Simple Low Carb Chicken Casserole

Imagine sinking your fork into a bubbling, golden-brown Simple Low Carb Chicken Casserole that’s crispy on top yet tender and juicy inside. This comfort food classic has been reimagined to fit a low carb lifestyle without sacrificing an ounce of flavor or satisfaction. The rich combination of succulent chicken, vegetables, and cheese creates a meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. You’ll learn how to create this family-friendly Simple Low Carb Chicken Casserole with minimal prep time and maximum flavor, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep Sundays.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Simple Low Carb Chicken Casserole will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly versatile – you can adapt it based on what’s in your refrigerator while still keeping it low carb. The contrast between the tender chicken pieces and the crispy, cheese-topped surface creates a delightful textural experience with every bite.

For those following keto or low carb diets, this chicken bake provides satisfying protein and healthy fats without the carb overload of traditional casseroles. No pasta or potatoes needed! The creamy sauce wraps around the chicken and vegetables, creating a cohesive dish that tastes indulgent while still supporting your health goals.

Best of all, this low carb chicken dish comes together in one pan, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your evening. The hands-off cooking time allows you to help with homework, squeeze in a quick workout, or simply relax while dinner essentially makes itself.

Ingredients

To make this Simple Low Carb Chicken Casserole, you’ll need:

• 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1 medium onion (about 1 cup/150g), diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups (200g) broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1½ cups (170g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

The cream cheese forms the backbone of our creamy sauce, while the combination of heavy cream and cheddar cheese creates richness without adding carbs. The vegetables provide essential nutrients and textural contrast in this keto chicken casserole.

Pro Tips

Season in Layers: For the most flavorful low carb chicken casserole, season at each stage of cooking. Salt and pepper the chicken before cooking, season the vegetables as they sauté, and taste the sauce before combining everything. This builds depth of flavor that makes the dish taste like it took hours to prepare.

Don’t Overcook the Chicken: When sautéing the chicken cubes, cook them just until they’re no longer pink on the outside (about 4-5 minutes). They’ll finish cooking in the oven. This prevents the chicken from becoming tough and dry in your finished casserole.

Room Temperature Dairy: Allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature before making your sauce, and take the heavy cream out of the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before using. Room temperature dairy products incorporate much more smoothly, helping you avoid a lumpy sauce in your Simple Low Carb Chicken Casserole.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray. Take this time to cube your chicken, dice your vegetables, and measure out the remaining ingredients. Having everything ready will make the cooking process seamless.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken cubes with salt and pepper, then add them to the hot pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the outside is no longer pink but the chicken isn’t fully cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the broccoli florets and diced bell pepper, seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened but still vibrant.

Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet with the vegetables, stirring until it begins to melt. Gradually pour in the heavy cream while continuing to stir. Once the mixture is smooth, add 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, dried Italian herbs, paprika, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and well-combined.

Step 5: Combine and Bake

Return the partially cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine everything evenly. Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the chicken is completely cooked through.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Allow your Simple Low Carb Chicken Casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken slightly and allows the flavors to settle. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Variations

Mediterranean Version: Transform this Simple Low Carb Chicken Casserole into a Mediterranean delight by replacing the bell peppers with artichoke hearts and adding kalamata olives, spinach, and feta cheese instead of cheddar. Use Greek seasoning in place of Italian herbs, and finish with a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

Buffalo Chicken Casserole: For spice lovers, create a buffalo chicken version by adding ¼ cup of buffalo sauce to the cream mixture. Use blue cheese or a combination of mozzarella and cheddar for topping, and serve with a side of celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for the complete buffalo chicken experience while still keeping it low carb.

Tex-Mex Low Carb Casserole: Substitute the Italian herbs with taco seasoning, add a diced jalapeño for heat, and use pepper jack cheese in place of cheddar. Top with avocado slices and cilantro after baking, and serve with a dollop of sour cream for a Mexican-inspired keto chicken dinner.

Storage and Serving

This Simple Low Carb Chicken Casserole keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container once completely cooled. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or place the entire casserole (in an oven-safe dish) in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

For freezing, allow the casserole to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It will maintain its quality for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serve this low carb chicken bake with a crisp side salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar for a complete meal. For a special dinner, pair it with roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans with almonds. If you’re feeding family members who aren’t following a low carb diet, you can offer a side of crusty bread or roasted sweet potatoes for them.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken to make this casserole?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply shred or cube the meat and add it directly to the sauce mixture, skipping the chicken cooking step. Reduce the baking time by about 5 minutes since the chicken is already fully cooked.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, this Simple Low Carb Chicken Casserole is perfect for keto diets. With approximately 7g net carbs per serving, it fits well within keto macros while providing ample protein and healthy fats.

Can I make this dairy-free?
While the dairy components are key to the creaminess, you can substitute with dairy-free alternatives. Use dairy-free cream cheese, coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and a dairy-free cheese alternative. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

How can I add more vegetables while keeping it low carb?
Cauliflower, zucchini, spinach, and mushrooms are all excellent low carb vegetable options to add or substitute in this casserole. Just be sure not to add too many watery vegetables, as they can make the sauce too thin.

What can I use instead of chicken?
Turkey, pork tenderloin cut into cubes, or even firm white fish like cod would work well as protein alternatives in this casserole. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on your protein choice.

Conclusion

This Simple Low Carb Chicken Casserole is comfort food at its finest — creamy, satisfying, and absolutely packed with flavor, without the carb overload of traditional casseroles. It’s the kind of dish that proves eating low carb doesn’t mean sacrificing the meals you love. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for a busy week ahead, or looking for a dish to impress guests who might be skeptical about low carb eating, this casserole delivers on all fronts. The combination of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a rich, cheesy sauce creates a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds—carb counters and carb lovers alike.

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