When you’re following a keto lifestyle and craving something warm, cheesy, and deeply satisfying, this low-carb chicken casserole checks every single box. Rich layers of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and melted cheese come together in one comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a cold winter evening. This recipe proves that eating keto doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or that cozy comfort food feeling we all crave when temperatures drop. The best part is how simple it comes together—no complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients, just straightforward cooking that yields impressive results. Perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or potluck gatherings where you need to bring something special, this casserole pleases both keto and non-keto eaters alike. Nobody will guess they’re enjoying a low-carb meal because the flavors are so rich and the texture so satisfying. Plus, it reheats beautifully throughout the week, making busy weeknight dinners effortless. Get ready to discover your new favorite winter casserole that keeps you warm, full, and right on track with your health goals.
Ingredients
This recipe serves 8 people.
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium cauliflower head, cut into florets
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and position the rack in the center for even heat distribution.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving later.
- Season the cubed chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, tossing to coat evenly.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers slightly.
- Cook the chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown on all sides but not completely cooked through.
- Transfer the seared chicken to a large mixing bowl and set aside while you prepare the vegetables.
- Add the butter to the same skillet, letting it melt completely over medium heat.
- Sauté the diced onion for 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown.
- Steam the cauliflower florets in the microwave with 2 tablespoons of water for 4-5 minutes until slightly tender but not mushy.
- Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain and immediately plunge into ice water to stop the cooking process.
- Combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream in a medium bowl, whisking until completely smooth and lump-free.
- Add the chicken broth, dried thyme, dried basil, paprika, and red pepper flakes to the cream mixture, stirring until well incorporated.
- Mix in 1 cup of the cheddar cheese and half the mozzarella, creating a rich, creamy cheese sauce.
- Layer the cauliflower florets in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, spreading them out evenly.
- Add the broccoli florets on top of the cauliflower, distributing them throughout the dish.
- Scatter the cooked chicken pieces over the vegetables, followed by the sautéed mushroom and onion mixture.
- Pour the creamy cheese sauce evenly over everything, using a spoon to help it settle into all the gaps.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar, mozzarella, and all the Parmesan cheese over the top in an even layer.
- Top with the crumbled bacon pieces, distributing them across the entire surface.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture during the initial baking phase.
- Bake covered for 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to finish cooking through.
- Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after removing it from the oven, which helps it set and makes serving much easier.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley just before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Serving and Storing Tips
Serving Tips
This hearty casserole stands beautifully on its own as a complete meal, but you can enhance it with simple keto-friendly sides. Consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar, or roasted asparagus with lemon and garlic for extra vegetables. Cauliflower mash makes an excellent companion if you want something more substantial, or try zucchini noodles tossed with butter and herbs. For gatherings, this casserole travels well in the baking dish and stays warm for quite a while, making it perfect for potlucks or holiday meals. You can easily customize individual portions with additional toppings like extra sour cream, sliced avocado, hot sauce, or fresh chives. The casserole cuts into neat squares that look impressive on the plate, especially when garnished with that bright green parsley. For meal prep, portion it into individual containers immediately after cooling, which makes grabbing lunch or dinner throughout the week incredibly convenient. This dish actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to marry together overnight in the refrigerator.
Storage Tips
Store leftover casserole in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days without any loss of quality or flavor. The cream-based sauce stays perfectly creamy when properly stored, and the vegetables maintain their texture well. For freezing, cut the completely cooled casserole into individual portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in freezer-safe bags or containers. Properly frozen portions maintain excellent quality for up to 3 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen casserole, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for best results, though you can also reheat from frozen if needed. To reheat refrigerated portions, microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, or warm covered in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes. Frozen portions should be reheated covered in a 350°F oven for 30-40 minutes, or microwaved on 50% power for 5-7 minutes, checking frequently. If the casserole seems dry after reheating, simply drizzle a tablespoon of heavy cream over the top before warming it up.
Helpful Notes
The vegetable combination in this recipe is highly adaptable based on your preferences and what’s in season. Asparagus, zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers all work wonderfully in place of or in addition to the broccoli and cauliflower. Just remember that watery vegetables like zucchini should be salted and drained first to prevent a soggy casserole. The cauliflower serves double duty here—it adds volume and nutrition while acting as a low-carb substitute for traditional casserole bases like rice or pasta.
Additionally, you can use rotisserie chicken to save significant time on busy days, simply shred it and skip the browning step altogether. This shortcut doesn’t compromise flavor and cuts your prep time nearly in half. The bacon adds wonderful smoky flavor and crispy texture, but turkey bacon or even omitting it entirely works if you’re watching fat intake or don’t eat pork. For a different flavor profile, try using ranch seasoning mix, Italian seasoning, or Cajun spices instead of the herbs listed.
The cheese varieties can be swapped based on what you have available or prefer. Gruyère, Swiss, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack all create delicious variations with different flavor profiles. However, avoid pre-shredded cheese if possible, as it contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Freshly grated cheese melts more evenly and creates a creamier sauce. If you find the casserole too rich, you can substitute half the heavy cream with additional chicken broth, though this will slightly increase the carb count and reduce the richness.
Chef Tips
Professional chefs know that room-temperature cream cheese blends infinitely smoother than cold, preventing lumps in your sauce—simply set it out 30 minutes before starting. Another restaurant secret involves adding a pinch of nutmeg to cream-based dishes, which enhances the cheese flavor without being detectable on its own.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many net carbs are in each serving? Each serving contains approximately 6-8 net carbs depending on the specific vegetables used and portion size, making it perfectly suitable for most keto meal plans.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely, assemble everything up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking as directed, adding 5-10 extra minutes to the covered baking time.
What can I substitute for heavy cream to reduce calories? Use half-and-half or unsweetened almond milk, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich and creamy, and you may need to add a bit more cream cheese for thickness.
Is this casserole gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as all your ingredients are certified gluten-free, so always check labels on processed items like bacon and cheese.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd? Yes, simply double all ingredients and use two 9×13-inch baking dishes or one very large roasting pan, keeping the baking time approximately the same but checking for doneness.
Did this Keto Winter Chicken Casserole become your new favorite low-carb comfort food? If you loved how satisfying and delicious healthy eating can be, please save this recipe to your collection, pin it for easy access when meal planning, and share it with friends and family who are also embracing the keto lifestyle! Your support and feedback mean the world to us and encourage us to keep creating delicious, health-conscious recipes that prove eating well doesn’t require sacrifice. We’d love to hear about any variations you tried or how this casserole fit into your meal prep routine—drop a comment below and join our community of home cooks!
