Low-Carb Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
If you’re searching for a comforting, rich, and creamy dish that fits seamlessly into your low-carb lifestyle, look no further than this Low-Carb Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. It’s a satisfying meal that is not only delicious but also quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner. With layers of flavor and a gooey cheese topping, it’s bound to become a favorite at your dinner table.
Reasons to Love Low-Carb Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
This casserole is a dream come true for those looking to reduce their carb intake without sacrificing taste. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Deliciously Creamy: The combination of sour cream, cottage cheese, and cream cheese creates a rich, creamy base that envelops the chicken.
- Quick to Prepare: This dish comes together in no time, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner.
- Versatile: You can customize this recipe easily by adding your favorite vegetables or spices.
- Great for Meal Prep: It stores well for leftovers, making it perfect for lunches throughout the week.
- Kid-Friendly: With its cheesy goodness, even picky eaters will be asking for seconds!
What We’re Using
To make this scrumptious Low-Carb Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cups chopped cooked chicken
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup small curd cottage cheese
- 1 tsp garlic salt, or to taste
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp white pepper, or to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Tools of the Trade
Before you dive into making this casserole, make sure you have the following kitchen tools handy:
- Mixing Bowl: A large bowl for combining your ingredients.
- Whisk: For beating the eggs and mixing the creamy ingredients smoothly.
- Baking Dish: A 9×13 inch baking dish is perfect for this recipe.
- Spatula: For mixing and spreading the casserole mixture evenly.
- Oven Mitts: To safely handle the hot baking dish.
Low-Carb Million Dollar Chicken Casserole: From Prep to Plate
Follow these easy steps to whip up your Low-Carb Million Dollar Chicken Casserole:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole bakes evenly and thoroughly.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and sour cream. Use a whisk to blend them together until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
Step 3: Add the Eggs
Crack the eggs into the cream mixture. Whisk them in thoroughly until everything is well combined. This will help create a fluffy texture in your casserole.
Step 4: Mix in the Cottage Cheese
Stir in the cottage cheese until it’s evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This adds a delightful texture and additional creaminess to the dish.
Step 5: Season the Mixture
Add the garlic salt, onion powder, and white pepper. Feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences.
Step 6: Incorporate the Chicken
Fold in the chopped cooked chicken gently, ensuring it’s evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
Step 7: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the chicken mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly with a spatula.
Step 8: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top of the casserole. This will create a delicious, bubbly crust as it bakes.
Step 9: Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly, and the casserole is set in the middle.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will make it easier to cut into portions. Serve warm, and enjoy your Low-Carb Million Dollar Chicken Casserole!
Season-by-Season Upgrades
Feel free to enhance your casserole with seasonal ingredients:
- Spring: Add fresh asparagus or spinach for a pop of color and nutrition.
- Summer: Incorporate zucchini or bell peppers for a refreshing twist.
- Fall: Mix in roasted butternut squash or pumpkin puree for added flavor.
- Winter: Include kale or Brussels sprouts to boost the dish’s heartiness.
Chef’s Notes
- This casserole can be made ahead of time. Simply prepare it, cover it, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- If you don’t have cooked chicken on hand, rotisserie chicken works wonderfully and saves time.
- Feel free to substitute with your favorite cheese if mozzarella isn’t your preference. Cheddar or Monterey Jack are excellent alternatives!
- For a spicy kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Storing, Freezing & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to freeze it, allow it to cool completely, then cover it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
FAQ
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver and adds great flavor to the casserole.
Is this casserole suitable for meal prep?
Yes! It’s perfect for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and reheat portions for quick meals throughout the week.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables for added nutrition and flavor. Just make sure they are cooked or precooked to ensure they blend well with the rest of the dish.
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
The casserole is done when the cheese is golden and bubbly, and the center is set. You can also insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, it’s ready!
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Cheesy Cauliflower Bake
- Garlic Butter Chicken with Broccoli
- Zucchini Noodles with Pesto
- Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Save & Share
If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family! Social media is a great way to spread the love for this Low-Carb Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. Snap a photo of your creation and tag us in your posts!
In conclusion, this Low-Carb Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a delightful dish that brings together simplicity, flavor, and nutrition. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, it’s sure to impress. So gather your ingredients and get ready to dig into a comforting, cheesy delight that everyone will love!
Low-Carb Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and sour cream. Whisk until smooth.
- Step 3: Add the Eggs. Crack the eggs into the mixture and whisk thoroughly.
- Step 4: Mix in the Cottage Cheese. Stir in the cottage cheese until evenly distributed.
- Step 5: Season the Mixture. Add garlic salt, onion powder, and white pepper to taste.
- Step 6: Incorporate the Chicken. Fold in the chopped chicken gently.
- Step 7: Transfer to Baking Dish. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Step 8: Add the Cheese. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Step 9: Bake. Bake for 30-35 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Step 10: Cool and Serve. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Make ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver!
- Substitute mozzarella with your favorite cheese.
- Add jalapeños for a spicy kick!
