Name: Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes; 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, thawed); 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ medium onion, finely diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Craving something ultra-comforting but want to keep it light? This Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole is absolutely dreamy-think juicy chicken, a creamy, cheesy sauce, and tender veggies all mingling together in one cozy, bubbling bake. You won't believe it's made without pasta or rice!

What really sets this casserole apart is how quick it comes together. Just simple, wholesome ingredients and about 15 minutes of prep time stand between you and a dinner the whole family will devour. It's perfect for busy weeknights, fuss-free meal prep, or when guests stop by and you want something delicious, satisfying, and secretly healthy.

Inspired by classic comfort food and tweaked to be lighter on carbs, this is a must-try if you love big flavor, creamy textures, and zero hassle. It's my go-to when I want something hearty, wholesome, and crowd-pleasing-without any guilt!

Creamy baked chicken casserole fresh from the oven

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy prep-perfect for busy weeknights
Loaded with flavor but low in carbs, so you can indulge guilt-free
Just one dish to clean, thanks to a single baking pan
Easily customizable with your favorite veggies or cheeses
Great for meal prep and leftovers taste even better

Key Ingredients for Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Chicken Breast

Tender chicken breast is the star protein here, giving this casserole its hearty base. Boneless, skinless chicken is best for fast prep and even cooking, and cutting it into bite-sized pieces ensures every forkful gets its share. You can swap in chicken thighs for a juicier bite-just adjust the cooking time as needed. Leftover rotisserie chicken works great for even speedier prep!

Broccoli Florets

Broccoli adds color, nutrition, and a slight crunch to contrast the creamy sauce. Aim for small, evenly sized florets so they cook through without getting mushy. Both fresh and frozen broccoli will work-frozen is a real time-saver, just thaw and pat dry first. Cauliflower florets or green beans are excellent substitutes.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese is the secret to this casserole's rich, luxurious sauce. It melts beautifully, giving everything a silky texture. For lighter fare, use reduced-fat cream cheese. If you're dairy-free, a plant-based cream cheese will still yield a creamy result with the same tang.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese

A generous sprinkle of cheddar brings melty, savory goodness and helps the casserole crisp up on top. Sharp cheddar adds the most flavor, but you can use Monterey Jack or a cheddar blend if preferred. For a little heat, try pepper jack!

Greek Yogurt

Plain Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a touch of tang without a lot of extra carbs. You could also use sour cream if you want a richer flavor. Full fat or 2 percent yogurt both work well.

Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole cooking process

Instructions for Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to keep everything from sticking.

Cook the Chicken and Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and onion, sprinkle with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme, and sauté for 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant. The chicken doesn't need to be fully cooked yet; just golden on all sides.

Make the Creamy Sauce

Reduce the heat to low. Add softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and half of the cheddar cheese to the skillet. Stir well until the cheese melts and everything is thoroughly combined into a creamy mixture.

Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the chicken mixture to your prepared baking dish. Add the broccoli florets and gently toss everything together to evenly distribute the vegetables and sauce. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and the rest of the cheddar cheese over the top for that golden, bubbly finish.

Bake Until Bubbly

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese on top has melted into a golden layer. Let it cool for 5 minutes before sprinkling with fresh parsley, if desired.

Recipe Variations

Spice It Up

Like a little heat? Add a diced jalapeño to the skillet with the onions or sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes. Pepper jack cheese can also replace some of the cheddar for extra zing!

Lower the Dairy

For a lighter casserole, swap in light cream cheese, reduced-fat cheddar, and low-fat Greek yogurt. You'll save on calories but still get plenty of creamy, cheesy flavor.

Veggie-Loaded

Stir in additional low carb veggies such as cauliflower florets, zucchini, or spinach for even more color and nutrients. Just be sure to squeeze out extra moisture from watery veggies like zucchini.

Make It Gluten-Free

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your cheese, cream cheese, and yogurt to ensure they're certified gluten-free if needed.

Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut

Have leftover rotisserie chicken? Skip the skillet! Toss it straight with the sauce ingredients, add veggies, then proceed right to the baking step for a true 15-minute dinner.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole with a crisp green salad or simple roasted veggies to round out your meal. Cauliflower rice, steamed green beans, or a tangy cucumber salad are all excellent low-carb sides. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra grated cheese before serving for a burst of color.

Storage and Reheating

Cool leftovers completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until hot, or bake covered at 350°F for about 15 minutes. This casserole also freezes beautifully-wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole (FAQ)

Q: Can I assemble this casserole in advance?

A: Yes! Prepare everything up to the baking step, cover and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if cold from the fridge.

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

A: Absolutely. Chicken thighs add more flavor and stay extra juicy. Just dice and cook as directed.

Q: Is this casserole keto-friendly?

A: Yes, this recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates and higher in protein and fat, making it a great fit for most keto meal plans.

You're going to love how this Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole delivers so much flavor and comfort with so little effort! Give it a try tonight, and don't forget to leave a rating or comment to let me know how it turned out or how you put your own spin on it.