If you’re on the hunt for a hearty, satisfying meal that doesn’t derail your low carb goals, then this Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe is going to become your new best friend. It’s a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that combines tender, seared chicken breasts with a luscious, garlicky sauce, sharp cheddar cheese, and a hint of smoky bacon—all baked to bubbly perfection. Whether you’re fueling a busy weeknight or prepping ahead for meal times, this casserole blends indulgence with nutrition in a way that feels like a warm hug from the inside out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a key role in creating layers of flavor and texture. From the creamy mix that coats the chicken to the cheesy topping that crisps up in the oven, you’ll want to gather these essentials for a truly delicious result.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The protein-packed base offering lean, juicy meat after searing.
- Avocado oil spray: A heart-healthy option for greasing your casserole dish without extra grease.
- Salt and black pepper: Fundamental seasoning to highlight the natural flavors of the chicken.
- ¼ cup mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and a subtle tang; feel free to increase for a smoother texture.
- ¼ cup sour cream: Works with the mayo to create a luscious, tangy sauce that locks in moisture.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Infuses the sauce with a mild kick and depth of flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced: Offers aromatic warmth that permeates every bite.
- Dried thyme, paprika, cayenne pepper: These spices blend to give the dish a cozy, smoky, just-spicy background.
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Adds that ooey-gooey cheesiness and a golden brown crust.
- ¼ cup scallions (green parts only), sliced: Provides a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
- ¼ cup bacon bits: Introduces a salty, savory crunch that elevates the casserole beautifully.
How to Make Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Casserole Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gets everything ready so your casserole will bake evenly. Next, lightly spray a casserole dish with avocado oil spray to prevent sticking and add that subtle hint of healthy fat that keeps the chicken from drying out during baking.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
Season each of your boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Then, heat a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes per side until it’s lightly browned. This step is optional but highly recommended because it locks in juices and adds a beautiful caramelized flavor that will shine through in your casserole.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, pepper, dried thyme, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir these together until smooth and well-blended. Then fold in half of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese—this cheesy mixture will become the luscious sauce that makes this casserole truly irresistible.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Place your seared chicken breasts evenly in the greased casserole dish. Spread the creamy sauce generously over the chicken, making sure each piece is nicely coated to soak up all those lovely flavors.
Step 5: Add the Cheese Topping
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the sauced chicken. This topping melts and browns in the oven to create a fantastic cheesy crust that balances the creamy interior.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfect
Bake the casserole uncovered in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re aiming for an internal chicken temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked but still juicy. When the cheese is bubbling and golden, your Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe is ready to come out of the oven.
How to Serve Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes add a vibrant touch to your casserole. Sprinkle the sliced green parts of scallions on top to introduce a mild oniony crunch and a burst of green that looks as good as it tastes. For some added smoky pop, scatter crispy bacon bits over the top just before serving.
Side Dishes
While this chicken casserole is packed with flavor and nutrition, pairing it with light sides can complete the meal perfectly. Consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted low carb vegetables like asparagus or broccoli to enhance freshness and add more texture to your dinner plate.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests or family, serve this casserole directly from the baking dish on a rustic wooden board, paired with a colorful handmade salad. You can also plate individual portions with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an elegant finish that doesn’t take extra time in the kitchen.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe keeps remarkably well in the fridge. Simply cover it tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay delicious for 3 to 4 days, giving you a quick, ready-to-eat meal for busy days ahead.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. If you want to save portions for longer, wrap individual servings or the whole dish in plastic wrap followed by foil for the best protection. When frozen properly, it can last up to 3 months without losing its texture or flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm your casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and bubbly again. Using the oven keeps the cheesy topping crisp unlike microwaving, which can make it soggy. If in a rush, the microwave works fine—just cover lightly to keep moisture in.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add more richness and stay extra juicy during baking. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re fully cooked, and your Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe will taste just as amazing.
Is there a dairy-free option for the sauce?
Yes, you can substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream with dairy-free versions like avocado mayo and coconut cream. This keeps the creamy texture intact while accommodating dairy sensitivities.
How spicy is this casserole with cayenne pepper?
The cayenne pepper provides a gentle warmth that complements the other flavors without overwhelming the dish. If you prefer mild, you can reduce or omit it entirely.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time before baking?
Definitely. You can assemble the casserole and cover it tightly in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This is perfect for prepping meals in advance without sacrificing flavor.
What can I add to make this casserole even more flavorful?
Consider mixing in chopped roasted red peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or a handful of fresh herbs like basil or oregano. These layers of flavor personalize the dish while keeping it low carb and delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting dish that fits beautifully into a low carb lifestyle without feeling restrictive. With its rich, cheesy sauce and tender chicken, it brings joy to any dinner table and keeps preparation wonderfully simple. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again!
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 featuring tender seared chicken breasts baked in a rich sauce made with mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, garlic, and spices, topped with sharp cheddar cheese and bacon bits. Perfect for a comforting, low-carb dinner, it comes together quickly and delivers a satisfying meal for four servings.
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
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
Toppings
- ¼ cup scallions (green parts only), sliced
- ¼ cup bacon bits (room temperature)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a casserole dish with avocado oil spray to prevent sticking.
- Sear Chicken: Lightly season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes on each side until they are lightly browned. This step is optional but adds extra flavor and color.
- Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, pepper, dried thyme, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Mix well, then stir in half of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese (½ cup) to incorporate into the sauce.
- Assemble Casserole: Place the seared (or raw, if you skip searing) chicken breasts evenly in the prepared casserole dish. Spread the cheese sauce evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining shredded sharp cheddar cheese (½ cup) evenly over the top of the sauce-covered chicken breasts.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven. Garnish with sliced scallions and bacon bits before serving for added crunch and flavor.
Notes
- For a creamier casserole, you can increase the mayonnaise and sour cream to â…“ cup each.
- Searing the chicken breast first adds flavor, but you can skip this step if you’re short on time.
- Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- You can substitute bacon bits with cooked crispy bacon pieces for a fresher taste.
- This dish stores well and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat thoroughly before serving.
