I have to tell you about the night I almost gave up on my low carb lifestyle. I was standing in my kitchen and staring at a bunch of random ingredients. I just wanted something warm and comforting. You know that feeling when you just want a big bowl of something cheesy and delicious but you do not want to ruin your progress. It is hard to find a meal that feels like a hug when you are skipping the pasta and potatoes. That is when I threw a few things together and created this Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole. It totally saved my weeknight routine and now I make it almost every single Tuesday. It is the kind of meal that makes you forget you are even on a diet.

Why You Will Love This Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole

You are going to absolutely love how simple this dish is to put together. I am a big fan of anything that does not leave me with a mountain of dishes to wash later. This casserole uses just one main bowl and one baking dish. The texture is incredibly creamy and rich thanks to the blend of cheeses. The best part is that my family members who are not even doing keto ask for seconds. It has a bold and savory flavor that hits the spot every single time. It is fast and it is filling and it is basically foolproof.

Ingredients for Your Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole

Before you get started you should gather everything on your counter. Having it all ready makes the process so much smoother. Here is what you will need for this recipe.

3 cups of cooked chicken breast chopped or shredded
4 cups of fresh cauliflower florets cut into small bite sized pieces
1/2 cup of heavy cream
4 ounces of cream cheese softened to room temperature
2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper

Substitutions and Variations

I love recipes that let you play around with what you have in the fridge. If you are in a massive rush you can use a rotisserie chicken from the store. It saves so much time on prep. You can also swap the cauliflower for broccoli if that is what your kids prefer. Sometimes I even mix both for a bit of color. If you want a little kick you can add some chopped jalapenos or use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. The kitchen is your playground so do not be afraid to change things up based on what is in season.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Steam your cauliflower for about five minutes until it is slightly tender but not mushy.
In a large mixing bowl combine the softened cream cheese and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth.
Stir in the garlic powder and salt and pepper.
Add the cooked chicken and the steamed cauliflower to the creamy mixture.
Fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
Transfer the mixture into a 9 by 13 inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
Check to make sure the cheese is bubbly and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to Avoid a Watery Casserole

One of the biggest mistakes people make with vegetable casseroles is ending up with a puddle of water at the bottom. I have found that using fresh vegetables is much better than using frozen ones. Frozen veggies hold onto a lot of extra moisture. If you do use frozen ones make sure you thaw them completely and squeeze out every drop of water. Even with fresh cauliflower I like to pat the florets dry with a paper towel after steaming them. This little trick ensures that your sauce stays thick and creamy instead of getting thinned out.

Expert Tips for the Best Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole

If you want that perfect restaurant style finish you should turn on the broiler for the last two minutes of baking. This gives the cheese a gorgeous golden brown crust that looks amazing. Another secret is to let the dish rest on the counter for about five minutes after you take it out of the oven. I know it is hard to wait when it smells so good but this helps the sauce set up properly. It makes it much easier to scoop out perfect portions that stay together on the plate.

Storing Your Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole

This meal is great for meal prep because the leftovers stay delicious. You should store any extra portions in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in your refrigerator for up to four days. When you want to reheat it just pop it in the microwave or back in the oven until it is warmed through. I do not usually recommend freezing this specific dish because the cream sauce can sometimes change texture when it thaws out. It is so good that you probably will not have many leftovers anyway.

Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole

Can I make this ahead of time. Yes you can definitely assemble the entire casserole a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold when it goes into the oven. How many carbs are in a serving. This recipe is very low in carbs and usually comes out to around five net carbs per serving. It is a very safe bet for anyone watching their sugar and starch intake. Can I use chicken thighs. Absolutely. Chicken thighs are actually even juicier and work great in this recipe.

Nutritional Information for Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole

Please keep in mind that these numbers are estimates based on standard ingredients. Your specific brands might change the totals slightly. This recipe makes about six servings.

Calories 350
Total Fat 26 grams
Protein 24 grams
Net Carbs 5 grams