Oh, sweet friends, there’s nothing quite like a comforting casserole to bring warmth and joy to the dinner table, especially after a busy day. This Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole isn’t just a meal; it’s a hug in a dish, brimming with tender chicken and vibrant broccoli, all nestled in a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s the kind of wholesome, satisfying dish that reminds me of simpler times, yet perfectly fits our modern desire for something both delicious and mindful.
I remember my grandmother, with flour dusting her apron, always saying that the best meals came from the heart, often with ingredients already in the pantry. This casserole, while a savory departure from my usual sweet creations, carries that same spirit of resourceful love. It’s the kind of dish I’d whip up to surprise my family after a long week, filling the kitchen with an aroma that signals pure comfort.
This delightful chicken casserole offers incredible flavor with minimal fuss, making it a fantastic option for family dinners or meal prep. It’s wonderfully easy to bake and incredibly family-friendly, promising smiles all around. My practical tip for any busy home cook is to always have cooked chicken on hand; it’s a true game-changer for quick meals like this!
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Crafting this creamy delight starts with simple, wholesome ingredients. We’re talking about succulent cooked chicken, vibrant broccoli florets, and a dreamy blend of cream cheese and heavy cream that creates the most luxurious sauce. These core components come together beautifully to form a truly satisfying dish. You’ll find the complete list of ingredients and their exact measurements in the recipe card below, ready for your kitchen adventure to make this Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole.
How to Make Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole
Whipping up this creamy chicken bake is wonderfully straightforward, designed to bring maximum flavor with minimum effort. You’ll start with a quick prep, gathering your ingredients, before moving on to creating the luscious, cheesy sauce that binds everything together. Once that’s done, it’s a simple matter of assembling your casserole and letting the oven work its magic, transforming it into a bubbling, golden Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole.
Creamy Low Carb Chicken & Broccoli Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- If using fresh broccoli, steam or blanch the florets for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp. If using frozen, ensure they are thawed and drained well. Set aside.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, add the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Whisk constantly until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the minced garlic (or garlic powder), onion powder, Italian seasoning, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Continue to whisk and simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the cooked chicken, prepared broccoli, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce. Stir gently until all ingredients are well combined and coated in the creamy sauce.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly.
Notes
Pro Tips for Making This Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole
Over my many years in the kitchen, I’ve learned a few tricks to make every dish sing, and this Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole is no exception. Here are my go-to tips for a truly spectacular result.
My Secret Trick: I always like to slightly undercook my broccoli when I’m prepping it for a casserole. This way, it finishes cooking beautifully in the oven without turning mushy, keeping that lovely bit of texture and vibrant color.
When you’re making the sauce, ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This makes for an incredibly smooth, lump-free sauce that coats every piece of chicken and broccoli perfectly. Trust me, it makes a world of difference!
Don’t be shy with your seasonings! A good quality Italian seasoning and a pinch of garlic and onion powder truly elevate the flavor profile of this Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole. Taste and adjust before baking; it’s your kitchen, after all!
For that perfect golden-brown top, consider broiling the casserole for the last few minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on it, though, as cheese can go from perfectly browned to burnt in a blink!
Fun Variations for Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole
One of the joys of cooking at home is making a recipe truly your own, and this Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole is wonderfully adaptable. Here are a few ways to add your personal touch!
Spice It Up
If you love a little kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. My friend, who adores spicy food, always asks me to include a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra zing! It wakes up the flavors beautifully.
Vegetable Medley
While broccoli is classic, feel free to swap it out or add other low-carb vegetables. Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even some bell peppers would be delightful additions. I often toss in some frozen cauliflower rice for added texture and nutrients without extra carbs.
Cheese Please!
Cheddar is wonderful, but imagine the possibilities! A blend of Gruyère and Parmesan would lend a sophisticated, nutty flavor. Or, for a touch of creaminess, stirring in a little mozzarella can make this chicken bake even more indulgent and gooey.
What to Serve With Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole
This creamy, satisfying Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole is a meal in itself, but sometimes a little something extra completes the plate.
I love serving it alongside a crisp, fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette. The bright, tangy dressing provides a lovely contrast to the richness of the casserole, making each bite even more enjoyable. My mom always said a meal felt more special with a vibrant side!
Another fantastic pairing is a simple side of steamed green beans or asparagus, perhaps with a squeeze of lemon. It keeps the meal light and refreshing, complementing the creamy flavors without overwhelming them.
For a heartier option that stays low-carb, consider some riced cauliflower sautéed with a little butter and herbs. It’s a wonderful way to round out the meal without adding extra carbs, much like a traditional rice side but perfectly suited for this creamy chicken delight.
How to Store Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole
Keeping your Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole fresh means you can enjoy that comforting goodness for days! Proper storage is key to maintaining its delicious flavor and creamy texture.
Fridge Storage
Once the casserole has cooled completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This makes it perfect for meal prepping your lunches or quick dinners during the week. I always find it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld!
Freezer Tips
If you’re looking to enjoy this delightful casserole further down the line, it freezes wonderfully. Allow it to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap the entire dish tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating Methods
To reheat, I prefer popping individual portions in the microwave until heated through, or for larger amounts, a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and warm. If it seems a little dry, a splash of chicken broth or a dollop of cream during reheating can bring back that lovely creaminess. A light dusting of fresh parsley after reheating always brings it back to life and adds a lovely fresh touch!
Nutritional Benefits
This Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole isn’t just delicious; it’s packed with goodness! With tender chicken, it provides an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle health. The broccoli adds a wonderful boost of fiber and vitamins, making this a satisfying and nourishing meal that perfectly aligns with a balanced approach to comforting food. It’s a treat that’s both satisfying and nourishing, proving wholesome can be incredibly tasty.
FAQs
Faq 1
Can I use frozen chicken for this casserole?
Yes, absolutely! Just ensure your frozen cooked chicken is fully thawed and shredded before incorporating it into the recipe. This ensures even cooking and maintains the perfect texture for your Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole.
Faq 2
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
It’s fantastic for meal prep! Prepare the Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole as directed, let it cool, then portion it into airtight containers. It reheats beautifully throughout the week for quick, satisfying lunches or dinners.
Faq 3
Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
While the creamy sauce is central to this Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole, you could experiment with dairy-free cream cheese and heavy cream alternatives. Be mindful that textures and flavors might vary slightly from the original.
Faq 4
What if my sauce is too thin or too thick?
If your sauce for the Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole is too thin, you can simmer it gently for a few more minutes to reduce. If it’s too thick, simply whisk in a splash more chicken broth or heavy cream until it reaches your desired consistency.
Conclusion
There you have it, my sweet friends – a truly delightful Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole that proves wholesome, low-carb eating can be utterly delicious and incredibly comforting. It’s a testament to the simple magic that happens when good ingredients come together with a little love and patience in your kitchen. I hope this recipe inspires you to create not just a wonderful meal, but also joyful memories around your own table, just as it does for me. Happy baking, and happy eating!