Cheesy Keto Chicken Casserole

Introduction
Cheesy keto chicken casserole is a rich, comforting, and satisfying dish perfect for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet. Packed with tender chicken, creamy cheese, and flavorful seasonings, this casserole provides all the warmth and indulgence of a classic comfort food without the heavy carb load. It’s simple to prepare, makes an excellent meal for busy weeknights, and is versatile enough to customize with different vegetables and seasonings to suit your taste.

The History of
Casseroles have been a beloved staple in American home cooking since the early 20th century, offering a convenient, one-dish meal that can feed a family with minimal preparation. Traditional chicken casseroles often include carb-heavy ingredients like rice, pasta, or bread crumbs. However, as low-carb diets like keto gained popularity, innovative cooks developed keto-friendly versions by eliminating these high-carb fillers and emphasizing proteins, healthy fats, and low-carb vegetables. Cheesy keto chicken casserole is one such adaptation, combining classic comfort with a healthier twist.

Ingredients Breakdown

• Chicken Breast or Thighs: Provides lean protein; thighs add extra juiciness and flavor.
• Cream Cheese: Adds a creamy, tangy base for the casserole.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Offers a sharp, cheesy flavor and melty texture.
• Heavy Cream: Enhances richness and creamy consistency.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a savory, aromatic element.
• Onion Powder: Complements the garlic with subtle sweetness.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balance.
• Broccoli or Cauliflower: Adds bulk and texture while keeping the dish low-carb.
• Butter or Olive Oil: Used for cooking the chicken and greasing the casserole dish.

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Prepare the Chicken: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the chicken breasts or thighs in a skillet with a bit of butter or olive oil until golden brown and cooked through. Shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Mix the Creamy Base: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
3. Prepare the Vegetables: Lightly steam or blanch the broccoli or cauliflower until just tender. Drain well to avoid excess moisture.
4. Assemble the Casserole: In a greased casserole dish, layer the shredded chicken and vegetables. Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top.
5. Add the Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the casserole.
6. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Keto Chicken Casserole

• Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to prevent lumps in the sauce.
• Do not overcook the vegetables before baking to maintain a firm texture.
• Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding spices like paprika or cayenne for extra flavor.
• Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded to avoid added starches that can affect the texture.

Variations and Customizations

• Bacon and Ranch: Add cooked bacon pieces and ranch seasoning for a twist.
• Buffalo Chicken: Mix buffalo sauce into the cream cheese mixture for a spicy kick.
• Spinach and Artichoke: Incorporate spinach and chopped artichoke hearts for a creamy, tangy variation.
• Mushroom and Swiss: Swap cheddar for Swiss cheese and add sautéed mushrooms for a rich, earthy flavor.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
Cheesy keto chicken casserole is a high-protein, low-carb dish ideal for ketogenic and low-carb diets. It provides healthy fats from the cheese, cream, and olive oil while keeping carbohydrates minimal by using vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower instead of starches. The dish is also rich in calcium, B vitamins, and other nutrients from the chicken and dairy. However, it’s high in calories and saturated fat, so portion control is key, especially for those with heart health concerns.

FAQ

• Can I freeze cheesy keto chicken casserole? Yes, it freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
• Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken? Absolutely! It saves time and adds extra flavor.
• How can I make it dairy-free? Use dairy-free cheese and substitute cream cheese and heavy cream with coconut cream or other plant-based alternatives.
• Can I add other vegetables? Yes, zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers are great low-carb additions.

Cheesy Keto Chicken Casserole

Cheesy keto chicken casserole is a creamy, savory, and low-carb dish packed with chicken, cheese, and vegetables. It’s a versatile, comforting meal perfect for keto and low-carb lifestyles.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings 6

Ingredients

  

Chicken:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (8 ounces each; 32 ounces total of raw chicken)
• Avocado oil spray
• 1/2 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt or 1/4 teaspoon of any other salt, including Morton kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise use 1/3 cup for a creamier casserole
• 1/4 cup sour cream use 1/3 cup for a creamier casserole
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt or 1/4 teaspoon of any other salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded (divided)

Topping:

• 1/4 cup sliced scallions green parts only
• 1/4 cup bacon bits room temperature

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 450°F. Line a rimmed baking dish with foil and lightly grease the foil. Place the chicken breasts in the prepared pan, spray with oil, and season with salt and pepper. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until cooked through.
• While the chicken bakes, grease a 2-quart casserole dish. In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, pepper, dried thyme, paprika, cayenne, and 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
• Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven but leave the oven on. Let the chicken cool slightly until it’s easy to handle, then cut into cubes or shred it. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl with the mayonnaise and sour cream mixture, tossing to coat.
• Transfer the coated chicken mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Return to the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through.
• Garnish the casserole with sliced scallions and bacon bits. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

This casserole is just creamy enough for my liking, and my family agrees. However, over the years, feedback has shown that some people prefer a creamier texture. If that’s the case for you, I recommend increasing the mayonnaise and sour cream to ⅓ cup each.

Feel free to add extra seasonings to the chicken breasts. I typically use ½ teaspoon of garlic powder and ½ teaspoon of paprika.

You can swap the chicken breasts for boneless chicken thighs if you prefer.

For a complete meal, consider lightly steaming small broccoli florets and mixing them into the casserole before baking. If you do, I suggest increasing both the mayonnaise and sour cream to ⅓ cup each.

Since I use warm chicken that I’ve just cooked, 10 minutes at 450°F is usually enough to heat the casserole through (it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F). If you’re using cold leftover chicken, I recommend microwaving it, covered, to warm it up before adding it to the casserole. Alternatively, you can use the chicken cold and bake the casserole in a preheated 400°F oven for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.

Leftovers can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat gently, covered, in the microwave at 50% power. If you’re using pre-cooked chicken, keep in mind that the 3-4 day count for leftovers applies.