Low Carb Chicken Casserole

Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins Difficulty: Beginner
A creamy, cheesy delight packed with tender chicken and veggies—low carb, full flavor, and perfect for a cozy, guilt-free meal!
pinit

The moment you pull this low-carb chicken casserole out of the oven, the aroma fills the room, and you can’t help but feel a sense of comfort. It’s like a warm hug on a chilly evening, only without the carbs weighing you down. The tender chicken melds perfectly with the creamy, cheesy layers, while a burst of fresh herbs dances through every bite. There’s something magical about how all the flavors come together, from the richness of the cream cheese to the slight tang from the sour cream, and that crispy, golden top that’s almost too tempting to resist.

I’ve made this casserole a few times now, and every time, it brings a sense of nostalgia. It’s one of those dishes that reminds me of family dinners, the kind where everyone gathers around the table and the conversation flows just as easily as the seconds being served. You get that satisfying heartiness from the chicken, while the creamy sauce gives you all the indulgence you crave—without the guilt. You could easily swap in your favorite veggies, too! It’s one of those recipes that just adapts to what you have on hand, so feel free to get creative and make it your own.

The best part? Leftovers! If you’re lucky enough to have any, this casserole keeps well and actually tastes even better the next day, after all the flavors have had time to mingle. Whether you’re packing it for lunch or reheating it for a quick dinner, it’s a meal that’s always ready to bring a little bit of comfort whenever you need it.

Key Ingredients for Low Carb Chicken Casserole

When it comes to making this low-carb chicken casserole, the magic is all in the ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating that creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying dish you crave. Whether you’re making it for the first time or the hundredth, these key ingredients ensure that every bite is packed with flavor and comfort. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Chicken Breast
    Tender, lean, and full of protein, chicken breast is the star of this casserole. It takes on the rich flavors of the sauce while staying juicy and satisfying in every bite.
  • Cream Cheese
    Cream cheese gives this casserole its ultra-creamy texture. It melts perfectly into the sauce, creating a luscious base that binds everything together while adding a subtle tang.
  • Sour Cream
    This is where the magic happens, folks. Sour cream adds a delightful tang and extra richness that complements the chicken and balances out the other flavors. It also helps keep the casserole extra creamy.
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese
    Because who doesn’t love a little cheese pull? Cheddar provides that sharp, bold flavor and a golden, bubbly top that’s impossible to resist. Plus, it gives the casserole a satisfying depth of flavor.
  • Garlic Powder
    Garlic powder infuses a warm, savory note throughout the casserole without overpowering the other ingredients. It’s the little touch that makes everything come together beautifully.
  • Onion Powder
    Onion powder adds a subtle sweetness and savory depth to the dish. It works in harmony with the garlic to elevate the flavor profile and give it that comforting, home-cooked taste.
  • Fresh Herbs (such as thyme or parsley)
    Fresh herbs bring brightness and a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness of the creamy sauce. They also add a pop of color to the casserole, making it as visually appealing as it is tasty.
  • Almond Flour
    For that perfectly golden, crispy topping, almond flour is your best friend. It’s low-carb and creates a lovely crunch when baked, giving you that satisfying contrast to the creamy texture of the casserole.

Each of these ingredients plays a crucial part in making this casserole so delicious, and together they create a dish that’s not only comforting but also a little bit special.

How to Make Low Carb Chicken Casserole


  • Preheat the Oven
    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the casserole bakes evenly and develops that gorgeous golden top we all love.
  • Prepare the Chicken
    Start by dicing the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. If you prefer, you can cook the chicken ahead of time, either by pan-searing or baking it, but I usually prefer to cook it in the casserole itself. This way, the chicken absorbs all the flavors from the sauce.
  • Cook the Chicken
    In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced chicken with a bit of olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder. Stir occasionally, allowing the chicken to cook through and lightly brown. This will take about 5-7 minutes.
  • Make the Creamy Sauce
    In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese and sour cream. If the cream cheese is a bit stiff, you can microwave it for a few seconds to soften it. Stir until smooth and creamy, and then add in the garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. You want the sauce to be rich and velvety.
  • Combine the Chicken and Sauce
    Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a greased baking dish. Pour the creamy sauce mixture over the chicken, and stir to combine, ensuring every piece of chicken is coated in that luscious sauce.
  • Add the Cheese
    Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. The cheese will melt beautifully into the sauce, adding richness and flavor.
  • Prepare the Almond Flour Topping
    In a small bowl, combine almond flour with a tablespoon of melted butter and a pinch of salt. Stir until the almond flour is evenly coated. This will form a crispy topping when baked. Sprinkle the almond flour mixture over the cheese layer to add that satisfying crunch.
  • Bake the Casserole
    Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the almond flour topping has turned golden brown.
  • Garnish and Serve
    Once the casserole is out of the oven, sprinkle it with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve it hot and enjoy the comforting, creamy goodness.

Serving Suggestions for Low Carb Chicken Casserole

Pair with a Fresh Salad
A crisp, refreshing salad is the perfect side to balance out the richness of the casserole. Try a simple arugula or spinach salad with a lemon vinaigrette—its lightness and tang will contrast beautifully with the creamy, cheesy casserole. Add a few cherry tomatoes or cucumbers for extra crunch!

Serve with Roasted Veggies
If you want to keep it low-carb, roasted veggies like zucchini, cauliflower, or broccoli are a great match. Toss them in olive oil, garlic, and a sprinkle of parmesan before roasting. The caramelized edges and savory flavor of the veggies add a nice texture and depth to the meal.

Top with Avocado
For a little extra indulgence, add slices of creamy avocado on top of your casserole just before serving. The smoothness of the avocado perfectly complements the dish’s richness and adds a fresh, buttery touch that takes it to the next level.

These simple sides elevate the casserole even further, making for a meal that’s both satisfying and full of flavor. Let your taste buds dance with every bite!

How to Store Low Carb Chicken Casserole

When it comes to storing leftovers, this casserole is a dream. First off, let it cool to room temperature before storing—this helps prevent any moisture from building up in the container, which could make the casserole soggy. If you plan on keeping it for a day or two, an airtight container in the fridge is your best bet. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3-4 days, and the flavors only deepen as they sit together.

For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before you wrap it up tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then pop it into a freezer-safe container. It’ll last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat it in the oven for that deliciously crispy topping.

Reheating leftovers is super simple, too. If you’re reheating a single serving, a quick zap in the microwave works just fine. But if you’re reheating the whole dish, give it a little extra time in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes to restore that golden, bubbly top. Whether it’s fresh out of the fridge or the freezer, this casserole always tastes just as comforting as when it was first made.

Conclusion


And there you have it—a comforting, creamy, low-carb chicken casserole that’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re craving a cozy dinner for one or planning a family meal, this recipe has everything you need: rich flavors, a satisfying texture, and all the indulgence without the guilt. The best part? It’s easy to make, and you can totally personalize it to your taste. Swap in your favorite veggies, try different cheeses, or maybe even add a little extra garlic (I won’t judge!).

This casserole isn’t just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a dish. From that first bite to the last leftover scoop, it’s a recipe that always brings comfort and joy. So, next time you need something cozy, creamy, and full of flavor, you know where to turn. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you—any tweaks or additions you made, or any feedback you have. Drop me a comment if you try it out, or if you need any help while making it. I’m always here to chat about all things cooking!

Enjoy, and happy cooking, friends!

5 from 1 vote

Low Carb Chicken Casserole

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 45 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 1 hr 5 mins
Calories: 480

Description

This Low Carb Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food with a healthy twist! Tender chicken, creamy cheese, and savory herbs come together in a rich, satisfying bake that's full of flavor and light on carbs—perfect for guilt-free cozy meals.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place the chicken breasts on a clean cutting board.
  3. Use a sharp knife to cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes.
  4. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
  5. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken cubes to the skillet.
  6. Cook the chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is no longer pink in the center.
  7. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  8. In the same skillet, add the chicken broth.
  9. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet using a wooden spoon.
  10. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika to the skillet and stir to combine.
  11. Pour in the heavy cream and stir the mixture to combine.
  12. Let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
  13. Add the sour cream to the skillet and stir until it is fully incorporated into the sauce.
  14. Reduce the heat to low and return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
  15. Stir the chicken into the creamy sauce and make sure it is well coated.
  16. Add the chopped spinach and chopped green onions to the skillet and mix everything together.
  17. In a separate pot, bring a small amount of water to a boil.
  18. Add the cauliflower florets to the boiling water and cook for about 5 minutes until they are tender but still firm.
  19. Drain the cauliflower and add it to the skillet with the chicken mixture.
  20. Carefully fold the cauliflower into the mixture so it is evenly distributed.
  21. Transfer the entire mixture into a baking dish and spread it out evenly.
  22. Top the casserole with the shredded cheddar cheese, making sure it covers the surface completely.
  23. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  24. Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
  25. Serve the casserole warm and enjoy your low carb meal.

Note

  • Make sure the chicken is cooked through before removing it from the skillet.
  • You can use frozen cauliflower florets for convenience, just be sure to thaw and drain them before adding.
  • For a spicy kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
  • If you prefer a creamier texture, you can add more sour cream or heavy cream to the sauce.
  • This casserole can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Keywords: low carb chicken casserole recipe, keto chicken casserole, healthy chicken casserole, easy low carb casserole, chicken casserole with no carbs
Did you make this recipe?

Tag #dishesrecipe.com if you made this recipe. and follow us for more recipes.

Pin this recipe to share with your friends and followers.

pinit
Recipe Card powered by WP Delicious

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this casserole?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Chicken thighs tend to be a bit juicier and more flavorful, so they’ll work well in this recipe. Just be sure to cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and cook it until it's no longer pink in the center.

Can I substitute the heavy cream for a lower-fat alternative?

While heavy cream provides a rich and creamy texture, you can substitute it with a lower-fat option like half-and-half or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter version of the casserole. Keep in mind that the sauce may be thinner and not as rich as when using heavy cream.

Is there a way to make this casserole dairy-free?

Yes, you can make this casserole dairy-free by using dairy-free alternatives. Replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy milk like almond milk, and substitute the cheddar cheese and sour cream with dairy-free cheese and sour cream alternatives. Ensure that the chicken broth is also free of dairy.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time by following the recipe up until the baking step. After assembling the casserole in the baking dish, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just preheat the oven and bake it as directed.

Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower florets in place of fresh ones. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess water before adding them to the skillet. This will help maintain the proper texture in the casserole.

Emily Roberts Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Hi, I’m Emily Roberts, Welcome to my cozy corner of the internet, where home cooking meets storytelling and everyday recipes turn into something extraordinary.

2 Comments

  1. Alison says:

    Hi I’m currently making this recipe (in the oven) but I’ve just realised that your ingredients don’t list almond flour and cream cheese? Nor are they mentioned in the step by step instructions. Will it affect the taste?






    1. Hi Alison,
      You’re absolutely right – there’s no almond flour or cream cheese listed in either the ingredients or instructions. Those ingredients aren’t part of this particular Low Carb Chicken Casserole recipe, so not having them won’t affect the taste at all!
      The recipe is designed to get its creaminess from the combination of heavy cream, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. The chicken, cauliflower, and spinach provide the substance, while the seasonings give it that wonderful flavor.
      I hope your casserole turns out delicious! Let me know how you enjoy it once it’s done.
      Happy cooking!
      Emily

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *