I still remember the moment when the idea for this Low Carb Chicken Casserole hit me like a lightning bolt in the kitchen. It was one of those days I craved comfort food but wanted to keep it light and healthy. Traditional casseroles tend to pile on carbs with dumps of pasta or heavy breading, but I was on a mission: how to make a cozy, cheesy, rich chicken bake that doesn’t send you straight to carb overload town? After a few rounds of testing, the magic clicked. This Low Carb Chicken Casserole delivers creamy, savory goodness with just the right crisp and no guilt in sight.
What makes my version special is the way it balances bold flavors and fluffy textures without any of those sneaky carbs hiding. Think tender shredded chicken swimming in a rich blend of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and a hint of garlic and herbs. The topping? A crisp sprinkling of crushed pork rinds mixed with Parmesan—it’s that little crunch surprise I’ve come to adore. The best part: no culinary tricks or weird ingredients. If you can chop, stir, and bake, this dish will come together beautifully.
This Low Carb Chicken Casserole is a perfect candidate for busy weeknight dinners or those chilled-out weekends where you want something filling but still on the lighter side. It hits the low carb comfort food spot without feeling like a diet drag. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable. Ready to take your chicken casserole game to a flavorful new level? Let’s jump in and make some kitchen magic with this healthy chicken bake you’ll happily make a recipe keeper.
Gather These Ingredients:
This Low Carb Chicken Casserole comes together with pantry staples and a few flavor heroes that make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:

- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (leftovers or rotisserie work wonders)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (brings creaminess to the mix)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (I always reach for a good-quality sharp cheddar for that bold kick)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for that nutty, salty touch atop)
- 1 cup chopped mushrooms (optional, but these add a meaty texture)
- 1 small onion, finely diced (this ingredient brings that signature sweetness to your Low Carb Chicken Casserole)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic is always a good idea)
- 1 cup sour cream (for tang and body)
- ½ cup chopped broccoli florets (my favorite way to sneak in some greens)
- 1 tsp dried thyme (adds an herby warmth)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 cup crushed pork rinds (for the irresistible low carb crunch topping)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
Want to switch things up in your Low Carb Chicken Casserole? Try using shredded mozzarella or pepper jack in place of cheddar for a different cheese vibe. If mushrooms aren’t your jam, swap them out for diced bell peppers or zucchini. Look for pork rinds in the international or snack aisle—try to get plain, unflavored ones so your topping stays versatile.
Pro tip: Using rotisserie chicken saves tons of time and adds great flavor. You can also prep the veggies ahead or grab frozen broccoli florets for a shortcut. For the best results, pick firm cream cheese that’s not too watery—this keeps your casserole cozy, not soupy.
Let’s Make This Happen!
Ready to dive into your Low Carb Chicken Casserole? This yummy dinner takes about 40 minutes from start to finish, but much of it is hands-off baking time.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a casserole dish so your Low Carb Chicken Casserole slides out with ease.
- Sauté the veggies: Heat your olive oil or butter in a pan over medium heat. Toss in the onion and garlic. Stir often until fragrant and translucent—about 3 minutes. Next, add mushrooms and broccoli, letting them soften but retain some bite, around 5 more minutes.
- Mix the creamy base: In a big bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, thyme, salt, and pepper. This blend is the backbone of your Low Carb Chicken Casserole’s cozy richness.
- Add the chicken and veggies: Fold in your shredded chicken and sautéed veggies. Stir in the shredded cheddar—this melts and pulls everything together beautifully.
- Spread it out: Pour and spread the mix evenly into the prepared casserole dish. This step is where the magic happens in your Low Carb Chicken Casserole—don’t skip it!
- Top it right: Sprinkle crushed pork rinds mixed with Parmesan cheese evenly all over the top. This gives your casserole that crunchy golden finish.
- Bake: Pop it in the oven for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. You’ll know your Low Carb Chicken Casserole is ready when the edges are crisp and the center jiggles just slightly.
If your Low Carb Chicken Casserole seems a bit dry, don’t panic. Just mix in a spoonful of chicken broth or extra sour cream before baking next time—we all learn from our kitchen experiments! Meanwhile, prep your favorite fresh salad to balance the warm, cheesy vibes of this dish.
Serving Ideas & Pairings!

