Low-Carb Chicken Casserole

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When I first whipped up this Low-Carb Chicken Casserole, I was simply trying to make a comfort food dinner that didn’t derail my health goals. What I didn’t expect was just how much my entire family would rave about it—and now it’s on repeat almost every week. With juicy chunks of chicken, crispy bacon, tender broccoli, and a luscious cheese sauce all baked into one bubbly dish, this casserole hits every savory, creamy, crave-worthy note without the carb overload.

What I love most is how easy it is to pull together, especially on those hectic weeknights. Whether you have leftover chicken or a rotisserie bird from the store, this recipe transforms basic ingredients into something that tastes like pure indulgence. If you’re eating low-carb but don’t want to miss out on that “home-cooked, cozy dinner” feeling, this is the dish you need.

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Why You’ll Love This Low-Carb Chicken Casserole

This recipe checks every box: quick, hearty, and absolutely packed with flavor. It’s ideal for anyone following a low-carb or keto lifestyle but still appealing enough for the rest of the table. It’s also super flexible—easy to modify based on what you have in your fridge. You’ll love the way the cheese melts into the chicken and how the bits of bacon and broccoli add the perfect pop of texture. Comfort food without compromise.

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What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

The beauty of this Low-Carb Chicken Casserole is its flexibility when it comes to the chicken. I usually go for shredded rotisserie chicken because it’s fast and flavorful, but baked or grilled chicken breasts work just as well. You can even use leftover chicken thighs for an extra-rich flavor. As long as it’s cooked and seasoned, it’s fair game.

If you’re starting from scratch, just season your chicken simply with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then roast or pan-fry it before adding it to the casserole mix. This dish is forgiving, so don’t stress over perfection—the casserole pulls everything together beautifully in the oven.

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Options for Substitutions

This casserole is a low-carb dream because it swaps out carb-heavy fillers like pasta or rice with smart, nutrient-packed ingredients. But you can still switch things up depending on your preferences or what’s in your fridge:

• Broccoli: Cauliflower florets make a great substitute. They hold their shape well and soak up the cheesy sauce deliciously.
• Cheddar Cheese: Mix in mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a bit of heat.
• Bacon: Turkey bacon or pancetta can be used for a lighter or fancier twist.
• Cream Cheese: Don’t have it? A combo of sour cream and heavy cream gives similar richness.
• Chicken: Swap for turkey or even ground chicken if that’s what you have on hand.

These variations still keep the recipe low-carb while letting you make it your own.

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Ingredients for This Low-Carb Chicken Casserole

Each ingredient in this casserole has a clear role—bringing flavor, texture, or creaminess to the table while keeping things low-carb and satisfying.

• Cooked Chicken
  This is the protein foundation of the dish. Use shredded or cubed chicken—rotisserie, grilled, or baked. It soaks up the creamy, cheesy goodness perfectly.
• Broccoli Florets
  Adds color, crunch, and nutrients. It’s the main veggie here, offering a satisfying bite and balancing the richness.
• Cheddar Cheese
  The sharpness of cheddar melts beautifully and creates that classic comforting flavor. It’s both mixed in and sprinkled on top for maximum cheesiness.
• Cream Cheese
  Essential for that ultra-creamy texture in the sauce. It makes the base rich without needing flour or starch.
• Heavy Cream
  Thins out the cream cheese to create a luscious sauce while adding richness and zero carbs.
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder
  These pantry spices round out the flavor, enhancing the savoriness without overpowering.
• Bacon
  Crispy, smoky bits of bacon add salty contrast and a satisfying crunch. It’s that perfect finishing touch.
• Salt and Pepper
  Just enough seasoning to bring all the ingredients into balance.

With these simple but flavorful components, the casserole bakes into a bubbling, golden masterpiece.

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Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This ensures nothing sticks and makes cleanup easier.

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Step 2: Cook the Broccoli

Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes until they’re just tender but still bright green. Drain and set aside. This step prevents sogginess and keeps the broccoli vibrant in the final dish.

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Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cream cheese and heavy cream, whisking until smooth. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Once the mixture is silky, fold in a handful of shredded cheddar cheese and let it melt into a smooth, thick sauce.

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Step 4: Combine Everything

In a large bowl, mix together the cooked chicken, blanched broccoli, crumbled bacon, and cheese sauce until everything is evenly coated. Pour this mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

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Step 5: Top and Bake

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

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Step 6: Rest Before Serving

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after taking it out of the oven. This allows the cheese sauce to settle and makes it easier to slice and serve.

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How Long to Cook the Low-Carb Chicken Casserole

This casserole is quick and efficient—perfect for busy evenings. Once assembled, bake it at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, just until the cheese is bubbling and the edges are lightly golden. Since all the components are already cooked, the goal here is simply to meld everything together and create that deliciously melty top layer.

If you’ve prepped it ahead and are baking straight from the fridge, add about 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time. Cover it loosely with foil for the first half to prevent the cheese from over-browning, then uncover for the rest to crisp up the top.

