Oh, buckle up, home cooks! If you’re anything like me, you’re constantly on the hunt for those magical weeknight meals that are not only super tasty but also keep you feeling good and on track with your health goals. Well, get ready to meet your new best friend: the Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole. This dish is seriously a game-changer! I still remember when I first whipped this up for my family. Trying to cater to a few different dietary needs felt like a culinary tightrope walk, but this casserole? It was a total win! Everyone, even the pickiest eaters, gobbled it right up. It brought us all closer, turning a regular dinner into a cozy, cherished ritual. And from the desk of Michael Davis, MS, RD, Senior Meal Planning Specialist, you know you’re getting expertise that’s both reliable and incredibly tasty!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole
Seriously, where do I even begin with why this casserole is pure gold? Let me count the ways:
- Super Easy Peasy: You can totally throw this together after a long day. Minimal fuss, maximum yum!
- Flavor Explosion: It’s ridiculously creamy and packed with savory goodness. You won’t even miss the carbs, I promise!
- Low Carb & Keto Friendly: Perfect for anyone watching their carb intake or following a keto lifestyle. It keeps you full and happy.
- Family Approved: This Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole is a hit with everyone. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone ask for seconds.
Ingredients for Your Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole
Alright, gather ’round, my fellow kitchen adventurers! Getting this amazing Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole on the table is simpler than you think. It’s all about grabbing the right ingredients and letting them do their magic. Trust me, these are the stars of the show for that rich, comforting flavor we all crave.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this dreamy dish:
For the Casserole Base:
- 4 cups shredded chicken (cooked, of course!)
- 2 cups cooked spaghetti squash (get it all tender and ready!)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded, for that gooey factor)
- 1/4 cup bacon crumbles (because bacon makes everything better, right?)
For the Luscious Sauce:
- 4 oz cream cheese (make sure it’s softened – us cooks gotta plan ahead!)
- 1/2 cup mayo (your favorite kind will do!)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (for that perfect tang)
- 2 tsp garlic powder (hello, flavor!)
- 2 tsp onion powder (a classic for a reason)
- 1 tsp salt (just a pinch to wake up the flavors)
- 1/2 tsp pepper (freshly ground if you’re feeling fancy!)
For the Glorious Topping:
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (yes, more cheese!)
- 1/2 cup bacon crumbles (let’s go all out!)
- 1 tbsp chopped chives (a little pop of freshness at the end)
How to Make the Best Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole
Alright, let’s dive into making this absolutely dreamy Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole! It’s honestly so straightforward, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it a million times already. First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (that’s 175 degrees C). Easy peasy!
Now, grab a good-sized bowl. This is where the magic sauce comes together. Toss in all those creamy elements: the softened cream cheese (trust me, softening it beforehand makes allll the difference!), your favorite mayo, the tangy sour cream, and all those wonderful seasonings – garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Give that a good stir until it’s smooth and luscious. Next, we’ll fold in the shredded chicken, the tender spaghetti squash, and that first cup of mozzarella cheese, along with those salty bacon crumbles. Mix it all up gently so everything is coated beautifully. Pour this glorious mixture into your greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. You want a nice, flat surface for the toppings!
Now for the grand finale topping! Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese all over the top. Then, add the rest of the bacon crumbles for that extra crunch. And don’t forget those pretty chopped chives for a little burst of freshness and color. Pop that beauty into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 30 minutes. You’re looking for that moment when it’s all hot, bubbly, and the cheese is perfectly golden. Oh, the smell! It’s seriously divine. For more amazing chicken dishes, check out beginner-friendly air fryer chicken recipes, and for more inspiration on creamy keto goodness, this keto creamy chicken casserole is fantastic too!
Tips for Success with Your Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole
Okay, so you’ve got the recipe, but let’s talk about making this Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole absolutely, unbelievably perfect every single time. A few little tricks up your sleeve can make all the difference, just like the pros! Make sure your cream cheese is nicely softened before you start mixing the sauce – it makes for a super smooth, lump-free base, and nobody wants little cheesy surprises where you don’t expect them! Also, don’t skimp on seasoning; tasting your sauce *before* you add the chicken and squash is key. We’re aiming for flavor town here! For more amazing chicken wisdom, you can learn how to make chicken recipes like a pro. Trust me, these little steps turn a good casserole into a legendary one!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Let’s chat about a couple of things in this amazing Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole that you might have questions about, or if you need to swap something out. First up, the cream cheese and mayo are what give this dish its incredible richness. If you’re trying to lighten it up just a *tiny* bit but still want that creamy vibe, you could try using a light cream cheese or even a full-fat Greek yogurt in place of some of the sour cream, but be aware it might change the texture slightly. For the spaghetti squash, if you’re not a fan or just don’t have it on hand, don’t sweat it! You can totally use zucchini noodles (zoodles) or even just skip it and add a little extra cooked chicken. The goal is deliciousness, after all!
Serving Suggestions for Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole
So, you’ve got this bubbling, delicious Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole ready to go. What else can you put on the table to make it a full-blown feast? I love pairing it with a simple side salad – maybe some mixed greens with a light vinaigrette. Or, for a bit more substance, some steamed broccoli or green beans tossed with a little butter and salt are just perfect. If you want more quick and easy meal ideas, especially for busy weeknights, you’ve gotta check out these healthy meal recipes ready in 20 minutes!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got yummy leftovers of your Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole? Lucky you! You can pop it right into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. It tastes just as good the next day, honestly! When you’re ready to reheat, you can just pop a portion onto a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it nice and moist, and nuke it for a minute or two until it’s warmed through. Or, if you prefer, you can gently reheat the whole dish or individual portions in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 10-15 minutes. Easy peasy, right?
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole
Got questions about this amazing Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common things people ask, and my best advice to help you make it perfectly.
Can I use different types of cheese in this casserole?
Oh, absolutely! While mozzarella gives that classic gooeyness, feel free to mix it up. Cheddar adds a bit more sharpness, Monterey Jack makes it extra creamy, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan on top would be delicious. Just make sure it’s low-carb friendly!
What if I don’t have spaghetti squash for this Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole?
No spaghetti squash? No problem! You can totally swap it out. Zucchini noodles (zoodles) are a fantastic low-carb alternative. Just sauté them for a few minutes beforehand to get rid of excess water, then mix them in. Or, if you’re really in a pinch, you could even leave it out and add a bit more cooked chicken – it’ll still be wonderfully creamy!
How long does this casserole last in the fridge?
This Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole is pretty forgiving! Stored in an airtight container, it’ll stay delicious in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. Honestly, the flavors often meld even more the next day, making leftovers a real treat!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you sure can! Many people like to prepare the mixture (minus the final topping) and store it in the baking dish, covered, in the fridge overnight. Then, just add the topping and bake when you’re ready. It’s a lifesaver on busy evenings!
Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
You can definitely freeze the baked and cooled casserole. Wrap individual portions tightly or freeze the whole dish. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as usual. For more fantastic chicken recipe ideas, check out this list of chicken recipes on Pinterest!
Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, the nutritional info for this Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole is an estimate, and your mileage might vary depending on the exact brands and ingredients you use. But generally, one serving packs in around 499 calories, 4g of carbs, a whopping 33g of protein, and about 38g of fat. Pretty darn good for something so satisfying, right?
Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a bowl, mix together the sauce ingredients: cream cheese, mayo, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cooked shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti squash, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and 1/4 cup of bacon crumbles. Spread this mixture evenly in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Top the casserole with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of bacon crumbles. Sprinkle with chopped chives.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
