The Best Creamy Low-Carb Chicken Casserole (No Noodles!)
Oh, the magic of a casserole! I still remember those chilly, rainy Sunday afternoons when my grandmother would pull a bubbling, golden casserole from the oven. The smell alone would wrap around you like a warm hug, promising comfort and deliciousness. While her recipes often involved plenty of pasta, my kitchen these days leans towards options that deliver all that cozy warmth without the carbs.
That’s where this incredible Creamy Low-Carb Chicken Casserole (No Noodles) comes in. It has quickly become one of our most beloved family favorite recipes, a true weeknight hero that everyone devours. It’s perfect for those busy evenings when you crave something hearty, wholesome, and utterly satisfying, but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
This recipe truly is the ultimate easy dinner and a guaranteed comfort food win. It’s been tested, tweaked, and perfected to deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss, proving that low-carb meals can be just as decadent and comforting as their traditional counterparts. Get ready to add a new staple to your rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
❤️ This Creamy Low-Carb Chicken Casserole isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience! Here’s why it will quickly become a favorite in your home:
- Seriously Flavorful: Each bite is packed with rich, savory chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked vegetables. It’s comfort food at its finest, without compromise.
- Effortlessly Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: Perfect for anyone watching their carb intake. We achieve that luscious creaminess and hearty texture without any noodles or grains, making it an excellent choice for a keto diet.
- Incredibly Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this casserole is designed for busy weeknights. It comes together quickly, leaving you more time to enjoy your evening.
- A True Family Favorite: Even the pickiest eaters will ask for seconds! The mild, creamy flavors and familiar textures make it a hit with both kids and adults.
- Versatile and Adaptable: Got extra veggies? Want to use a different cheese? This recipe is super flexible, allowing you to customize it based on what you have on hand or what your family loves.
- Hearty & Satisfying: It’s a complete meal in one dish, full of protein and healthy fats that will keep you feeling full and satisfied for hours. No sad, skimpy portions here!
- Fantastic for Meal Prep: This casserole tastes even better the next day! It’s an ideal candidate for meal prepping, making lunches or future dinners a breeze.
- Gluten-Free Goodness: Naturally gluten-free, this dish is suitable for those with sensitivities or allergies, ensuring everyone at the table can enjoy it.
What You Need
You only need a few simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients for this recipe! Most of these are likely already in your kitchen. Check the full printable recipe card below for detailed measurements and a complete list of what you’ll need to create this incredibly satisfying dish.
Expert Tips
💡 To ensure your Creamy Low-Carb Chicken Casserole turns out absolutely perfect every single time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Perfectly Cooked Chicken: While pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver, if you’re cooking chicken from scratch, try searing boneless, skinless chicken pieces before shredding. This adds a fantastic depth of flavor that makes a big difference.
- Don’t Overcook Your Veggies: When you’re pre-cooking the broccoli and cauliflower, aim for crisp-tender. They will continue to cook in the oven, and you want them to retain some bite, not turn mushy.
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Using softened, room temperature cream cheese will make it much easier to incorporate into your creamy sauce, ensuring a smooth, lump-free consistency.
- Layer Your Flavors: Don’t skimp on seasoning! Season the chicken, the vegetables, and the sauce separately to build layers of flavor that will truly make the dish sing. Think garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a good pinch of salt and pepper.
- Cheese Blend Matters: A mix of cheeses, like sharp cheddar for flavor and mozzarella for stretch, often yields the best results. For the top crust, don’t be afraid to use a cheese with good browning capabilities.
- Thicken if Needed: If your sauce seems a little too thin for your liking, especially if you’ve added extra liquid, a tiny pinch of xanthan gum (start with 1/4 teaspoon) can help thicken it without adding carbs.
- Rest Before Serving: Just like a good roast, casseroles benefit from a short rest after coming out of the oven. 5-10 minutes allows the sauce to set and the flavors to meld, making it easier to serve.
