Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Keto garlic mushroom chicken casserole is the perfect blend of rich flavor, creamy texture, and low-carb goodness. Tender pieces of chicken are baked in a luscious garlic cream sauce with earthy mushrooms and melted cheese, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and guilt-free. It’s hearty enough for dinner yet elegant enough to serve at a gathering. I once made this with a handful of spinach stirred in before baking, and it added a beautiful pop of color and extra nutrients without changing the creamy flavor. This recipe checks all the boxes — easy to make, packed with protein, keto-friendly, and absolutely delicious.
PrintKeto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole: A Creamy, Low-Carb Comfort Dish
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A rich, creamy, and low-carb Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole — made with tender chicken, sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and a cheesy cream sauce baked to golden perfection. Perfect for cozy dinners without the carbs!
Ingredients
- 500g chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 250g mushrooms, sliced (white or cremini)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil or butter. Add chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until lightly browned but not fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add a little more butter if needed, then sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add sliced mushrooms and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened and lightly browned.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, then stir in thyme and Parmesan cheese. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Transfer everything into the prepared baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm with a side of cauliflower rice or a green salad.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick prep version.
- Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
- Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Keto / Low-Carb
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breasts or thighs – Boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces. Thighs provide extra juiciness, while breasts keep it lean.
Mushrooms – Cremini or button mushrooms are perfect; they add umami depth and soak up the creamy garlic sauce.
Butter – Adds richness and enhances the flavor of the garlic and mushrooms.
Garlic – Freshly minced garlic gives this dish its signature aroma and bold flavor.
Heavy cream – The key to the creamy sauce. It adds richness and keeps the dish keto-friendly.
Cream cheese – Thickens the sauce and gives it a luxurious, velvety texture.
Mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully into the sauce and forms a gooey, cheesy topping when baked.
Parmesan cheese – Adds a nutty, savory flavor that complements the creaminess of the sauce.
Chicken broth – Helps thin the sauce slightly while adding depth of flavor.
Spinach (optional) – Adds color, nutrients, and freshness to the rich, creamy base.
Paprika and Italian seasoning – Provide warmth and a touch of herby flavor.
Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning the chicken and balancing the richness of the sauce.
Fresh parsley (for garnish) – Adds a bright, fresh finish to the creamy casserole.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook until lightly browned (about 5–6 minutes). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add a bit more butter if needed, then sauté the mushrooms until they release their moisture and start to brown. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pan. Reduce the heat and add the heavy cream and cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth. Mix in half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, along with Italian seasoning. Stir until fully combined.
Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat it in the creamy mushroom sauce. If you’re adding spinach, fold it in now and let it wilt slightly.
Transfer everything to the prepared casserole dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley and enjoy this rich, cheesy, and comforting low-carb meal.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
- large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
- Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
- Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
- Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
- knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
- Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4–6 people. Preparation time takes about 15 minutes, and cooking/baking time is around 30 minutes. Total time: approximately 45 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes or microwave in short intervals until warmed through. You can also freeze the casserole (before or after baking) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Bacon Garlic Mushroom Casserole – Add crispy bacon pieces for extra smokiness and crunch.
Spinach and Artichoke Chicken Casserole – Add chopped artichoke hearts and spinach for a tangy, creamy variation.
Broccoli Mushroom Casserole – Swap spinach for steamed broccoli florets for a heartier texture.
Spicy Garlic Chicken Casserole – Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for a little heat.
Herb and Lemon Version – Add a teaspoon of lemon zest and extra herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fresher, lighter twist.
Cheddar Mushroom Casserole – Use cheddar cheese instead of mozzarella for a sharper flavor.
Zucchini Mushroom Casserole – Add sautéed zucchini slices for more vegetables while keeping it keto.
Dairy-Free Version – Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
Creamy Turkey Casserole – Use leftover turkey instead of chicken for a comforting post-holiday meal.
Loaded Casserole – Top with extra mozzarella, crumbled bacon, and a sprinkle of green onions before baking.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time — just skip the browning step.
Can I use canned mushrooms?
Fresh mushrooms are best for texture, but canned ones will work in a pinch.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.
How can I thicken the sauce more?
Add a little extra cream cheese or simmer the sauce longer to reduce it.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
For keto, it’s best to stick with heavy cream to keep the carbs low and the sauce rich.
What’s the best side dish?
Serve with a fresh salad, roasted asparagus, or cauliflower mash for a full keto meal.
Can I make it spicier?
Yes, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?
Cook off excess moisture from mushrooms before adding cream, and avoid using frozen chicken.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, cool completely before freezing in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
What kind of cheese melts best for this recipe?
Mozzarella and Parmesan melt smoothly and complement the garlic-mushroom flavor beautifully.
Conclusion
Keto garlic mushroom chicken casserole is the ultimate comfort food made low-carb. Creamy, cheesy, and full of savory depth, it’s a meal that feels indulgent without breaking your diet. Every bite brings together tender chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and that irresistible garlic cream sauce. It’s quick to make, family-friendly, and easily customizable to your taste. Whether you’re following a keto lifestyle or just craving something cozy and satisfying, this casserole is guaranteed to become a regular on your dinner table — creamy perfection in every bite.
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