Description
Low Carb Chicken Casserole is a comforting and healthy meal featuring tender chicken breasts combined with smoky turkey bacon, creamy plant-based cheese, and a silky sauce thickened with a natural gelling agent. This hearty casserole is low in carbohydrates and easy to prepare, making it perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or special occasions. Aromatic herbs, garlic, and onion add depth, while cauliflower florets replace starchy sides to keep the dish light yet satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins and Main Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, trimmed and seasoned with salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cups cauliflower florets, cut into small pieces
Dairy and Sauces
- 1 cup plant-based heavy cream
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded or sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Aromatics and Seasonings
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Thickening Agent
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Chop the smoked turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces. Cut the cauliflower into small florets. Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley.
- Cook the Chicken and Bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside. In the same skillet with the remaining fat, sear the chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides but not cooked through. Remove and let them rest.
- Sauté Aromatics and Cauliflower: Using the skillet with bacon fat, sauté the diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add the cauliflower florets and cook until they are slightly tender but not mushy, stirring occasionally.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the plant-based heavy cream and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Stir in the herbs and seasonings. Gradually sprinkle in the natural gelling agent, stirring continuously to thicken the sauce evenly and achieve a silky texture.
- Assemble the Casserole: Slice the seared chicken breasts and combine them with the cauliflower and bacon mixture in the skillet or a bowl. Transfer everything into a casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle the plant-based cheese on top to create a creamy, golden crust.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the casserole uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes or until the plant-based cheese topping bubbles and turns a light golden brown. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs and vegetables for the best flavor and aroma.
- Do not overcook the chicken; searing locks in juiciness and tenderness.
- Distribute the plant-based cheese evenly to ensure uniform melting and avoid clumps.
- Add the natural gelling agent slowly to control sauce thickness perfectly.
- Allow the casserole to rest after baking to set firmly and make serving easier.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: low carb, chicken casserole, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, cauliflower casserole, gluten free, creamy casserole, healthy dinner
