This Low Carb Chicken Casserole is creamy, cheesy, satisfying, and packed with tender chicken and vegetables. It’s a simple weeknight dinner that delivers plenty of flavor without relying on pasta, rice, or potatoes.
The best part is how easy it is to customize. You can add broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, cauliflower, or your favorite low-carb vegetables to make it your own.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Vegetables
Heat the butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and mushrooms. Cook for about 4–5 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add the broccoli and cook for 2–3 minutes. You don’t need to fully cook the broccoli because it will continue cooking in the oven.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and add the softened cream cheese.
Stir until it begins to melt, then add the sour cream and heavy cream.
Mix until smooth and creamy.
Season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Add the Chicken
Stir the cooked chicken into the creamy mixture.
Add 1/2 cup of the cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of the mozzarella. Stir until everything is evenly combined.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
5. Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the chicken mixture to the prepared baking dish.
Spread it evenly and sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella over the top.
Finish with the grated Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20–25 minutes, until hot and bubbling and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
For a more golden top, switch the oven to broil for the final 1–2 minutes, watching carefully so it doesn’t burn.
7. Rest and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
This allows the creamy sauce to settle slightly and makes the casserole easier to serve.
Helpful Tips
Use cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken, leftover roasted chicken, or poached chicken all work well.
Don’t overcook the broccoli: Keeping it slightly crisp before baking helps prevent mushy vegetables.
For extra flavor: Add cooked bacon, a little ranch seasoning, or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
For more vegetables: Cauliflower, zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers can be added.
For a crispy topping: Mix Parmesan cheese with crushed pork rinds and sprinkle it over the casserole before baking.
Easy Variations
Chicken Bacon Casserole
Add 4–6 slices of cooked and crumbled bacon before baking.
Chicken Spinach Casserole
Stir in 2 cups of fresh spinach. It will wilt into the creamy sauce as the casserole cooks.
Buffalo Chicken Casserole
Add 2–3 tablespoons of buffalo sauce and replace some of the cheddar with Monterey Jack.
Mushroom Chicken Casserole
Increase the mushrooms and add a little extra garlic for a rich mushroom flavor.
What to Serve With It
Although this casserole is filling on its own, you can serve it with other low-carb sides such as:
- Roasted cauliflower
- Green beans
- Steamed broccoli
- Zucchini noodles
- Simple green salad
- Roasted asparagus
Storage
Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the casserole in the oven until hot throughout.
Final Thoughts
This Low Carb Chicken Casserole is proof that a comforting casserole doesn’t need pasta, rice, or potatoes. Tender chicken, broccoli, mushrooms, a rich creamy sauce, and plenty of melted cheese come together for an easy dinner the whole family can enjoy.
It’s especially useful for busy weeknights because you can prepare it ahead of time and simply bake it when you’re ready for dinner.