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Tips for Perfect Low-Carb Chicken Casserole

• Use freshly grated cheese – Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. For the best texture, grate it yourself.
• Don’t overcook the broccoli – Blanching just briefly keeps it from getting mushy during baking.
• Season your chicken – Even though the cheese sauce is flavorful, well-seasoned chicken brings out the full richness of the dish.
• Make it ahead – This casserole stores well in the fridge overnight. Assemble it a day in advance and bake when ready.
• Let it rest – Giving the dish a few minutes out of the oven allows everything to set and slice cleanly.
• Add spice if you like heat – A pinch of cayenne or some red pepper flakes gives it a satisfying kick.
• Use a mix of cheeses – For more depth, combine sharp cheddar with a bit of mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
• Customize portions – Divide into ramekins or smaller containers if you want individual servings ready to go.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even with a straightforward recipe like this, a few missteps can affect the final result. Here’s what to avoid to make sure your Low-Carb Chicken Casserole turns out perfectly every time:

• Overcooking the broccoli: This is the most common error. If broccoli gets too soft before baking, it’ll end up mushy in the casserole. Just blanch it briefly.
• Not draining the veggies: Any leftover water clinging to the broccoli will water down your creamy sauce.
• Using cold ingredients: If your cream cheese or heavy cream is straight from the fridge, it can cause the sauce to seize or clump. Let them warm slightly before cooking.
• Skipping seasoning: Season each layer—especially the chicken. Otherwise, the final dish can taste flat.
• Too much sauce or cheese: Surprisingly, overdoing it can drown the ingredients and make the casserole greasy. Stick to balanced quantities.
• Uneven ingredient distribution: Stir everything well before baking to avoid bites with just broccoli or just chicken.
• Not preheating the oven: Starting cold affects both texture and cook time. Always preheat.
• Serving it immediately: Let it rest. This simple pause makes the texture better and serving cleaner.

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What to Serve With Low-Carb Chicken Casserole?

This casserole is hearty and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with a light, fresh side can round out the meal beautifully. Here are eight great serving ideas:

Simple Arugula Salad

A peppery green salad with olive oil and lemon juice balances the richness of the casserole.

Cucumber and Avocado Slices

Cool and refreshing, they add contrast and extra creaminess without carbs.

Garlic Sautéed Spinach

Warm, garlicky spinach is low-carb and a perfect match for the cheesy main.

Roasted Cauliflower

Double down on low-carb veggies with crispy, roasted cauliflower tossed in herbs.

Zucchini Noodles

Lightly sautéed “zoodles” with olive oil and garlic are a great pasta alternative.

Tomato and Basil Salad

Fresh, juicy tomatoes with basil and balsamic vinegar bring a burst of brightness.

Pickled Vegetables

A tangy crunch can cut through the richness of the dish in a delightful way.

Cauliflower Rice

Perfect for soaking up extra cheesy sauce while keeping carbs low.

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Storage Instructions

This Low-Carb Chicken Casserole is a dream when it comes to leftovers. It stores, reheats, and even freezes like a champ—making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. When reheating, microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes, or pop the entire dish (covered with foil) into a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes.
• Freezer: For longer storage, portion the casserole into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, or reheat straight from frozen—just extend the baking time by about 20 minutes.
• Reheat Tip: Add a small splash of cream or broth before reheating to restore the creaminess if the sauce has thickened too much.

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Estimated Nutrition

Here’s an approximate breakdown for one serving (based on 6 servings total). This will vary slightly depending on exact brands and ingredient swaps:

• Calories: 430
• Fat: 32g
• Protein: 30g
• Total Carbs: 6g
• Net Carbs: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 2g

This casserole keeps things satisfying with a rich dose of protein and healthy fats, all while staying within low-carb boundaries.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Just add 5–10 minutes to the bake time when cooking straight from cold.

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Can I use canned chicken?

Yes, though it’s not my top pick. Canned chicken works in a pinch, but make sure to drain it very well and shred it so it blends nicely with the sauce.

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Can I skip the broccoli or use another veggie?

Definitely. Cauliflower is a great low-carb substitute, or you can use spinach, zucchini, or green beans—just avoid anything too watery.

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Can I freeze this dish after baking?

Yes, it freezes beautifully. Portion it out or freeze the whole tray, wrap tightly, and store up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen or thaw first for quicker cooking.

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What’s the best way to cook the bacon?

I prefer baking it in the oven for crispness and easy cleanup. Just lay strips on a baking sheet and cook at 400°F for 15–18 minutes.

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Can I make it spicy?

Of course! Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a little kick.

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Is this keto-friendly?

Yes! With low carbs, high fat, and good protein, this casserole is perfect for a ketogenic diet.

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Can I double the recipe?

Totally. Just use a larger baking dish (or two), and adjust baking time slightly. It’s great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.

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Conclusion

This Low-Carb Chicken Casserole is comfort food done right—rich, cheesy, and deeply satisfying without loading up on carbs. Whether you’re sticking to a keto plan, trying to eat cleaner, or just looking for an easy weeknight dinner that everyone will devour, this dish delivers every time. With simple prep, endless flexibility, and tons of flavor, it’s no wonder this casserole has become a weekly favorite in my home. Give it a try and see why this might just be your new go-to meal.

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