Creamy Dreamy Chicken Casserole
Enjoy a comforting and guilt-free dinner with this easy low-carb chicken casserole. Loaded with tender chicken, creamy sauce, and cheesy topping, this recipe is a perfect blend of flavor and satisfaction without compromising your health goals. It's a family favorite that's both delicious and easy to prepare.
Equipment
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large bowl
- Medium bowl
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Steamer or pot for boiling vegetables
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
- Microwave (optional, for frozen vegetables)
- Mixing spoons
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
- 2 cups cauliflower florets, fresh or frozen
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup chopped bacon, cooked crispy optional
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped optional
- Hot sauce, to taste optional
- Cooking spray or butter, for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- If using fresh broccoli and cauliflower, steam or boil them until slightly tender-crisp (about 5-7 minutes). If using frozen, microwave according to package directions, being careful not to overcook them. You want them to still have some bite!
- In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, beat until smooth and creamy.
- Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the cream cheese mixture. Stir well to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- In a large bowl, gently combine the cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, and steamed cauliflower.
- Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese.
- Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the casserole.
- If desired, sprinkle with chopped bacon and green onions.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set up a bit.
Notes
For best results, ensure your cream cheese is fully softened before starting. To prevent the casserole from becoming watery, make sure the vegetables are well-drained. You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. If the cheese starts to brown too quickly during baking, cover the dish with aluminum foil. For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce.