This Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole is a tasty dish packed with juicy chicken, flavorful garlic, and yummy mushrooms. It’s creamy and perfect for a cozy dinner!
I love how easy this casserole is to whip up—just mix everything and let it bake. Plus, it’s a healthy choice that still feels like a treat! Who knew keto could be so delicious? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean and cook quickly. If you’re looking for alternatives, chicken thighs work great for a juicier option. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken for even faster prep!
Mushrooms: I love using cremini mushrooms for their rich flavor, but button mushrooms are a great swap if you want something milder. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a mix of mushrooms for more depth!
Heavy Cream: This gives the casserole a rich and creamy texture. For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half, but it may reduce the creaminess. Coconut cream is an option for a dairy-free alternative.
Cheeses: Mozzarella and Parmesan add a wonderful meltiness. If you’re out of Parmesan, you can use pecorino or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. Mix in some cheddar for extra cheesiness!
How Do I Make Sure My Casserole Is Creamy and Delicious?
The secret to a creamy casserole lies in how you combine the ingredients and control the heat. Here’s how to do it right:
- Cook the mushrooms until they are browned and have released their moisture; this intensifies their flavor.
- Make sure to stir the cream cheese into the sauce until smooth before adding heavy cream. This prevents clumps and ensures creamy consistency.
- Let the sauce simmer briefly to thicken before pouring it over the chicken. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Keep an eye on your casserole while baking, so the cheese melts evenly and turns golden without burning!
With these tips, you’ll have a perfectly creamy casserole every time. Enjoy every bite of this comforting dish!
Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button mushrooms)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cheese Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 25 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll need around 40 minutes before the dish is ready to serve. Quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it’s hot and ready for your casserole when you need it.
2. Season the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and season them with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. This will give flavor to the chicken and enhance the entire dish.
3. Brown the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. They don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage since they’ll finish cooking in the oven. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Sauté the Mushrooms:
In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms. Sauté them for about 5 minutes or until they begin to brown and release their moisture. This step is crucial for bringing out their rich flavor!
5. Add Garlic:
Now, add the minced garlic to the mushrooms. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
6. Prepare the Cream Sauce:
Lower the heat and stir in the softened cream cheese until it’s melted. Then pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, mixing well. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. This will create a cozy, creamy sauce for your casserole.
7. Add Cheese:
Stir in half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses into the sauce, saving the rest for the topping later.
8. Assemble the Casserole:
In a greased casserole dish, place the browned chicken breasts. Pour the creamy mushroom sauce evenly over the chicken to ensure every piece is covered.
9. Add Cheese Topping:
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top of the casserole. This will give you that lovely cheesy crust when baked!
10. Bake:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on the chicken and make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and that the cheese is melted and golden.
11. Garnish and Serve:
Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and garnish it with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, garlicky, mushroom-packed Keto Casserole!
Dig in and savor every bite of this rich, satisfying meal! Happy cooking!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it completely before cooking. You can safely thaw chicken overnight in the fridge or place it in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for quicker thawing.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prep the casserole and assemble it ahead of time. Just store it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to cook, it may take an extra few minutes in the oven since it’s starting from a colder temperature.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or oven until heated through, adding a splash of cream to keep it creamy if needed.
What Can I Serve With This Casserole?
This Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables, a fresh green salad, or a bed of cauliflower rice for a complete low-carb meal!
