“`html
If you’re craving a comforting dinner that fits your low carb lifestyle without sacrificing flavor, this Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe is just what you need. It combines tender, juicy chicken breasts smothered in a creamy, tangy sauce spiced just right, all topped with melted sharp cheddar, scallions, and crispy bacon bits. This dish is a genuine crowd-pleaser that’s straightforward to prepare and perfect for any night of the week when you want a satisfying, wholesome meal without the carb overload.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients that each bring their unique magic to the casserole. From the richness of mayonnaise and sour cream to the punch of garlic and spices, every component elevates the dish’s flavor, texture, and color to delicious heights.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (8 oz each): The star protein of the dish, providing juicy and tender meat.
- Avocado oil spray: A healthy fat to lightly grease the casserole dish for even cooking and easy cleanup.
- ½ teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt (or ¼ teaspoon regular salt): Used to season the chicken and balance flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and depth to seasoning.
- ¼ cup mayonnaise (or up to ⅓ cup): Creates a creamy base that keeps the chicken moist.
- ¼ cup sour cream (or up to ⅓ cup): Adds tanginess and richness to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle bite and complexity to the flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced: Infuses the casserole with aromatic depth and warmth.
- ½ teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt (or ¼ teaspoon regular salt): Additional seasoning for the sauce for balanced flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Enhances the savory elements throughout the dish.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a hint of earthy herbal aroma.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Provides color and a mild smoky flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper: A gentle kick of heat to brighten the casserole.
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (divided): Half mixed into the sauce and half sprinkled on top for gooey, melty goodness.
- ¼ cup scallions (green parts only), sliced: A fresh, crisp garnish that brings color and subtle onion flavor.
- ¼ cup bacon bits (room temperature): Added for crunch and smoky richness on the final dish.
How to Make Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preparing Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), which ensures a perfect cooking temperature once the casserole is ready to go. Lightly spray your casserole dish with avocado oil spray to prevent sticking and help the chicken brown beautifully during baking.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
Gently season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. While optional, searing the chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes per side adds a wonderful golden crust and depth of flavor that will make the casserole extra special.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, paprika, and cayenne pepper until fully combined. Then stir in half of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese to create a rich, flavorful sauce that will keep the chicken perfectly moist as it bakes.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Place your seared (or unseared) chicken breasts evenly spaced in the casserole dish. Spoon and spread the creamy sauce mixture over each piece, making sure every bit of chicken is coated. This is where the magic happens: the sauce locks in moisture and infuses the chicken with incredible flavor.
Step 5: Cheese it Up and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the sauced chicken. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures your chicken is juicy and fully cooked while the cheese melts and bubbles to golden perfection.
Step 6: Finish with Fresh Toppings
Once out of the oven, immediately sprinkle the casserole with fresh scallions and bacon bits for a burst of color, crisp texture, and smoky flavor. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow all the flavors to meld and the casserole to settle into delightfully creamy goodness.
How to Serve Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To garnish this Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe, the bright green scallions are a must—they add a fresh crunch and mild bite. Bacon bits elevate the dish with their savory smokiness and crisp texture, creating a beautiful contrast to the creamy chicken.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with low carb sides like steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a crisp garden salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. These options complement the richness of the casserole without overwhelming your carb goals or the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or scoop portions over cauliflower rice for a full-plate feel. You can also top each serving with avocado slices or a dollop of guacamole to add an extra creamy, vibrant layer to this already tasty dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover casserole to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep well for up to 3 days, making it an excellent make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.
Freezing
You can freeze this Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe by placing cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. It’s best consumed within 2 months for peak flavor, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain that creamy texture and avoid drying out the chicken. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short intervals, stirring carefully between to keep even heat distribution.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of cheddar?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar provides a nice sharpness and melty texture, you can experiment with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a smoked gouda for different flavor variations that suit your taste.
Is it necessary to sear the chicken first?
Searing the chicken is an optional step that adds extra flavor and a golden crust, making the casserole even more delicious. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip it and still end up with a tasty, moist casserole.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives such as vegan mayo and coconut cream to adapt this casserole for a dairy-free diet, though the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
How spicy is this casserole?
This casserole has a mild kick from the cayenne pepper balanced by creamy, tangy elements. You can adjust the cayenne to your liking or omit it for a completely mild version that still has plenty of flavor.
What if I don’t have avocado oil spray?
Any neutral oil spray like olive oil or a light coating of melted butter will work just as well to grease the casserole dish and help with browning and preventing sticking.
Final Thoughts
When you want a fuss-free, flavorful meal that fits effortlessly into your low carb lifestyle, the Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe is a true winner. It combines simple ingredients into a rich, comforting dish that feels indulgent without the guilt. Do yourself a favor and try this recipe soon; it’s bound to become one of your weeknight go-tos just like it did for me!
“`
Print
Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole is a creamy, flavorful dish perfect for those following a low-carb lifestyle. Tender chicken breasts are coated with a savory sauce made from mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and spices, then baked with sharp cheddar cheese until bubbly and golden. Finished with scallions and crispy bacon bits, this casserole makes a satisfying and wholesome meal that’s quick to prepare.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (8 oz each, 32 oz total)
- Avocado oil spray
- ½ teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt (or ¼ teaspoon regular salt)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- ¼ cup mayonnaise (or up to ⅓ cup for a creamier casserole)
- ¼ cup sour cream (or up to ⅓ cup for a creamier casserole)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt (or ¼ teaspoon regular salt)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
Topping
- ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (remaining half)
- ¼ cup scallions (green parts only), sliced
- ¼ cup bacon bits (room temperature)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a casserole dish with avocado oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare chicken: Lightly season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Optionally, sear them in a skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned to enhance flavor.
- Make the sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, pepper, dried thyme, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese (½ cup) until well mixed.
- Assemble casserole: Place the chicken breasts evenly in the prepared casserole dish. Spread the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken to ensure every piece is coated.
- Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese (½ cup) over the sauced chicken to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) ensuring it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven. Immediately sprinkle with sliced scallions and room temperature bacon bits to add freshness and crispy texture.
- Rest and serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and juices redistribute for the best texture.
Notes
- Searing chicken before baking is optional but adds extra flavor and texture.
- Mayonnaise and sour cream quantities can be increased slightly for a creamier casserole.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Use Diamond Crystal kosher salt if available for accurate seasoning measurements.
- This casserole pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete low-carb meal.
