Keto Chicken Casserole
The Story Behind the Recipe
Casseroles are the epitome of comfort food — warm, filling, and often bringing back memories of family gatherings and home-cooked meals. However, traditional casseroles can be loaded with carbs from ingredients like pasta, potatoes, or breadcrumbs. The Keto Chicken Casserole was developed to provide all the cozy, hearty flavors of a classic casserole while fitting into a low-carb, high-fat ketogenic diet.
This dish was inspired by the need for an easy, nutritious meal that can be prepared ahead of time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep. The Keto Chicken Casserole combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and melted cheese, layered with low-carb vegetables for a satisfying and delicious dish that the whole family can enjoy.
Picture pulling a bubbling, golden casserole from the oven, the aroma filling the kitchen, and the anticipation of digging into a creamy, cheesy dish that feels indulgent yet supports your dietary goals. It’s a versatile meal that’s perfect for those on a keto diet but also appeals to anyone looking for a comforting, nutritious dinner option.
Things to Consider
- Chicken Choices: You can use cooked, shredded chicken from a rotisserie, leftover chicken, or even cook fresh chicken breasts or thighs specifically for the casserole. Choose chicken with a good fat content for added richness.
- Vegetables: Stick to low-carb vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, or zucchini to keep the casserole keto-friendly.
- Cheese and Cream: Use full-fat cheese and heavy cream to ensure the dish stays high in fat and low in carbs, which is ideal for the keto diet.
- Seasoning: Don’t forget to season the casserole well with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and your favorite herbs to bring out the best flavors.
Tips and Tricks
- Pre-Cook Vegetables: Lightly steam or sauté vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower to ensure they are tender and reduce excess moisture in the casserole.
- Use a Thickener: If your casserole mixture seems too watery, add a bit of cream cheese or a small amount of almond flour to help thicken it.
- Shred Cheese Fresh: For the best melting quality, shred cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
- Add Crunch: Top the casserole with crushed pork rinds or a sprinkle of almond flour mixed with cheese for a crunchy topping.
Ingredients
- 4 cups (about 500 g) cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 2 cups (200 g) broccoli florets, lightly steamed
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced (optional)
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for greasing the dish)
