There’s something uniquely comforting about a warm, bubbly casserole fresh out of the oven. It’s the kind of meal that brings families together and makes any weeknight feel special. However, if you’re following a ketogenic lifestyle, finding a casserole that is both delicious and low in carbs can be a challenge. Many traditional recipes rely on starchy binders like flour or pasta, which are off-limits on keto. Fortunately, you don’t have to give up on this classic comfort food. This Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole is here to satisfy all your cravings without compromising your diet.
This recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking for an easy, satisfying, and flavor-packed meal. It combines tender shredded chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a rich, creamy garlic sauce, all baked under a blanket of melted cheese. Moreover, it’s incredibly simple to prepare, making it a perfect solution for busy weeknights. Whether you’re a seasoned keto pro or just starting your low-carb journey, this dish is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. It’s hearty, delicious, and proof that you can enjoy incredible comfort food while staying true to your health goals.
Why This Casserole Is a Keto Dream Come True
Finding recipes that are both indulgent and keto-friendly can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. This casserole, however, perfectly fits the bill. It’s designed specifically with the principles of the ketogenic diet in mind: high in healthy fats, moderate in protein, and exceptionally low in carbohydrates. Each ingredient is carefully selected to deliver maximum flavor without adding unnecessary sugars or starches.
The magic of this dish lies in its creamy, decadent sauce. Instead of using a traditional flour-based roux, we create a velvety base using full-fat cream cheese, heavy cream, and savory chicken broth. This combination not only provides a rich texture but also packs in the healthy fats that are essential for maintaining ketosis. In addition, the mushrooms and garlic add layers of savory, umami flavor that make every bite incredibly satisfying. It’s a meal that feels like a treat but works hard to keep you on track with your nutritional goals.
The Perfect Meal for Any Occasion
One of the best things about this Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole is its versatility. It’s elegant enough to serve to guests but simple enough for a casual family dinner. Because it uses pre-cooked chicken, it’s also a fantastic way to use up leftovers from a roast or a rotisserie chicken, minimizing food waste and saving you time. This makes it an ideal recipe for meal prepping; you can assemble it ahead of time and simply bake it when you’re ready to eat. Therefore, it’s not just a recipe—it’s a solution for easy, healthy, and delicious eating any day of the week.
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The Ultimate Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A rich, creamy, low-carb comfort food made with shredded chicken, sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and cheese. Perfect for keto weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
4 cups shredded cooked chicken
16 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
4 tbsp unsalted butter
4–6 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried parsley
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and sauté until browned and liquid is evaporated, about 7–10 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Reduce heat to low and add softened cream cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
5. Gradually whisk in heavy cream and chicken broth until sauce is creamy.
6. Add Parmesan, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Simmer until slightly thickened.
7. Stir in shredded chicken until well coated with sauce.
8. Transfer mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.
9. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
10. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
11. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Use rotisserie or leftover chicken for convenience.
Add spinach, cauliflower rice, or steamed broccoli for extra vegetables.
Try other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for variety.
Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months; reheat at 350°F until hot.
Dairy-free and gluten-free substitutions are possible—see full notes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Ingredients for the Perfect Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, accessible ingredients. You won’t need to search for specialty items; most of these are likely already in your pantry or refrigerator. Using high-quality, fresh ingredients will elevate the final dish, so choose the best you can find.
- Shredded Cooked Chicken: About 4 cups. A store-bought rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver. You can also use leftover roasted chicken or quickly boil and shred a couple of chicken breasts.
- Mushrooms: 16 ounces of cremini (baby bella) mushrooms, sliced. Cremini mushrooms have a deeper, earthier flavor than white button mushrooms, but either will work well.
- Butter: 4 tablespoons, unsalted. This is used for sautéing the mushrooms and garlic, creating a rich flavor base.
- Garlic: 4-6 cloves, minced. Don’t be shy with the garlic! Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
- Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, softened to room temperature. This is the key to a thick, creamy sauce without any flour.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: 1 cup. This adds richness and helps create a smooth, luscious sauce.
- Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup. Use a quality broth for the best flavor. It helps to thin the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated. Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the sauce and topping.
- Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups, shredded. For that classic, gooey, cheesy casserole topping.
- Seasoning: 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped, for garnish (optional).
Step-by-Step Instructions: Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole
Putting this casserole together is straightforward and requires minimal effort, especially if you’re using pre-cooked chicken. Follow these simple steps for a delicious, foolproof meal every time.
- Preheat and Prepare: First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they have released their liquid and started to brown, which usually takes about 7-10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Create the Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet, stirring until it melts and combines with the butter and mushrooms. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and chicken broth until the sauce is smooth.
