Description

This Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and healthy dinner option packed with vegetables and shredded chicken. Featuring a luscious blend of cream cheese, heavy cream, and a mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, this casserole offers a satisfying low-carb meal that’s perfect for a family dinner or meal prep. With tender broccoli, cauliflower, and spinach combined in a rich sauce, it’s a comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and bakes to a bubbly golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Vegetables

3–4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
3–4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped (par-boil 2–3 mins if fresh, or use frozen)
2–3 cups fresh cauliflower florets, chopped
5 oz (about 5 cups loosely packed) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
3–4 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy and Cheese

8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
1 cup heavy cream
1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided (or other melting cheese like provolone, Monterey Jack, or Colby)
1 cup shredded low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided

Liquids and Fats

1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons unsalted butter or extra virgin olive oil

Seasonings

1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs

Optional Garnish

Fresh parsley or chives, chopped

Instructions

Prepare Oven & Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Prep Ingredients: Shred or dice your cooked chicken, aiming for about 3-4 cups. Chop broccoli and cauliflower into bite-sized pieces; if using fresh broccoli, par-boil it for 2-3 minutes to soften, or use frozen directly. Roughly chop the spinach. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Have all your cheeses and seasonings measured and ready for quick assembly.
Sauté Aromatics & Veggies: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter or warm the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until it becomes translucent and soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn it. Stir in broccoli and cauliflower and cook for 5-7 minutes to partially cook the vegetables. Add the spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Lightly season the veggies with salt and pepper during this process.
Craft the Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat to low and add the softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until it melts and blends smoothly with the vegetables. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add the kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried Italian herbs. Stir well to combine all the flavors. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Add Cheese to Sauce: Remove the skillet from heat. Fold in 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese into the warm sauce, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated, creating a rich cheesy sauce.
Assemble Casserole: Add the shredded chicken to the creamy vegetable and cheese sauce. Gently fold everything together to coat the chicken evenly. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly for uniform baking.
Top with Cheese & Bake: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup sharp cheddar and 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese has turned a golden brown. If the cheese starts to brown too quickly, tent the casserole with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
Rest & Serve: After baking, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to firm up slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives if desired. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting, creamy low carb chicken casserole.

Notes

You can substitute cheeses like provolone, Monterey Jack, or Colby for cheddar if preferred.
If using frozen broccoli, add it directly without pre-boiling.
Adjust seasoning to taste; the smoked paprika adds a nice depth of flavor but can be omitted if you prefer a milder taste.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
For a dairy-free version, consider using coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives, adjusting seasoning accordingly.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: low carb chicken casserole, creamy chicken casserole, healthy chicken dinner, broccoli cauliflower casserole, cheesy chicken bake