35-Minute Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole That Tastes Divine

Name: 35-Minute Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole That Tastes Divine
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1 cup cauliflower, chopped; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp olive oil

Author: Tessa

Published: August 4, 2025

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You know those nights when you’re starving, the kids are hangry, and you just need something delicious on the table FAST? That’s exactly why I fell in love with this easy low carb chicken casserole. It’s become my go-to lifesaver recipe – the one I make when I want comfort food without the carb crash afterward.

The first time I threw this together was pure kitchen chaos – leftover rotisserie chicken, half a bag of cauliflower florets, and whatever cheese was in the fridge. But wow, did it work! Now it’s in our regular rotation because it’s:

Ready in under 35 minutes (including baking time!)
Packed with protein to keep you full
So creamy and satisfying you won’t miss the carbs
Perfect for customizing with whatever veggies you have

My husband actually prefers this over traditional chicken casseroles now, and that’s saying something coming from a guy who used to live for pasta bakes. The magic is in how simple ingredients transform into something so comforting. Just wait until you smell the garlic and Parmesan mingling in your oven…

Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole - detail 1

Why You’ll Love This Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole

This isn’t just another casserole—it’s the kind of meal that makes busy weeknights feel effortless. Here’s why it’s become a staple in our house:

Weeknight superhero: From fridge to table in 35 minutes flat (I’ve timed it during soccer-practice chaos)
No carb coma: All the creamy comfort of traditional casseroles without the post-meal slump
Cheese pull magic: That golden Parmesan crust gives you the *perfect* Instagram-worthy cheese stretch
Clean plate club: My picky eater actually asks for seconds because the flavors blend so well
Kitchen sink friendly: Works with whatever veggies are wilting in your fridge drawer

Trust me—this is the recipe you’ll scribble on a sticky note and keep inside your spice cabinet.

Ingredients for Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this creamy, dreamy casserole come together:

2 cups cooked chicken – shredded (I use rotisserie chicken when I’m in a hurry)
1 cup cauliflower – chopped into bite-sized florets
1/2 cup heavy cream – the secret to that luscious texture
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese – sharp cheddar adds the best flavor
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – for that crispy golden top
1 tsp garlic powder + 1 tsp onion powder – our flavor power duo
1/2 tsp salt + 1/4 tsp black pepper – adjust to your taste
1 tbsp olive oil – just to grease the baking dish

Ingredient Substitutions & Notes

No cauliflower? No problem! Here’s how to switch things up:

Broccoli works beautifully – chop it small so it cooks evenly
Rotisserie chicken is my weeknight hero – saves so much time!
Swap heavy cream with half-and-half if needed (just slightly less rich)
Cheese variations: Try Monterey Jack or Gruyère instead of cheddar
Fresh garlic – use 2 cloves minced if you prefer over powder

How to Make Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole

Okay, let’s get to the fun part – transforming these simple ingredients into pure comfort food magic! This recipe comes together so easily, but I’ll walk you through each step to ensure casserole perfection. The secret? Layering flavors and textures just right.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and prep: Crank your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, grab that olive oil and lightly grease your favorite baking dish – I use an 8×8 inch glass dish, but anything similar works.

2. Mix the magic: In a big bowl, toss together your shredded chicken and chopped cauliflower (or broccoli if you’re going rogue). Here’s where things get exciting – pour in that heavy cream, then sprinkle in the cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything until it’s evenly coated and looking gloriously creamy.

3. Spread with love: Transfer your mixture to the greased baking dish. Use a spatula to press it into an even layer – this ensures everything cooks uniformly. Now for the crowning glory: shower that Parmesan evenly across the top like edible snow.

4. Bake to perfection: Slide your creation into the oven and bake for about 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are bubbly and the top turns a beautiful golden brown with those irresistible crispy cheese bits.

5. The hardest part: Let it rest for 5 minutes after baking (I know, torture!). This lets the flavors settle and makes serving cleaner. Then dig in while it’s gloriously warm!

Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole - detail 2

Tips for Perfect Results

Even spreading is key – takes an extra 30 seconds but prevents uneven cooking
Watch the cheese – if your oven runs hot, check at 20 minutes
Resting time matters – those 5 minutes let the sauce thicken perfectly
Broil for 1 minute at the end if you want extra crispiness

Serving Suggestions for Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole

This casserole shines as the star of your dinner plate, but oh, the magic when you pair it right! My family’s favorite combo is serving generous scoops alongside a crisp green salad drizzled with tangy vinaigrette – the freshness cuts through the richness perfectly. On chilly nights, I’ll roast some Brussels sprouts or zucchini in the oven while the casserole bakes. The caramelized edges of the veggies make an amazing contrast to the creamy chicken. For a real treat, add a dollop of homemade guacamole on top!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

This casserole keeps beautifully! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days – though in my house, it never lasts that long. To reheat, I pop individual portions in the microwave for 60-90 seconds until heated through. For that fresh-from-the-oven crispiness, revive it in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. Pro tip: Sprinkle a little extra Parmesan before reheating to refresh that golden crust!

Nutritional Information for Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole

Here’s the scoop on what’s in each hearty serving (based on my exact ingredients, but yours may vary slightly): About 320 calories packed with 25g protein to keep you full, just 6g net carbs, and that glorious 22g of fat that makes every bite so satisfying. Remember – brands differ, so check your labels if counting strictly!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw and pat it dry with paper towels first—otherwise, you’ll end up with extra liquid in your casserole. I actually keep frozen cauliflower florets in my freezer for emergency casserole nights!

How can I meal prep this easy low carb chicken casserole?
It’s a meal prep dream! Assemble everything in an oven-safe container (without baking), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready, just pop it in the oven—you might need 5 extra minutes if starting cold. Or bake as directed and portion for quick reheating all week.

Is there a dairy-free version?
Yes! Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese. The texture changes slightly, but it’s still delicious. Nutritional yeast adds great flavor too if you’re avoiding dairy completely.

Why did my casserole come out watery?
Usually means the cauliflower released too much moisture. Next time, try roasting the cauliflower for 10 minutes first to dry it out, or squeeze shredded chicken if it seems wet. And remember—resting time helps absorb extra liquid!