You know those nights when you’re staring into the fridge at 6pm wondering what on earth to make for dinner? That was me every Tuesday until I perfected this easy low carb chicken casserole. It’s become my go-to lifesaver when I need something hearty, healthy, and ready in under an hour – without turning into a kitchen tornado first.
I’ll be honest – I used to think low carb meant boring. Then I discovered that with the right ingredients (hello, melty cheese and creamy sauce), you can make comfort food that actually loves you back. This chicken casserole hits all the right notes – protein-packed, full of flavor, and so simple you’ll have it memorized after one try. The best part? My picky kids actually ask for seconds!
Whether you’re keto, watching your carbs, or just want a no-fuss dinner that won’t leave you in a food coma, this recipe has your back. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together, even when the rest of your week is pure chaos.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole
Let me tell you why this casserole is about to become your new best friend:
- Crazy fast: Throw it together in 10 minutes flat—perfect for those “I forgot to meal prep” nights
- Secretly healthy: Packed with protein and sneaky veggies (but tastes like pure comfort food)
- One-pan wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time for Netflix (or chasing kids—no judgment)
- Cheese factor: That golden bubbly cheese crust? Absolute perfection
- Meal prep hero: Tastes even better as leftovers (if it lasts that long)
This easy low carb chicken casserole checks all the boxes—it’s the dinner equivalent of your favorite sweatpants: reliable, comforting, and makes life just a little bit easier.
Ingredients for Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this simple yet flavorful dish – I promise it’s all stuff you probably have on hand already! The magic is in how these basic ingredients come together.
- 2 cups cooked chicken – shredded (rotisserie chicken works great here!)
- 1 cup cauliflower rice – fresh or frozen (no need to thaw if frozen)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese – the sharper the better in my opinion
- 1/4 cup heavy cream – this creates that luscious sauce
- 1/4 cup sour cream – adds tang and creaminess
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – don’t skip this flavor booster
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – the secret to depth of flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – adjust to your taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – freshly ground if you have it
See? Nothing fancy – just real ingredients that create something magical when baked together. Now let’s get cooking!
How to Make Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole
Okay, let’s get to the fun part! This easy low carb chicken casserole comes together so quickly you’ll be shocked something this good took so little effort. I’ll walk you through each step – trust me, it’s foolproof.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
First things first – crank that oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, grab your favorite casserole dish (I use an 8×8 inch one) and give it a quick spray with nonstick or rub with a little butter. Don’t skip this step unless you want to be scraping baked-on cheese later (been there!).
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
Now for the best part – dump everything except the cheese into a big mixing bowl. I like to use my hands to really get in there and mix – it helps the cauliflower rice get coated evenly with all that creamy goodness. Pro tip: if your chicken is still warm from cooking, it’ll help melt the sour cream slightly, making everything blend together like a dream. Just keep mixing until you don’t see any dry spots left.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Spread your mixture evenly in the prepared dish, then shower that cheese on top like you’re decorating a cake. Pop it in the oven and resist the urge to open the door for at least 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are bubbling like a little cheese volcano and the top turns a gorgeous golden brown. If it’s not quite there yet, give it another 3-5 minutes – ovens can be tricky like that. Let it sit for about 5 minutes after baking (I know, torture!) so it sets up nicely when you cut into it.
Tips for the Best Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole
After making this easy low carb chicken casserole more times than I can count, I’ve learned a few tricks that take it from good to “oh my gosh, what is this magic?” level. Here are my best tips for casserole success:
- Rotisserie chicken is your friend – I keep a store-bought one in my fridge at all times just for emergencies like this. The pre-cooked meat saves so much time and adds amazing flavor.
- Squeeze that cauliflower rice – If using frozen, wrap it in a clean towel and give it a good squeeze to remove excess water. Your casserole won’t be watery this way.
- Cheese matters – Freshly grated cheese melts so much better than the pre-shredded stuff (which has anti-caking agents). Trust me, it’s worth the extra minute of grating.
