Description
This Low Carb Chicken Casserole is a warm and comforting dinner option that keeps carb intake low while delivering creamy, smoky, and savory flavors. Made with smoked turkey bacon and plant-based cheese, it is an easy, wholesome weeknight meal that is flexible, family-friendly, and ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, sliced into small strips
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed until tender
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, finely diced
Sauce & Flavorings
- 1 cup plant-based cheese (shredded or cubed)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream substitute (e.g., coconut cream or other plant-based cream)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Other
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and slice the smoked turkey bacon into small strips. Steam broccoli florets just until tender to keep them vibrant and slightly crunchy. Finely dice the onion and garlic to release their full flavors.
- Sauté Aromatics and Bacon: Heat a pan over medium heat and cook the diced onion and garlic until soft and fragrant. Add the smoked turkey bacon strips and cook until they are slightly crisp, releasing a smoky aroma that is key to the dish’s flavor.
- Combine Creamy Sauce Mixture: In a bowl, blend the plant-based cheese, heavy cream substitute, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy, forming the perfect binder for the casserole.
- Layer and Mix Ingredients: In a casserole dish, combine the chopped chicken, steamed broccoli, sautéed onion and bacon mixture. Pour the creamy sauce evenly over all the ingredients. Sprinkle the natural gelling agent evenly on top to help set the casserole during baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 25 to 30 minutes until it is bubbling and lightly golden on top. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and the casserole to firm up for easy slicing.
Notes
- Use day-old cooked chicken for better texture and to prevent excess moisture.
- Do not overcook broccoli; keep it just tender for optimal texture and color.
- Allow the casserole to rest after baking to enhance flavor and make slicing cleaner.
- Choose a quality plant-based cheese for better melting and creaminess.
- Adjust seasonings gradually by tasting the sauce mixture before pouring it over the casserole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Entree
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Low carb, chicken casserole, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, creamy casserole, healthy dinner, gluten free
