Description
Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole is a creamy, comforting dish that uses seared chicken thighs, broccoli, and a rich cream cheese-based sauce for a low-carbohydrate, high-protein meal. Velvety cheese melts over the vegetables and chicken, delivering a satisfying, indulgent experience while staying low in carbs.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 tbsp avocado oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups broccoli florets
8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp paprika
Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat avocado oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear chicken 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium. Sauté onion 4-5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Add broccoli florets and stir 2 minutes until warmed.
6. In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, heavy cream, 1 cup cheddar cheese, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
7. Slice chicken into bite-sized chunks and return to skillet with vegetables.
8. Pour cream cheese mixture evenly over chicken and broccoli. Stir gently to coat.
9. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over the top.
10. Bake 20-25 minutes until sauce is bubbly and cheese is melted and lightly browned.
Notes
Pat chicken dry to ensure proper sear and Maillard reaction.
Use an oven-safe skillet to retain flavorful fond.
Do not overcook; residual heat will finish cooking.
Soften cream cheese to prevent lumpy sauce.
Optional: swap broccoli with cauliflower, zucchini, or mushrooms; add crumbled bacon for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg