The Best Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole with Cheese for Ultimate Comfort
Oh, the magic of a casserole! I remember those chilly autumn evenings growing up, when the scent of something baking slowly in the oven would fill our entire home. My grandmother, bless her heart, always had a comforting dish ready, and it was usually something cheesy and warm. This Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole with Cheese truly brings back those cherished memories, offering that same deep sense of comfort without compromising on healthy eating.
It’s that perfect blend of hearty, satisfying, and incredibly simple to make, making it an ideal easy dinner solution for busy weeknights. Life can get hectic, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice delicious, wholesome meals. This recipe is a proven family favorite, tried and tested countless times in my own kitchen, and it consistently delivers on flavor and coziness.
Prepare to fall in love with a dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce, all baked to golden perfection. It’s the kind of comfort food that warms you from the inside out, fitting seamlessly into a low-carb lifestyle while still feeling like a decadent treat. Get ready to add this incredible Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole with Cheese to your regular rotation – you won’t regret it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
❤️ Here’s why this casserole will become your new go-to:
- Effortlessly Low Carb & Keto-Friendly: Say goodbye to carb-heavy fillers! This casserole is specifically designed to fit into your low-carb and keto diet, using wholesome ingredients that keep you feeling full and satisfied without the blood sugar spikes. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a rich, cheesy meal while staying on track with your health goals, proving that delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated or full of hidden sugars.
- Incredibly Creamy & Cheesy: Every single bite is a delightful fusion of tender chicken and a luscious, velvety sauce, generously infused with multiple layers of cheese. The combination of cream cheese and cheddar melts into a dreamlike texture that blankets all the other ingredients, creating a truly decadent experience. This dish is designed to satisfy those deep comfort food cravings, delivering a richness that’s utterly irresistible.
- Packed with Flavor & Nutrients: Beyond its incredible taste, this casserole is brimming with wholesome ingredients like succulent chicken and vibrant, fiber-rich vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower. It’s seasoned perfectly to enhance all the natural flavors, ensuring that every spoonful is not just delicious but also a nourishing choice for your body. You’ll feel good about serving this to your family, knowing they’re getting a complete, balanced meal.
- A True One-Pan Wonder: Imagine a delicious meal with minimal cleanup – that’s exactly what you get with this casserole! Most of the magic happens right in one baking dish, from mixing to baking, significantly reducing the pile of dishes after dinner. It’s the ultimate convenience food for busy schedules, allowing you more time to relax and enjoy your evening instead of scrubbing pots and pans.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe is a fantastic candidate for meal prepping. You can easily make a larger batch and enjoy the leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week. It reheats beautifully, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors meld together further. This casserole saves you precious time during those busy weekdays, making healthy eating effortless and enjoyable.
- Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing: Even the pickiest eaters will find something to love in this cheesy, comforting dish. The creamy texture and familiar flavors make it a hit with children, while its sophisticated taste ensures it’s equally appreciated by adults. It’s the kind of versatile recipe that shines whether you’re feeding your family on a casual weeknight or entertaining guests for a special occasion.
What You Need
You only need a few simple pantry staples for this incredibly satisfying Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole with Cheese! Most of these are likely already in your kitchen, making this a convenient and easy recipe to whip up any night of the week. Check the full printable recipe card below for detailed measurements and a complete list of ingredients.

💡 Expert Tips for the Best Casserole
- Pre-Cook Your Chicken Perfectly: While you can use leftover rotisserie chicken for speed, if cooking from scratch, ensure your chicken is fully cooked and shredded or diced before adding it to the casserole. This guarantees tender chicken and even cooking throughout the dish. Sautéing it briefly with a little garlic and onion before assembling can also add a foundational layer of flavor.
- Choose Your Cheeses Wisely: The type of cheese you use significantly impacts the flavor and creaminess. A good sharp cheddar offers a robust taste, while mozzarella can add extra stretch and mildness. Don’t shy away from adding a sprinkle of Parmesan for a nutty, salty kick. Freshly grated cheese melts much better and prevents a grainy texture compared to pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
- Don’t Skimp on the Creaminess: For that ultimate velvety texture, ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing. This helps it incorporate smoothly into the heavy cream and broth, preventing lumps. Using full-fat dairy products is key for a truly rich, low-carb sauce that coats every ingredient beautifully and satisfies hunger.
