This Creamy Keto Chicken Alfredo Casserole is the perfect comfort food that’s low in carbs but high in flavor. Packed with tender chicken, a rich and creamy alfredo sauce, and topped with gooey melted cheese, this casserole offers all the indulgence of a classic alfredo dish, but with a keto twist. It’s the ultimate family-friendly dish that’s perfect for dinner, meal prep, or even a special occasion!
Ingredients Overview
This casserole is made with simple ingredients that fit well within a keto lifestyle:
Chicken
Chicken breast or chicken thighs are the best choices for this dish. Chicken breasts are leaner, but thighs offer a richer flavor. You can cook the chicken beforehand or use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time.
Heavy Cream
Heavy cream is the base for the creamy alfredo sauce. It provides the rich, velvety texture that makes this casserole so indulgent.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese adds extra creaminess and a mild tang that enhances the alfredo sauce’s flavor and helps thicken it.
Parmesan & Mozzarella Cheese
Parmesan cheese is key to the sauce, offering that authentic alfredo taste. Mozzarella cheese adds stretchiness and a gooey, melty texture to the casserole topping.
Garlic
Garlic adds a delicious aromatic depth to the alfredo sauce, enhancing the overall flavor.
Cauliflower
For a low-carb option to pasta, cauliflower florets are the perfect substitute. When roasted or steamed, cauliflower absorbs the rich alfredo sauce and adds a mild flavor that’s perfect in this casserole.
Butter & Olive Oil
Butter adds richness to the sauce, while olive oil is used to sauté the chicken and garlic.
Italian Seasoning
Italian seasoning helps season the casserole with herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme, bringing out the classic flavors of Italian cuisine.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This casserole is quick to make and full of comforting, creamy goodness:
1. Prepare the Chicken
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Cook the chicken: If using raw chicken breasts or thighs, season them with salt and pepper, and cook them in a skillet over medium heat with 1 tablespoon of olive oil for about 5-7 minutes per side, until cooked through and golden brown. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then chop it into bite-sized pieces.
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Alternatively, use leftover rotisserie chicken for a faster meal prep.
2. Prepare the Cauliflower
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Steam or roast the cauliflower: For the best texture, steam the cauliflower florets for about 5-7 minutes until tender, but not mushy. Alternatively, you can roast them by tossing the florets in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and baking them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, until golden and tender.
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Once cooked, set the cauliflower aside.
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce
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Sauté the garlic: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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Add the cream: Pour in 1 ½ cups of heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Add the cream cheese: Add 4 oz of cream cheese to the skillet and stir until it melts into the sauce, making it rich and creamy.
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Add the cheese: Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Continue to cook the sauce for another 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sauce has thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to taste.
4. Assemble the Casserole
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large baking dish, combine the chopped chicken, steamed or roasted cauliflower, and the alfredo sauce. Mix everything together to coat the chicken and cauliflower evenly with the sauce.
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Top with cheese: Sprinkle an additional ½ cup of shredded mozzarella on top for a cheesy, golden crust.
5. Bake the Casserole
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Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. For a crispier top, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
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Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
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Serve hot and enjoy this creamy, low-carb, keto-friendly comfort food!
Tips, Variations, and Substitutions
Tips
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Crispy Topping: For an extra crispy topping, sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top before baking.
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Adjusting the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it with a little bit of chicken broth or additional cream.
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Avoid Overcooking Cauliflower: Cauliflower should be tender but not mushy. Overcooking can result in a watery casserole.
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Leftover Rotisserie Chicken: Using leftover rotisserie chicken makes this dish quicker to prepare, and it’s an easy way to save time.
Variations
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Add Veggies: You can add spinach, broccoli, or zucchini to the casserole for added nutrition.
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Bacon or Sausage: For a smoky flavor, add cooked bacon or Italian sausage to the casserole.
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Keto Pasta: If you prefer a pasta texture, use shirataki noodles or zucchini noodles as a substitute for cauliflower.
Substitutions
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Cauliflower: If you don’t like cauliflower, you can substitute it with broccoli or shredded zucchini.
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Cream Cheese: If you don’t have cream cheese, you can use ricotta cheese or a little more heavy cream, though the texture may vary slightly.
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Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half, but keep in mind it will reduce the richness of the sauce.
Serving Ideas & Occasions
This Creamy Keto Chicken Alfredo Casserole is versatile and can be served with various sides:
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Low-Carb Bread: Serve with keto bread or cloud bread for a complete meal.
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Salad: Pair it with a simple side salad (like arugula or spinach with a light vinaigrette) to balance the richness of the casserole.
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Garlic Butter Zucchini Noodles: Zucchini noodles sautéed in garlic butter make a perfect keto side dish.
Occasions:
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Weeknight Dinners: This dish is easy to make and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
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Meal Prep: This casserole stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days, making it ideal for meal prep.
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Keto-Friendly Parties: Perfect for serving at a keto-friendly dinner party or potluck.
Nutritional & Health Notes
This casserole is packed with protein and healthy fats while keeping carbs low, making it ideal for a keto diet:
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Chicken: A great source of lean protein and B vitamins.
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Cauliflower: Low in carbs and high in fiber, vitamins C and K, and folate.
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Heavy Cream: Rich in healthy fats, but also calorie-dense, so use in moderation if you’re monitoring calories.
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Cheese: Provides calcium, protein, and healthy fats but can be high in sodium, so watch portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! This casserole can be assembled the day before and stored in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, bake it as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
2. Can I freeze Creamy Keto Chicken Alfredo Casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed.
3. Can I use a different vegetable instead of cauliflower?
Yes! You can substitute the cauliflower with broccoli, shredded zucchini, or chopped spinach for a similar texture and added flavor.
4. Can I make this dairy-free?
To make the casserole dairy-free, use dairy-free cream cheese, coconut cream or almond milk in place of heavy cream, and use a dairy-free cheese blend.