- Add greens for nutrients – Toss in a handful of chopped spinach or kale when mixing – you won’t taste it but you’ll get bonus veggies!
- Broil for extra crisp – If you want that cheese extra golden, pop it under the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes (but watch it like a hawk!).
These little tweaks make such a difference – your taste buds will thank you!
Variations for Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole
The beauty of this easy low carb chicken casserole is how versatile it is! Here are some of my favorite ways to mix it up when I’m feeling adventurous (or just cleaning out the fridge):
- Cheese swap: Try pepper jack for some heat or Swiss for a nutty flavor
- Veggie boost: Mix in diced mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini
- Protein change: Swap chicken for turkey or even canned tuna (don’t knock it till you try it!)
- Creamy alternatives: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for extra protein
- Spice it up: Add a dash of cayenne or smoked paprika for depth
Honestly, I’ve never found a version I didn’t like – this recipe is basically impossible to mess up!
Serving Suggestions for Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole
This easy low carb chicken casserole is a complete meal on its own, but I love pairing it with simple sides that make it feel extra special. My go-to is a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette – the brightness cuts through the richness perfectly. Roasted Brussels sprouts or garlicky green beans are also fantastic. For a real comfort meal, I’ll sometimes serve it with mashed cauliflower (just don’t tell my kids it’s not potatoes!).
Storage and Reheating Instructions
This easy low carb chicken casserole is almost better the next day – if you can resist eating it all at once! For leftovers, just cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for 3-4 days.
To reheat, I pop individual servings in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes until warmed through. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a little extra cheese on top before microwaving – it gives that fresh-from-the-oven feel. For larger portions, I recommend reheating in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes to keep the texture perfect.
Want to freeze it? No problem! Just wrap individual portions tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Pro tip: Add a fresh sprinkle of cheese after reheating to revive that just-baked look.
Nutritional Information for Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole
Here’s the breakdown per serving (about 1 generous cup) of this easy low carb chicken casserole, based on my exact recipe. Keep in mind these numbers may vary slightly depending on your specific ingredients – like if you use more cheese (no shame!) or swap in different veggies.
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 32g (hello, muscle fuel!)
- Carbs: 5g (with 2g fiber – so just 3g net carbs!)
- Fat: 18g
It’s packed with protein to keep you full, and the low carb count makes it perfect for keto or anyone watching their carb intake. My nutritionist friend gives it two thumbs up!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! This easy low carb chicken casserole works beautifully with turkey – I’ve used leftover Thanksgiving turkey many times. Just make sure it’s cooked and shredded the same way. The flavors blend perfectly with the creamy sauce and cheese.
Q2. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
You bet! With just 3g net carbs per serving, this casserole fits perfectly into a keto lifestyle. All the ingredients are low-carb staples – the cauliflower rice keeps it light while the heavy cream and cheese give it that indulgent keto-approved richness we love.
Q3. What if I don’t have cauliflower rice?
No worries! I’ve made this with broccoli rice in a pinch – just squeeze out any excess moisture first. You could even use zucchini noodles chopped small. The texture changes slightly, but it’s still delicious. Just avoid regular rice if you’re keeping it low carb!
Q4. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, with a few tweaks! Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream, use dairy-free sour cream alternative, and pick your favorite vegan cheese. The flavors will be different but still tasty. My vegan friend adds nutritional yeast for extra umami.
Q5. How do I know when it’s done baking?
Look for bubbly edges and golden cheese – that’s your visual cue. If you’re unsure, insert a knife in the center; it should come out hot with no cold spots. Remember, it’ll continue setting as it cools slightly.
Final Thoughts
There you have it – my foolproof easy low carb chicken casserole that’s saved dinner time more times than I can count. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! Tag me if you share pics – I love seeing your kitchen creations. Now go enjoy that cheesy goodness!
Print
Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Saves Dinner in 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
A simple and delicious low-carb chicken casserole packed with protein and flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cauliflower rice
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix chicken, cauliflower rice, heavy cream, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick option.
- Substitute mozzarella if preferred.
- Add spinach for extra veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
