BEST CHICKEN CASSEROLE KETO EASY

Craving comfort food but committed to keto? This Chicken Casserole is the creamy, cheesy, and satisfying answer to your dinner prayers. Forget boring diet food; this casserole delivers all the flavor without the carbs, and I promise you’ll be making it again and again!

The Dream Team: Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken Component

• 2 lbs cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)

The Creamy Sauce

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

The Veggie Boost

• 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed or roasted
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms

The Cheesy Topping (the best part!)

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional Extras (for extra flair!)

• 1/4 cup chopped bacon, cooked crispy
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Cooking!

Prepping is Key

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I like to use avocado oil spray!
3. If you’re using raw chicken, cook it now. Shred or dice it once it’s cooled. Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver here!
4. Steam or roast your broccoli florets until they’re tender-crisp. You don’t want them mushy!

Making the Magic Sauce

1. In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, mayonnaise, and chicken broth.
2. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. A few lumps are okay, they’ll melt in the oven.
3. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Don’t be afraid to be generous with the salt and pepper!

Assembling Your Masterpiece

1. Add the shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, chopped onion, and sliced mushrooms to the cream cheese mixture.
2. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. Make sure all the chicken and veggies are coated in that delicious sauce!
3. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
4. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

Baking to Golden Perfection

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!
2. If you’re adding bacon, sprinkle it over the top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
3. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.

Level Up Your Casserole Game: Tips & Tricks

Chicken Choices

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of chicken! Grilled chicken breasts, baked chicken thighs, or even leftover chicken from a previous meal work perfectly. If you are looking for a change of pace, try the Creamy Keto Skillet Chicken Thighs With Mushroom Sauce recipe, and save some for this casserole!

Veggie Variations

Feel free to swap out the broccoli and mushrooms for other low-carb veggies like cauliflower, spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. Just make sure to cook them beforehand so they don’t release too much moisture into the casserole. For a Mediterranean twist, the Mediterranean Keto Chicken Skillet recipe can be used as inspiration, and its ingredients could easily be incorporated!

Cheese, Please!

Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but you can use any type of cheese you like! Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Colby Jack, or even a blend of cheeses would be delicious. Don’t skimp on the cheese – it’s what makes the casserole so gooey and irresistible!

Spice It Up

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a little kick. You can also add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.

Make-Ahead Magic

You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through. This is perfect for busy weeknights!

Freezer-Friendly

Chicken casserole freezes beautifully! Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

Keto Considerations: Keeping It Low-Carb

Carb Count Consciousness

The beauty of this recipe is its inherent low-carb nature! By using keto-friendly ingredients like cream cheese, heavy cream, and low-carb vegetables, you can enjoy a satisfying and delicious meal without derailing your diet. Always double-check labels to ensure you’re using ingredients with minimal added sugars or carbohydrates.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking to further reduce the carb count, consider using cauliflower rice instead of some of the vegetables. You can also use almond flour or coconut flour to thicken the sauce if needed, although it’s usually thick enough without any additional thickeners. Compare to other keto recipes, like the Keto Zucchini Bread, and you will find it surprisingly easy to modify ingredients!

Serving Suggestions

Serve your keto chicken casserole with a side of steamed green beans, a simple salad, or a dollop of sour cream or guacamole. These additions will add extra flavor and nutrients without adding extra carbs.

Troubleshooting Time: Common Casserole Catastrophes (and How to Avoid Them!)

Soggy Casserole Blues

A soggy casserole is a sad casserole! To avoid this, make sure to cook your vegetables before adding them to the casserole. This will help to release any excess moisture and prevent the casserole from becoming watery. Also, don’t overcook the casserole, as this can also lead to a soggy texture.

Dry and Crusty

On the opposite end of the spectrum, a dry and crusty casserole is no fun either. To prevent this, make sure to use enough sauce and don’t overbake the casserole. If you notice the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the last few minutes of baking.

Bland Flavor Disaster

A bland casserole is a missed opportunity! Don’t be afraid to season your sauce generously with salt, pepper, and other spices. Taste as you go and adjust the seasonings as needed. Also, using high-quality ingredients will make a big difference in the overall flavor of the casserole. You can even see how the seasoning works in the Keto Chicken Skewers recipe and apply that learning here!

Beyond the Bake: Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Side Dish Sensations

While the Chicken Casserole is a star on its own, pairing it with the right side dishes can elevate your meal to a whole new level. Consider serving it with a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing, steamed asparagus, or roasted Brussels sprouts. These light and refreshing side dishes will balance out the richness of the casserole.

Wine Wonders

For a perfect wine pairing, opt for a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These crisp and refreshing wines will complement the creamy and cheesy flavors of the casserole without overpowering them. If you prefer red wine, a light-bodied Pinot Noir would also be a good choice.

Soup-erb Companions

If you’re looking to add another layer of comfort, consider pairing your Chicken Casserole with a warm bowl of soup. The Slow Cooker Keto Chicken Cream Cheese Soup would complement the casserole perfectly! Alternatively, the Creamy Keto White Chicken Chili Ultimate also makes a wonderful pairing.

The Final Bite: Your New Go-To Keto Comfort Food

This Keto Chicken Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a warm hug on a plate. It’s the perfect solution for those nights when you’re craving something comforting and satisfying but still want to stay on track with your keto goals. So go ahead, give it a try, and prepare to be amazed at how delicious and easy keto cooking can be! Enjoy!