This creamy, cheesy Low Carb Chicken Casserole has quickly become one of my go-to recipes whenever I need a satisfying meal that’s both comforting and waistline-friendly. With succulent pieces of chicken nestled among vibrant green broccoli florets and bathed in a luscious, velvety sauce, this dish strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and simplicity. As a busy home cook who’s always chasing the next quick, delicious weeknight dinner, I love that this casserole comes together in under an hour—from prep to table—yet feels like something you’d savor at a cozy family gathering. It’s classified as Beginner difficulty, making it ideal for anyone new to low-carb cooking or casserole dishes, and fits neatly into both Dinner and Lunch menus. Best of all, each serving clocks in at about 450 calories, so you can enjoy generous portions without the guilt.
Growing up, casseroles were the hallmark of home for me—the kind of meals that made you linger at the table and wish there were just a little bit more left when the plate was clean. This version swaps out starchy fillers for wholesome ingredients like heavy cream and cream cheese, delivering that classic comfort-food richness without the carb overload. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or hosting friends who don’t even realize they’re eating low carb, this recipe shines. With only 15 minutes of hands-on prep time, 30 minutes in the oven, and a brief 5-minute rest before digging in, you’ll have a bubbling, golden-topped masterpiece ready in under an hour. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a staple in your own kitchen!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN LOW CARB CHICKEN CASSEROLE
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s talk about the stars of this dish. Each component plays a crucial role in flavor, texture, and overall satisfaction—so feel free to source the freshest ingredients you can find or swap in your favorite variations once you’re comfortable with the basics.
- Olive oil
A healthy, fruity fat that helps achieve a beautiful golden sear on the chicken and prevents sticking in the skillet. It also adds a subtle depth of flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
- Chicken breasts
Boneless, skinless cuts offer lean protein and cook up tender and juicy. When browned properly, they bring a savory richness that stands up to the bold cheese sauce.
- Salt and pepper
Simple seasonings that enhance every ingredient’s natural taste. They’re key to balancing the creaminess of the sauce and the sweetness of the onions.
- Garlic powder
Delivers a punch of mellow garlic flavor without the risk of burning fresh garlic during the chicken sear. It layers into the seasoning mix for depth.
- Onion powder
Complements garlic powder with a sweet-savory aroma, ensuring every bite carries a hint of that classic sautéed onion flavor.
- Onion
Diced and sautéed until translucent, it forms the aromatic base of the sauce, infusing each spoonful with delicate sweetness and texture.
- Garlic
Minced fresh for bright, pungent notes that dance beneath the creamy sauce, giving the casserole a fresh, home-cooked vibe.
- Chicken broth
Low-sodium broth helps deglaze the pan, lifting all those brown bits of flavor and turning them into the foundation of our silky sauce.
- Heavy cream
Provides the rich, indulgent body of the sauce, making every bite feel lush and satisfying while keeping carbs in check.
- Dijon mustard
Adds a tangy kick and sharpness that cuts through the creaminess, tying all the flavors together in perfect harmony.
- Cream cheese
Softened to create an ultra-smooth, velvety texture. It enriches the sauce and adds a subtle tang that you wouldn’t get from cream alone.
- Broccoli florets
Bright green florets add pops of color, nutritional goodness, and a pleasant crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken.
- Cheddar cheese
Sharp and melty, it blankets the casserole in gooey goodness and inspires that irresistible golden crust on top.
- Parmesan cheese
Finely grated to sprinkle over the cheddar, it offers a nutty, salty finish and helps achieve a lightly crisped, flavorful topping.
- Fresh parsley
Chopped and sprinkled before serving to introduce a burst of herbal brightness and a lovely visual contrast.
HOW TO MAKE LOW CARB CHICKEN CASSEROLE
Let’s walk through turning all those ingredients into your new favorite cheesy, creamy comfort food. Each step ensures you build deep flavor and enticing textures, so take your time and savor the process.
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with olive oil, making sure every corner is coated to prevent sticking and to add a subtle layer of savory richness.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil ripples in the pan, season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Carefully lay the chicken into the skillet, cooking undisturbed for 5–7 minutes on each side until each piece is deeply browned and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and set aside to rest.
3. In the same hot skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion pieces turn soft and translucent—this should take about 3–4 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning and to coax out maximum sweetness.
4. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the skillet, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all the caramelized bits clinging to the bottom. Let the broth simmer for 2–3 minutes so it reduces slightly and concentrates in flavor.
5. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and cream cheese. Use a whisk to blend everything together until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy, with no lumps of cheese remaining.
6. Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and arrange them in the prepared casserole dish. Tuck the broccoli florets around and on top of the chicken, ensuring they’ll steam and soften beautifully in the oven.
7. Pour the warm cream sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli, making sure every corner is coated. The sauce should pool around the edges and seep between the florets for maximum creaminess.
8. Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole, creating an even layer that will bubble and toast in the oven.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbling, and lightly golden. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges turn a soft brown and the center feels set.
10. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes—this helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes it easier to serve. Finally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness before diving in.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR LOW CARB CHICKEN CASSEROLE
Whether you’re plating this casserole for a casual family dinner or celebrating a special weekday milestone, presentation and pairing can elevate every bite. Here are a few fun ways to serve it:
- Offer a crispy mixed greens salad: Toss peppery arugula, baby spinach, and crunchy radicchio with a tangy lemon-olive oil vinaigrette to cut through the casserole’s richness.
- Pair with roasted cherry tomatoes: Quickly roast cherry tomatoes with garlic, thyme, and a drizzle of olive oil until they burst—then spoon them over each portion for a burst of acidity and color.
- Serve alongside garlic-buttered asparagus spears: Lightly sauté fresh asparagus in garlic-infused butter until tender-crisp, then sprinkle with sea salt and a squeeze of lemon juice for a refined touch.
- Add a scoop of zesty cauliflower rice: Pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until rice-like, then sauté with garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a low-carb side that soaks up every drop of sauce.
HOW TO STORE LOW CARB CHICKEN CASSEROLE
Storing this casserole correctly means you’ll have quick, delicious meals waiting in the fridge or freezer whenever you need them. Here’s how to keep every serving tasting fresh and flavorful:
- Refrigeration: Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature before covering it tightly with aluminum foil or transferring portions into airtight containers. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days, and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
- Freezing: Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover it securely with two layers of heavy-duty foil, and label it with the date. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, remove the top foil, and follow the baking instructions.
- Make-ahead assembly: Layer the chicken, broccoli, and sauce in your casserole dish, cover tightly, and store in the fridge for up to 48 hours. When guests arrive, simply add the cheese topping and bake—perfect for entertaining.
- Reheating individual portions: For single servings, microwave leftovers in stovetop-safe bowls on medium power, stirring halfway through, or warm in the oven at 325°F covered with foil for about 10 minutes.
CONCLUSION
To sum it all up, this Low Carb Chicken Casserole is the ultimate blend of creamy comfort and wholesome nutrition. From the initial sizzle of the chicken in the skillet to the final golden-brown layer of cheddar and Parmesan, each bite tells a little story of tasty transformations happening right in your kitchen. Whether you’re a beginner seeking an easy yet impressive recipe or a seasoned home cook looking for a reliable meal-prep winner, this casserole delivers on all fronts. With just 15 minutes of hands-on prep and 30 minutes in the oven, you’ll end up with a dish that not only warms your soul but also keeps you on track with your health goals. Don’t forget the quick 5-minute rest at the end—that final pause lets the sauce settle perfectly before serving.
Feel free to print this article and tuck it into your favorite recipe binder, or bookmark it for easy reference whenever you need a fuss-free dinner idea. Below this guide, you’ll find a handy FAQ section to address any questions you might have about ingredient swaps, troubleshooting techniques, or reheating instructions. If you make this casserole, I’d absolutely love to hear how it turned out—drop a comment, ask a question, or share your own tips and tweaks. Happy cooking, and here’s to many cozy, cheese-filled meals ahead!
Low Carb Chicken Casserole
Description
This creamy, cheesy casserole features tender chicken and vibrant broccoli, all drizzled in a luscious sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish with some olive oil.
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and translucent.
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Pour in the chicken broth and stir to deglaze the skillet, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
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Add the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and softened cream cheese to the broth mixture. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
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Cut the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and place them in the prepared casserole dish. Add the broccoli florets to the dish.
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Pour the cream sauce over the chicken and broccoli, ensuring everything is well coated.
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Sprinkle the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
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Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Note
- This casserole pairs well with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- You can substitute the broccoli with cauliflower or zucchini for different flavors.
- To add some spice, consider including red pepper flakes in the cream sauce.
- This dish can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking.
- For a crispy topping, broil the casserole for the last 2 minutes of baking.
- This recipe is perfect for meal prep and can be easily reheated for a quick lunch or dinner.
