using).
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until hot and bubbly and top is golden.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Add cooked cauliflower rice to make it more filling and still low-carb.
Great for meal prep — stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can be frozen and reheated for quick weeknight dinners.