Chicken Casserole : A Delicious & Budget-Friendly Meal!

Looking for a low-cost, low-carb meal that’s delicious, filling, and easy to prepare? This easy low-carb chicken casserole is the perfect dish for a satisfying healthy chicken dinner idea without the extra carbs.

If you love low-carb chicken pot pie casserole but want a lighter, more budget-friendly option, this recipe is a great choice. It’s packed with whole food ingredients, making it perfect for those following low-carb meals on a budget or needing a low-cholesterol casserole.

This dish is also ideal for bariatric sleeve recipes and meals, as it’s high in protein and low in unnecessary carbs. Plus, it makes an excellent low-carb lunch on the go and reheats beautifully for meal prep!

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Why You’ll Love This Low-Carb Chicken Casserole

✔ Low-Carb & High-Protein: Perfect for weight management and healthy eating.
✔ Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, low-cost whole food ingredients.
✔ Quick & Easy: Only 10 minutes of prep, then let the oven do the rest!
✔ Great for Meal Prep: Stores well and makes a perfect low-carb lunch on the go.
✔ Customizable & Family-Friendly: Add extra veggies or swap ingredients for variety.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Casserole Base

2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or leftover chicken works great)
1 ½ cups broccoli florets (steamed or lightly cooked)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup cream cheese (softened)
½ cup sour cream
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)

For the Crispy Topping (Optional but Delicious!)

½ cup crushed pork rinds (low-carb alternative to breadcrumbs)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon melted butter

Essential Kitchen Equipment

✔ 9×13-inch baking dish – Perfect for even cooking.
✔ Mixing bowls – To combine ingredients easily.
✔ Spatula or wooden spoon – For stirring and spreading.
✔ Measuring cups & spoons – For precise ingredient portions.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Easy Low-Carb Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Mix the Casserole Base

In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, broccoli, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
Stir until everything is well mixed and creamy.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
If using, mix the crushed pork rinds, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter in a small bowl.
Sprinkle the crispy topping over the casserole for added crunch.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until bubbling and golden brown on top.
Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Scoop onto plates and enjoy a warm, comforting low-carb chicken pot pie casserole without the carbs!

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Pro Tips for the Best Low-Carb Chicken Casserole

✔ Use pre-cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor.
✔ Steam broccoli lightly: It should be tender but not mushy.
✔ Add extra veggies: Try mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for variety.
✔ Use full-fat dairy for creaminess: Low-fat versions may result in a watery texture.
✔ Customize the topping: Swap pork rinds for almond flour or flaxseed meal for a crunchy topping.

Variations & Substitutions

Make it dairy-free: Use dairy-free cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded cheese.
Add more protein: Mix in cooked bacon or ground turkey.
Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños for a little heat.
Make it vegetarian: Swap chicken for cauliflower or mushrooms.

Serving Suggestions: What to Serve with Low-Carb Chicken Casserole

This low-carb meal is filling on its own, but if you want a side, try:

✔ Roasted or steamed vegetables (asparagus, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts)
✔ A side salad with olive oil & vinegar dressing
✔ Cauliflower rice or mashed cauliflower for a classic comfort food feel
✔ Keto-friendly garlic bread (using almond flour or coconut flour)

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

To Store:

Place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To Reheat:

Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes until warm.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

To Freeze:

Store the unbaked casserole in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

2. Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Absolutely! This is a low-carb, high-fat meal perfect for a keto diet.

3. What’s the best way to keep the casserole creamy?

Use full-fat dairy ingredients, and avoid overbaking.

4. Can I make this in an air fryer?

Yes! Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes in an air fryer-safe dish.

Final Thoughts: Try This Easy Low-Carb Chicken Casserole Tonight!

This easy low-carb chicken casserole is the perfect low-cost, low-carb meal that’s packed with flavor and simple to prepare. Whether you’re looking for low-cholesterol casseroles, bariatric sleeve recipes and meals, or just a healthy chicken dinner idea, this dish will become a staple in your kitchen.

If you enjoyed this recipe, share it with friends and family, and subscribe for more low-carb meals on a budget! Let us know in the comments how it turned out. Happy cooking! 😊