This Low Carb Chicken Casserole pairs beautifully with a light side salad of mixed greens dressed in lemon vinaigrette—simple, fresh, and bright. On cooler days, I love scooping this creamy bake alongside roasted Brussels sprouts or sautéed green beans. These combos make a well-rounded low carb dinner that feels satisfying but not heavy.
My favorite way to dig into this Low Carb Chicken Casserole is on lazy weekends or when I’m feeding hungry friends. It’s always a crowd favorite because everyone gets how comforting and flavor-packed it is without the carb overload. Serve it straight from the oven in the casserole dish to keep things cozy and inviting.
Got leftovers? No problem! This Low Carb Chicken Casserole reheats beautifully. Sometimes I stir leftover portions into scrambled eggs for a quick breakfast twist or stuff it inside a low carb tortilla for a tasty wrap. Seasonal variation? Swap the broccoli for roasted cauliflower in the fall or add chopped spinach in spring to keep the recipe feeling fresh and new.
If this recipe speaks to you, you’ll want to try the low carb chicken casserole over at The Foodie Affair or the version shared on That Low Carb Life. Both have delightful takes on keeping this classic comfort food keto-friendly.
Common Questions About This Recipe
Can I prep this Low Carb Chicken Casserole in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble everything the day before and keep it refrigerated. When ready, just bake as usual—maybe add a few extra minutes if it comes cold straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of pork rinds for the topping?
If pork rinds aren’t your thing, crushed nuts like almonds or walnuts work well. You can also try a mix of Parmesan and almond flour, but I find pork rinds give the best crunch without adding carbs.
How do I scale this Low Carb Chicken Casserole recipe up or down?
Easy! Just adjust ingredient amounts proportionally. It scales well for bigger families or meal prep—double everything to fill a larger casserole dish or halve for a cozy two-person dinner.
Can I freeze this Low Carb Chicken Casserole?
Yes! Bake the casserole fully, cool it, then freeze in portions. Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely, yes—no wheat or gluten hidden here! And for more gluten-free chicken ideas, check out my Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders recipe for another crowd pleaser.
Can I swap cheddar cheese for another cheese?
Definitely experiment here! Sharp Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even Swiss bring different flavors but always keep that melty, cheesy heart of this dish.
How do I make this Low Carb Chicken Casserole more keto-friendly?
Keep an eye on your carb count by sticking with low carb veggies like broccoli and mushrooms. The pork rind topping keeps you in keto territory while adding texture.
If you love flavorful, fuss-free dishes, also peek at my Cajun Chicken Pasta for a creamy, spicy low carb dinner option or my delightful Chicken Salad Chick Grape Salad for a fresh twist on chicken dishes.
My Final Take
This Low Carb Chicken Casserole earned its spot on MilaBites because it’s just plain fun and delicious to make. It’s a healthy chicken bake that delivers bold flavors without relying on heavy carbs or complicated methods. The creamy cheese blend paired with crunchy pork rind topping ticks every comfort food box while staying within keto and low carb guidelines.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time and boost flavor.
- Don’t skip sautéing the veggies—it builds layers of flavor your casserole needs.
- Crushed pork rinds with Parmesan create the unforgettable crunchy topping.
I’ve tested versions swapping broccoli for spinach, adding bacon for smoky richness, and even a Mexican-inspired blend with cumin and pepper jack cheese. The smoky bacon twist gets the most compliments at dinner parties, hands down.
What makes this recipe special to me is how approachable it is—no special skills, no mystery ingredients, just pure flavor happiness. I encourage you to customize it! Add your favorite low carb veggies or cheeses. Make it your own cozy chicken casserole recipe.
Start this flavor adventure with my Low Carb Chicken Casserole and see how easy and joyful healthy cooking can be. You’re going to love it as a weekly go-to low carb comfort food, promise!
For more creative low carb chicken recipes that keep things exciting, swing by The Foodie Affair’s easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole or That Low Carb Life’s version. Also, Wholesome Yum’s Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is fantastic if you want a fast & easy twist.
Happy cooking, and let this healthy chicken bake inspire you to keep playing in the kitchen!
PrintLow Carb Chicken Casserole
This Low Carb Chicken Casserole is a creamy, flavorful dish perfect for a healthy dinner that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
For extra crunch, sprinkle crushed pork rinds or almond flour on top before baking.