Description
Savor hearty flavors with this mouthwatering low carb chicken casserole that brings comfort and nutrition together. Creamy textures and simple ingredients create a satisfying meal perfect for health-conscious diners looking to enjoy a delicious dinner without compromising wellness.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie or baked)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 small head of cauliflower, cut into florets (or 2 cups broccoli)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup crushed pork rinds or almond flour (for a crunchy topping)
- 2 tbsps chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Thermal Preparation: Activate the oven to 375°F (190°C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel with culinary lubricant.
- Vegetable Transformation: Render cauliflower florets tender through steaming or microwave techniques, ensuring complete moisture elimination by thorough draining.
- Sauce Crafting: Generate a luxurious cream base by gently melting butter and awakening garlic’s aromatic essence. Incorporate cream components – heavy cream, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, seasoning powders, and essential flavor enhancers. Whisk until achieving a silken, uniform consistency.
- Casserole Construction: Amalgamate shredded chicken, prepared cauliflower, and velvety sauce within a spacious mixing receptacle. Transfer the harmonized mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even distribution. Lavishly crown the surface with a trio of cheese varieties – cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan – ensuring comprehensive coverage.
- Thermal Finalization: Dispatch the casserole into the preheated oven, allowing 20-25 minutes of transformative heating until cheese achieves a molten, effervescent state. Optionally, activate broiler function for 2-3 minutes to create a golden, crisp cheese landscape. Conclude by adorning with crunchy pork rind or almond flour crumbles and freshly chopped parsley for textural intrigue and visual appeal.
Notes
- Steam cauliflower precisely to prevent mushiness, ensuring it remains slightly firm for better casserole consistency.
- Allow cheeses to reach room temperature before sprinkling to guarantee even melting and prevent clumping.
- Substitute chicken with turkey, shredded beef, or plant-based protein for dietary diversity without compromising flavor profile.
- Adjust cream cheese quantity to regulate sauce consistency – less for lighter texture, more for richer, creamier base.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 100mg