If you’re craving classic comfort food without the carb overload, this Healthy Low Carb Chicken Casserole delivers all the rich, creamy satisfaction of traditional casseroles—minus the pasta, rice, or heavy starches. It’s packed with lean chicken, low-carb vegetables, a savory creamy sauce, and just enough cheese to feel indulgent, all baked into one cozy dish that’s perfect for meal prep or family dinners.
This casserole is keto-friendly, gluten-free, and made with wholesome ingredients you probably already have. Whether you’re following a low-carb diet or just trying to eat a little cleaner, this dish makes it easy (and delicious) to stay on track.
Why You’ll Love This Low Carb Chicken Casserole
Classic casseroles are comforting, but they’re often weighed down with pasta, cream soups, or processed ingredients. This version skips the shortcuts and keeps things simple, fresh, and flavorful—with all the creamy, melty, cheesy goodness you want in a cozy dish.
Here’s what makes it a repeat-worthy recipe:
- Low in carbs, high in protein
- No canned soup or fillers
- Customizable with your favorite veggies
- Great for leftovers and meal prep
- Family-friendly and freezer-friendly
It’s everything you love about baked comfort food, lightened up and packed with real flavor.
Ingredients Breakdown and Smart Swaps
This casserole keeps things clean and simple—just a few ingredients, but tons of flexibility.
Base:
- Cooked shredded or cubed chicken – Use leftovers or rotisserie chicken to save time
- Low-carb veggies – Broccoli, spinach, zucchini, cauliflower, mushrooms—all great options
- Creamy sauce – Made with cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and shredded cheese for richness without the carbs
Topping:
- Shredded cheese for a melty golden finish
- Optional: crushed pork rinds or almond flour for crunch
Easy Swaps:
- No Greek yogurt? Use sour cream.
- No cream cheese? Use ricotta or full-fat cottage cheese (blended for smoothness).
- Dairy-free? Use a non-dairy cream cheese alternative and shredded vegan cheese.
Best Vegetables for Low Carb Casseroles
You’ll want vegetables that hold up well when baked and keep the dish hearty without the carbs.
Great choices:
- Broccoli florets (lightly steamed)
- Cauliflower rice (cooked or frozen and thawed)
- Spinach (fresh or thawed from frozen)
- Zucchini (sautéed briefly to release moisture)
- Mushrooms (sliced and lightly sautéed)
Avoid high-water-content raw veggies like raw tomatoes or raw zucchini slices unless you pre-cook to reduce moisture.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 1 ½ cups steamed broccoli florets (or other low-carb veggie)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or chives
Instructions
- Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9 or similar-sized baking dish. - Cook the Vegetables
Lightly steam broccoli (or your choice of veggie) until just tender. If using mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach, sauté them in olive oil to release moisture. Drain excess liquid well. - Make the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, mix softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, garlic, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, 1 cup shredded cheddar, and Parmesan until smooth and creamy. - Combine Everything
Add the cooked chicken and veggies to the bowl. Stir until everything is evenly coated in the creamy sauce. - Assemble the Casserole
Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar evenly on top. - Bake
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until hot and bubbly, and the cheese on top is golden and melted. - Garnish and Serve
Let cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh herbs if desired. Serve warm.
Optional Toppings and Variations
Add crunch, spice, or more veggies based on your preferences.
- Crushed pork rinds or almond flour mixed with melted butter for a keto-friendly “breadcrumb” topping
- Chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes for heat
- Bacon crumbles for extra savory depth
- Chopped spinach stirred into the base for added greens
What to Serve with It
This casserole is filling on its own but pairs well with:
- A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted green beans or Brussels sprouts
- Cauliflower mash or cauliflower rice
- Zoodles or sautéed spinach
Or keep it simple and enjoy on its own—it’s complete enough to stand alone.
Meal Prep & Storage Tips
This casserole is a meal-prepper’s dream.
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze fully baked casserole (cooled) in portions for up to 2 months
- Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through
To freeze unbaked, assemble the casserole without the cheese topping and freeze. Add cheese right before baking.
Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving, Approx. 1/6 of Casserole)
- Calories: ~370
- Protein: ~30g
- Carbs: ~6g
- Fat: ~24g
- Fiber: ~2g
It’s high in protein and healthy fats, with minimal carbs—ideal for keto, low-carb, or high-protein diets.
Why It Works
- Versus traditional casseroles: No pasta or processed soups, but still creamy and filling
- Versus quick skillet meals: Oven-baked for set-it-and-forget-it ease
- Versus takeout or premade meals: Made with real food, less sodium, and more flavor
This dish proves comfort food and clean eating don’t have to be opposites.
Healthy Low Carb Chicken Casserole is your cozy weeknight hero—creamy, cheesy, and absolutely satisfying without weighing you down. Whether you’re cooking for your family, your future self, or your macros, this easy casserole makes healthy eating feel indulgent.