- Season and Combine: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes to thicken. Once thickened, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Add the Chicken: Add the shredded cooked chicken to the skillet and stir until it is completely coated in the creamy mushroom sauce.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the chicken and sauce mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown on top.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set up a bit, making it easier to serve. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
| Step | Action | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat oven and grease dish. | Greasing the dish prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. |
| 2 | Sauté mushrooms and garlic. | Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook mushrooms in batches if needed to get a good brown sear. |
| 3 | Make the cream sauce. | Ensure cream cheese is softened to prevent lumps. Whisk slowly for a smooth sauce. |
| 4 | Season the sauce. | Taste the sauce before adding the chicken and adjust salt and pepper as needed. |
| 5 | Combine with chicken. | Gently fold the chicken in to keep the shreds intact. |
| 6 | Transfer to baking dish. | Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly for consistent baking. |
| 7 | Top with mozzarella. | For extra browning, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes, but watch it closely! |
| 8 | Bake until bubbly and golden. | The edges should be bubbling and the center hot. |
| 9 | Rest before serving. | This is a crucial step! It helps the casserole hold its shape when served. |
Tips for Customizing Your Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole
While this recipe is fantastic as is, it also serves as a wonderful base for your own culinary creativity. Customizing a casserole is easy and a great way to use up ingredients you have on hand. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Add More Keto-Friendly Veggies
You can easily boost the nutritional content and flavor by adding more vegetables. For example, a few handfuls of fresh spinach can be wilted into the sauce along with the mushrooms. Steamed broccoli florets or cauliflower rice also make excellent additions. Just be sure to pre-cook any hard vegetables to ensure they are tender in the final dish. Roasted bell peppers or sautéed onions would also add a lovely sweetness and depth.
Experiment with Different Cheeses
Mozzarella provides that perfect cheesy pull, but you can create a more complex flavor profile by experimenting with other cheeses. A combination of Gruyère and white cheddar would add a sharp, nutty flavor. Alternatively, a Monterey Jack or a Colby Jack blend would also melt beautifully and taste delicious. Feel free to mix and match to find your favorite combination.
Switch Up the Protein or Spices
This recipe is a great way to use leftover protein. Shredded turkey from Thanksgiving would be a perfect substitute for chicken. You could also try it with browned ground chicken, turkey, or even sausage for a different texture and flavor. To add a little heat, consider a pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce. Smoked paprika can add a wonderful smoky dimension, while fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary pair beautifully with mushrooms and chicken.
What to Serve with Your Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole
This Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole is a satisfying all-in-one meal, but serving it with a simple side dish can round it out perfectly. The key is to choose sides that are also low in carbs to keep your entire meal keto-compliant.
A Crisp Green Salad
A simple side salad is a classic pairing for a rich casserole. The freshness of the greens provides a nice contrast to the creamy, savory main dish. Toss mixed greens, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes with a light, sugar-free vinaigrette. An olive oil and lemon juice dressing with a pinch of salt and pepper is a perfect, easy option.
Roasted or Steamed Vegetables
Hearty, non-starchy vegetables are another excellent choice. Consider roasting some asparagus spears or broccoli florets tossed in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Steamed green beans drizzled with butter and a squeeze of lemon are also a quick and delicious side that complements the flavors of the casserole without overpowering it.
Cauliflower-Based Sides
To mimic traditional starchy sides, cauliflower is your best friend on a keto diet. Serve the casserole over a bed of fluffy cauliflower rice to soak up all the delicious sauce. You could also serve it alongside creamy mashed cauliflower for the ultimate comfort food experience. Both options are easy to prepare and keep the carb count extremely low.
Conclusion About Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole
In the world of keto cooking, it’s a huge win to find a recipe that is easy, made with simple ingredients, and loved by the entire family. This Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole checks all of those boxes and more. It delivers all the comforting, savory flavors you crave from a classic casserole, but with a healthy, low-carb twist that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle.
From its rich, creamy garlic sauce to the earthy mushrooms and tender chicken, every component works in perfect harmony. It’s a versatile dish that’s perfect for meal prepping, a quick weeknight dinner, or even a casual gathering with friends. Therefore, the next time you’re looking for a satisfying meal that won’t kick you out of ketosis, this Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole is a recipe you’ll return to again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions About Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole
Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked?
Absolutely. If you want to use fresh chicken, simply cut about 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces. Season them with salt and pepper, then cook them in the skillet before you sauté the mushrooms. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and set it aside, then proceed with the recipe as written, adding the cooked chicken back in at the end.
What if I can’t have dairy?
Making this recipe dairy-free is possible with a few substitutions. You can use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and full-fat coconut cream or a nut-based cream in place of the heavy cream. For the cheese topping, use your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese blend. The flavor profile will be slightly different, but it will still be a delicious and creamy casserole.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this casserole freezes very well, making it great for meal prep. Allow the baked casserole to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake at 350°F until heated through.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or place the entire casserole dish back in a 350°F oven until it’s warmed through. The sauce may thicken slightly in the fridge, but it will become creamy again upon reheating.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. It uses no flour, grains, or gluten-containing binders for thickening the sauce. The main ingredients—chicken, mushrooms, cream, and cheese—are all gluten-free. However, always double-check the labels on your packaged ingredients, such as chicken broth and seasonings, to ensure they are certified gluten-free if you have a severe intolerance or celiac disease.