- Roast Your Veggies for Depth: Before adding broccoli and cauliflower to the casserole, consider lightly roasting them for 10-15 minutes. This brings out their natural sweetness and gives them a slightly charred flavor, preventing them from becoming mushy when baked in the casserole. It adds an extra layer of complexity that elevates the entire dish.
- Prevent a Dry Casserole: Casseroles can sometimes dry out in the oven. To prevent this, ensure your baking dish is well-covered with foil for the initial part of baking. This traps moisture, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to remain juicy. Remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes to achieve that perfectly golden, bubbling cheese crust.
- Let It Rest: Just like a perfectly cooked steak, casseroles benefit from a short resting period after coming out of the oven. Allowing it to rest for 5-10 minutes helps the sauce set and prevents it from being too runny when you serve it. This makes for cleaner slices and ensures all those wonderful flavors are fully integrated.
Variations & Substitutions
This Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole with Cheese is incredibly versatile, making it easy to adapt to your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Feel free to get creative and make it your own!
- Add Different Veggies: Instead of or in addition to broccoli and cauliflower, try sautéed spinach, diced bell peppers, asparagus spears, or green beans. Just be mindful of carb counts if you’re strictly keto.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a lovely kick. Smoked paprika can provide a smoky depth, or a dash of cayenne for a subtle heat. Experiment with different herbs like fresh thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist.
- Protein Swap: While chicken is fantastic, you could easily substitute cooked turkey, shredded pork, or even ground beef for a different flavor profile. Just ensure any meat is cooked through before adding it to the casserole.
- Cheese Please: Don’t limit yourself to just cheddar! Monterey Jack, Gouda, or a blend of Italian cheeses can all create wonderful variations in flavor and texture. For an extra rich finish, a sprinkle of blue cheese can be surprisingly delicious.

Storage & Freezing
This Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole with Cheese is fantastic for meal prepping and makes for delicious leftovers!
To store, simply allow the casserole to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you can microwave individual portions or warm a larger dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes, covering with foil if it starts to dry out.
For longer storage, this casserole freezes beautifully. Once cooled, you can either freeze the entire casserole in its baking dish (if freezer-safe and well-covered with foil and plastic wrap) or portion it into individual freezer-safe containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Adding a splash of cream or broth before reheating can help restore its creaminess.
FAQ
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Absolutely! Using pre-cooked chicken, like rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken, is a fantastic time-saver. Just shred or dice it and incorporate it into the recipe as instructed. It helps to ensure your chicken stays tender and moist.
Q: What if I don’t like broccoli or cauliflower?
A: No problem at all! This recipe is very flexible. You can substitute other low-carb vegetables like green beans, asparagus, mushrooms, or even a mix of bell peppers. Just make sure to pre-cook any harder vegetables slightly so they are tender when the casserole finishes baking.
Q: Is this casserole really keto-friendly?
A: Yes, it is! This recipe is crafted with low-carb ingredients like chicken, heavy cream, cream cheese, and non-starchy vegetables to ensure it fits perfectly into a ketogenic diet. Always double-check your specific ingredient brands for any hidden sugars or carbs, but generally, this dish is a solid keto choice.
Q: How can I make this spicier?
A: To add a kick, you can include a pinch of red pepper flakes into the sauce mixture, or even a dash of cayenne pepper. For a smoky heat, a generous amount of smoked paprika works wonderfully. Adjust to your desired level of spice!
Ready to Dive In?
There you have it – the ultimate guide to creating a truly irresistible Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole with Cheese! This dish isn’t just a recipe; it’s a warm hug on a plate, bringing comfort, flavor, and wholesome goodness right to your dinner table. Whether you’re a seasoned low-carb enthusiast or just looking for a deliciously easy meal, this casserole is sure to become a cherished favorite.
Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later so you can easily find it whenever those comfort food cravings strike. I can’t wait for you to try it and share your experiences! Happy cooking!
Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole: Ultimate Keto Comfort Food
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1 Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Step 2 In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Sautu00e9 chopped onion until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Step 3 Stir in broccoli and cauliflower florets. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until slightly tender-crisp.
- Step 4 Add softened cream cheese, heavy cream, chicken broth, and almond milk to the skillet. Whisk until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 5 Stir in the cooked chicken and half of the cheddar cheese into the creamy sauce. Mix well to combine.
- Step 6 Pour the chicken and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly.
- Step 7 Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and all of the mozzarella cheese.
- Step 8 Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese topping is golden brown and melted. If the top browns too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil.
- Step 9 Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