- Golden Brown Top: For an irresistible, bubbly, golden-brown crust, pop the casserole under the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Watch it carefully to prevent burning!
- Choose Your Baking Dish Wisely: A 9×13 inch baking dish is ideal for the stated servings. If you use a smaller or larger dish, adjust baking time accordingly to ensure it cooks through evenly.
- Meal Prep Power: This casserole is excellent for prepping ahead. You can assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Variations & Substitutions
This Creamy Low-Carb Chicken Casserole is wonderfully adaptable! Feel free to get creative and tailor it to your preferences or what you have on hand:
- Vary the Veggies: Instead of broccoli and cauliflower, try adding sautéed spinach, sliced mushrooms, green beans, or even some diced bell peppers. Just ensure any added veggies are low-carb.
- Different Protein: Leftover cooked turkey (especially after holidays!) is a fantastic substitute for chicken. Cooked ham or even browned ground sausage could also work for a different flavor profile.
- Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, use unsweetened full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative, dairy-free cream cheese, and your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for those who like a little heat.
- Herb Power: Fresh herbs like chives, thyme, or oregano can elevate the flavor. Stir them into the sauce or sprinkle them over the top before baking.
- Smoky Flavor: A small amount of smoked paprika or a touch of liquid smoke can add a wonderful depth to the dish.
Storage & Freezing
This casserole is a fantastic make-ahead meal and stores beautifully, ensuring you can enjoy delicious leftovers for days!
- Refrigeration: Allow the casserole to cool completely. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. For a larger portion or the entire casserole, cover it with foil and reheat in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) until hot, about 20-30 minutes. You might remove the foil for the last few minutes to crisp up the cheese.
- Freezing (Baked): Once cooled, you can freeze the entire casserole or individual portions. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, or place in freezer-safe containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Freezing (Unbaked): You can also assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and freeze before baking. Thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed, adding about 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
FAQ
Can I use raw chicken in this casserole?
While you *can* use raw, diced chicken, it’s generally recommended to use cooked chicken (shredded or diced) to ensure it cooks evenly and doesn’t dry out. If using raw, consider sautéing it briefly before adding to the casserole to develop flavor and ensure it’s fully cooked by the end.
What are the best low-carb vegetable substitutes if I don’t like broccoli or cauliflower?
Great question! Some excellent low-carb alternatives include green beans, asparagus, mushrooms, bell peppers (in moderation for carbs), or even spinach (sautéed and squeezed dry before adding). Just ensure they are pre-cooked to crisp-tender if they are dense vegetables.
My sauce seems too thin. How can I thicken it for a low-carb diet?
If your sauce is too thin, you can add a small amount of xanthan gum. Start with 1/4 teaspoon, whisk it in thoroughly, and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. A little goes a long way, so don’t overdo it! Another option is to simply reduce the amount of liquid added initially.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. If baking from cold, you’ll need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
What side dishes pair well with this casserole?
Since the casserole is already packed with flavor and vegetables, keep sides simple. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette, steamed asparagus, or a simple side of roasted brussels sprouts would complement it beautifully without adding too many extra carbs.
There you have it! A truly delicious and incredibly satisfying Creamy Low-Carb Chicken Casserole that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a meal prep superstar, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try, and don’t forget to pin this recipe for later so you can easily find it whenever that comfort food craving strikes!
Creamy Low-Carb Chicken Casserole (No Noodles) – Easy Keto!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt for tang)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (optional, for extra richness)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed until crisp-tender
- 2 cups cauliflower florets, steamed until crisp-tender
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: Sliced green onions or fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1 Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Step 2 In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, heavy cream, chicken broth, sour cream, and mayonnaise (if using). Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Step 3 Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Step 4 Add the shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, and steamed cauliflower to the sauce. Gently fold until everything is well coated.
- Step 5 Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Step 6 Top with shredded cheddar cheese (and mozzarella, if using) and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Step 7 Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is golden brown and melted.
- Step 8 For an extra crispy top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Step 9 Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions or fresh parsley, if desired.



