Keto Chicken and Mushroom Casserole – This low carb creamy mushroom chicken casserole is a comforting, creamy, and delicious dish packed with savory flavors, juicy chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a rich, cheesy sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Keto-friendly: Low in carbs, but high in healthy fats and protein.
- Comforting and hearty: Perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
- Easy to customize: Add your favorite keto veggies or switch up the cheese.
- One-pan wonder: Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Ingredients for Keto Chicken and Mushroom Casserole
This dish uses simple ingredients that are commonly found in keto kitchens. Here’s what you’ll need:
Salt and Pepper: To season the dish perfectly.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts.
Mushrooms: Cremini or white mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
Heavy Cream: Essential for that rich and creamy sauce.
Cream Cheese: Adds thickness and tang to the sauce.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp or mild cheddar to top off the casserole.
Garlic: For a punch of flavor.
Butter: Adds richness to the mushrooms.
Olive Oil: For browning the chicken.
Fresh Thyme or Parsley: For garnish and a touch of freshness.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Casserole
- Use chicken thighs for juicier meat: While chicken breasts work, thighs tend to stay more moist and tender in casseroles.
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Since you’re searing the chicken first and then baking it, be careful not to overcook it in the skillet.
- Brown the mushrooms well: This adds depth to the flavor. The key is not to overcrowd the pan so they can sear instead of steam.
- Make it extra cheesy: Add a bit of mozzarella to the cheddar topping for a stretchier, gooey layer of cheese.
Delicious Variations to Try
This keto chicken and mushroom casserole is versatile! Here are some ways to tweak the recipe to suit your preferences:
Add veggies: Cauliflower or broccoli florets make this casserole even more filling and keto-friendly.
Add spinach: Stir in fresh spinach to the creamy sauce for extra greens.
Swap the cheese: Try using Gruyère, Parmesan, or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.
Add bacon: Crispy bacon bits are a tasty addition for a smokier, richer taste.
Try different mushrooms: Use shiitake or portobello mushrooms for a heartier texture.
How to Serve Keto Chicken and Mushroom Casserole
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you’re looking for side dishes to round out the meal, consider these options:
- Cauliflower rice: A great low-carb alternative to traditional rice, perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Zucchini noodles: Light and keto-friendly, they add a nice texture contrast.
- Steamed broccoli or green beans: These veggies are simple, nutritious, and pair perfectly with the rich sauce.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Storing:
- Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze this casserole for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing, and wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating:
- Oven: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, though the oven will give a better texture.
Recipe FAQs
Is this casserole keto-friendly?
Absolutely! This casserole is low in carbs, high in healthy fats, and loaded with protein, making it perfect for the ketogenic diet.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute the cream cheese and heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Use a dairy-free cheese for the topping.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead, store it in the fridge, and bake it when you’re ready. Just add a few minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Definitely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great way to cut down on prep time. Simply shred the chicken and skip the searing step. Add it directly to the casserole dish before pouring in the mushroom sauce.
What’s the best way to thicken the sauce without flour?
The cream cheese in this recipe thickens the sauce perfectly, so there’s no need for flour or other thickeners. If you want it thicker, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce.
Keto Chicken and Mushroom Casserole
Keto Chicken and Mushroom Casserole - This low carb creamy mushroom chicken casserole is a comforting, creamy, and delicious dish packed with savory flavors, juicy chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a rich, cheesy sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2-3 medium breasts)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup onion, minced
- 8 oz baby Bella mushrooms
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or light cream/half & half)
- 2 tbsp fresh herbs (optional)
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Slice your chicken breasts in half horizontally to thin them out. Season both sides with garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large pan, heat butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Saute Veggies: In the same pan, add mushrooms and minced onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until tender, then toss in the garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, parmesan, and herbs. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Bring it All Together: Return the chicken to the pan with any juices, and simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes until everything is warmed through. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 632Total Fat: 48gSaturated Fat: 27gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 218mgSodium: 299mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 2gSugar: 5gProtein: 42g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Keto Chicken and Mushroom Casserole is a dish that will keep you coming back for more. It’s full of rich flavors, super satisfying, and simple to make—ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep for busy days. With endless variations and serving options, this casserole can be a regular in your keto meal rotation.
Check out my other delicious keto recipes: