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Craving classic comfort food without the carb overload? You’re in the right place! This Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole delivers all the cheesy, satisfying goodness you desire. It’s a delightful blend of tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and savory bacon, all baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce. This recipe is simple, low-carb, and wonderfully family-friendly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Research suggests that low-carb diets can offer various health benefits, including weight management and improved metabolic health.
Get ready to discover your new favorite keto-friendly meal!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole
- Quick Preparation and Minimal Cleanup: Spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.
- Delicious, Cheesy, and Satisfying Flavors: This dish offers incredible taste that truly satisfies your comfort food cravings.
- Perfect for a Low-Carb or Keto Lifestyle: Enjoy a hearty meal that fits right into your dietary goals without compromise.
- Sneaks in Plenty of Healthy Vegetables: It’s an effortless way to boost your daily veggie intake in a tasty way.
- Excellent for Meal Prepping: Prepare a batch and enjoy convenient, healthy meals throughout the week.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients for your delicious Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole:
- 16 ounces riced cauliflower
- 12 ounces broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 4 slices bacon
- 3 cups grated cheddar, divided
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked pepper
Notes & Substitutions
Use fresh or frozen riced cauliflower. For broccoli, feel free to substitute with spinach or green beans. You can vary the cheese with mozzarella, Gruyère, or even a touch of cream cheese for extra richness. For the chicken, rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken works perfectly.
Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools for this simple recipe.
- Large mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large skillet (for bacon)
- Steamer basket or microwave-safe dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your delightful Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole:
Step 1: Prep the Veggies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Steam the cauliflower rice until it’s tender-crisp. You can use a steamer basket on the stovetop or a microwave-safe bowl. Next, steam the broccoli florets until they are tender. Ensure both the cauliflower and broccoli are thoroughly drained to prevent a watery casserole. Excess moisture is your enemy here!
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
Fry the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s wonderfully crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease. Once cooled slightly, crumble the crispy bacon into small, savory pieces. This adds a fantastic textural and flavor component to your low-carb chicken bake.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken. Add the thoroughly drained steamed cauliflower rice, steamed broccoli, and the crumbled bacon. Stir in 2 1/2 cups of the grated cheddar cheese. Next, add the two large eggs and all of your spices: salt, garlic powder, mustard powder, and cracked pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed. This ensures every bite of your chicken casserole is packed with flavor.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Evenly spread the combined mixture into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1/2 cup of grated cheddar cheese. Bake the casserole uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown. Once baked, let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows it to set up nicely and makes for easier serving.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Prevent a Watery Casserole: Always thoroughly drain all steamed vegetables, especially the cauliflower rice. Pat riced cauliflower dry with paper towels for best results.
- Achieve Crispy Bacon: Cook bacon to your desired crispness. Drain excess fat properly by patting it with paper towels after frying.
- Ensure Proper Binding: Do not omit the eggs; they are crucial for holding the casserole together. Ensure all ingredients are well combined before baking.
- Flavor Boosts: For extra richness, add a touch of cream cheese to the mixture. Experiment with different cheese blends like Monterey Jack or colby for varied flavor. Adjust seasonings to taste before baking.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole is wonderfully versatile for all your meal planning needs.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this hearty casserole as a complete standalone meal. For a fresh contrast, pair it with a simple side salad tossed in a light vinaigrette.
- Storage Instructions: Store any leftover portions in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
- Freezing Guidelines: This low-carb chicken casserole freezes beautifully. Divide it into individual portions for quick, convenient meals later. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Recipe Variations: Get creative! Add other cooked meats like ground turkey or cooked sausage. Mix in different low-carb vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Experiment with various cheese combinations for unique flavors. For a creamier texture, stir in a low-carb creamy sauce base like Alfredo before baking.
Nutrition Information
This Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole offers fantastic nutrition, especially for those watching their carb intake.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 457 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 6 g |
| Protein | 45 g |
| Fat | 27 g |
| Saturated Fat | 13 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 11 g |
| Trans Fat | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 159 mg |
| Sodium | 954 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Net Carbs | 4 g |
This nutrition data is per serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use raw chicken or other raw vegetables? No, make sure your chicken is cooked and shredded. For vegetables, steaming them first ensures they are tender and helps prevent a watery casserole.
- How can I make this casserole dairy-free? You can substitute dairy cheese with your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese blend. Ensure any cream cheese alternatives are also dairy-free.
- Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? Absolutely! This Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole is perfect for meal prepping; you can bake it ahead and portion it for the week.
- What is the best way to reheat leftovers? Gently reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover and bake in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warm.
- Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole completely, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
Conclusion
This Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole truly delivers on its promise: a delicious, simple, and healthy meal that fits perfectly into a busy schedule or a low-carb lifestyle. It’s the ultimate comfort food without the guilt, packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients. We encourage you to give this recipe a try this week! Share your experience with Sweet Emily and let us know how this delightful keto-friendly chicken casserole became a new family favorite.
Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole: Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal
Equipment
- Oven
- Steamer/Pot
- Frying Pan
- Large Mixing Bowl
- 9×13 Baking Dish
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 16 ounces riced cauliflower
- 12 ounces broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 4 slices bacon
- 3 cups grated cheddar divided
- 2 large eggs
Spices
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Steam the riced cauliflower and broccoli florets until they are tender and fully cooked.
- Fry the bacon until it reaches a crisp texture, then crumble it into small pieces.
Assembly & Baking
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the steamed vegetables, cooked shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, large eggs, 2 1/2 cups of the grated cheddar cheese, salt, garlic powder, mustard powder, and cracked pepper; stir everything together thoroughly.
- Evenly spread the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish and sprinkle the top with the remaining 1/2 cup of grated cheddar cheese.
- Bake the casserole, uncovered, for 30 minutes.
- Serve the delicious casserole immediately while hot.
Notes
A 40-year-old chef from Mexico City, has dedicated his life to perfecting the art of Mexican cuisine. Raised in a family with a deep passion for cooking, Carlos drew inspiration from the traditional recipes passed down by his grandmother. After studying culinary arts and gaining experience in top Mexican restaurants, he pursued his dream of opening his own restaurant, Sabor de Tradición. Here, he combines authentic Mexican flavors with modern culinary techniques. Carlos is renowned for his creativity and unwavering commitment to honoring his heritage while also pushing the boundaries of Mexican cuisine
