This Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole is a winner! Packed with tender chicken, colorful veggies, and creamy cheese, it’s wholesome and delicious without the heavy carbs.
I love how this dish makes dinner a breeze. Just mix, bake, and enjoy! Perfect for keeping things simple while still treating yourself to a hearty meal. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: This recipe works great with shredded rotisserie chicken, but any leftover chicken is fine too! You could also use turkey or even cooked tofu for a vegetarian option.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is crunchy and vibrant, but frozen florets are a convenient choice. If you don’t have broccoli, feel free to swap in other vegetables like cauliflower or spinach.
Sour Cream: For creaminess, Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute for a healthier twist. It gives a nice tangy flavor too. If you’re dairy-free, try coconut cream or a dairy-free sour cream.
Cheddar Cheese: While sharp cheddar is my favorite for its taste, any melty cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack works too. You can even use vegan cheese if you prefer a plant-based option.
Cream of Chicken Soup: You can make homemade soup using chicken broth, milk, and a bit of flour for thickening. If gluten-free, use cornstarch instead. Cream of mushroom soup is another suitable swap!
How Do I Make Sure My Casserole is Creamy and Well-Mixed?
Mixing the ingredients thoroughly is key to getting that creamy texture throughout. Always ensure your sour cream and cream of chicken soup are well-combined with the chicken and vegetables.
- Start with softened sour cream; it blends easier.
- Use a spatula or spoon to gently fold in the dry ingredients, avoiding over-mixing.
- If using frozen broccoli, thaw it well before mixing to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
Following these tips will help keep your casserole creamy and delicious. Don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning to match your taste preferences! Enjoy the process of preparing this comforting dish!
Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup (or homemade equivalent)
- 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful casserole takes about 15 minutes to prep and then about 35-40 minutes to bake. So, you’ll be looking at a total of around 55-60 minutes from start to finish. Easy peasy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
First things first, let’s get that oven heated. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and warm when you’re ready to bake your casserole.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, broccoli florets, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together well until it’s all nicely combined and looking delicious.
3. Fold in Cheeses and Bacon:
Now, gently fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the chopped bacon into your chicken mixture. This adds a wonderful flavor that’ll make your casserole extra tasty!
4. Transfer and Spread:
Time to put all that goodness into a baking dish! Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish, and transfer your delicious mixture into it. Spread it out evenly so every bite is as good as the last.
5. Cheese It Up!
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese over the top of your casserole. Then, scatter the rest of the bacon on top for that added crunch and flavor.
6. Cover and Bake:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and pop it into the preheated oven. Bake for about 25 minutes. This helps everything to get warm and meld together.
7. Remove Foil and Let it Bake More:
After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbly and just starts to turn golden. Yum!
8. Cool Down and Serve:
Once your casserole is beautifully baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will help it set a bit. Then, it’s ready to serve! Enjoy your Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the broccoli with other low-carb veggies like cauliflower, zucchini, or bell peppers. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces for even cooking. If using frozen vegetables, there’s no need to thaw them—just add them directly to the mixture!
What Can I Use Instead of Sour Cream?
If you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can use Greek yogurt for a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture. Cream cheese is another great alternative; just soften it first so it mixes well with the other ingredients.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. Just be sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance! Just follow the recipe up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and add an extra few minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
