Cheesy Keto Chicken Casserole
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
365 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Cheesy Keto Chicken Casserole
Description
This casserole starts with boneless skinless chicken breasts baked at high heat until cooked through, then cut into cubes or shredded. The creamy sauce includes mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, fresh garlic, and seasonings such as thyme, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Half of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese is mixed into this sauce, coating the chicken evenly.
The mixture is transferred to a greased casserole dish, topped with the remaining cheese, then baked again until the cheese melts and the dish is heated through. Finally, crisp scallions and bacon bits are sprinkled on top to add freshness and smoky crunch. The resulting casserole is creamy, cheesy, and moderately spiced with a rich texture from the dairy components and melted cheese.
This dish suits low-carb or keto lifestyles and offers flexibility for additional seasoning or ingredients. For extra creaminess, increasing mayonnaise and sour cream amounts is suggested. Optionally, steamed broccoli florets can be added before the final bake for added vegetables. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for several days and reheat gently to preserve texture.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 chicken breast 8 ounces each; 32 ounces total of raw chicken breasts, boneless skinless
- Avocado oil spray
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt or ¼ teaspoon of any other salt, including Morton kosher salt, Diamond Crystal brand
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise ⅓ cup for a creamier casserole
- ¼ cup sour cream ⅓ cup for a creamier casserole
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced, fresh
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt or ¼ teaspoon of any other salt, Diamond Crystal brand
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon thyme dried
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup cheddar cheese sharp, shredded, divided
Topping:
- ¼ cup scallions sliced, green parts only
- ¼ cup bacon bits room temperature
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F. Line a rimmed baking dish with foil and grease the foil. Arrange the chicken breasts in the prepared pan. Spray them with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake until cooked through, for about 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, grease a 2-quart casserole dish. In a large bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, pepper, dried thyme, paprika, cayenne, and ½ cup of shredded cheddar.
- When the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven but keep the oven on. Allow the chicken to slightly cool until it’s easier to handle. Cut it into cubes or shred it. Add the chicken cubes to the bowl with the mayonnaise-sour cream mixture and toss to coat.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the casserole with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar. Bake until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through, for about 10 minutes. (See notes below).
- Sprinkle the casserole with sliced scallions and bacon bits. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Increase mayonnaise and sour cream to ⅓ cup each for a creamier casserole texture.
- Season chicken breasts with additional spices like garlic powder and paprika if desired for more flavor.
- You can substitute boneless chicken thighs for chicken breasts if preferred.
- Steamed small broccoli florets can be mixed into the casserole before baking to make it more complete; adjust creamy ingredients accordingly.
- When using warm chicken just out of the oven, 10 minutes at 450°F is sufficient to heat through; if using cold pre-cooked chicken, preheat casserole longer at a lower temperature.
- Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for 3-4 days and reheat covered in the microwave at low power to avoid drying out.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 365 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 0.75cup | |
| Calories | 365kcal | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 2g | 1% |
| Protein | 36g | 72% |
| Fat | 22g | 34% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Sodium | 606mg | 25% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.