Creamy Chicken Cauliflower Rice Casserole That’s Light Yet Comforting Recipe
This creamy chicken cauliflower rice casserole is a light yet comforting low-carb dish that combines tender shredded chicken, sautéed cauliflower rice, and a rich, cheesy base. Perfectly seasoned and baked to golden perfection, it’s an easy weeknight meal that offers a balanced mix of flavors and textures while keeping it healthy and satisfying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Casserole Base
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or cooked chicken breast)
- 4 cups cauliflower rice
- 4 oz cream cheese or 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional Vegetables
- 1 cup fresh spinach (lightly sautéed)
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (lightly sautéed)
- 1/2 cup chopped broccoli (lightly sautéed)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. If your chicken isn’t cooked yet, cook and shred it now. Prepare cauliflower rice by either grating cauliflower or using pre-packaged cauliflower rice.
- Cook the Cauliflower Rice: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cauliflower rice and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower is tender and most of the moisture has evaporated. This step ensures your casserole won’t be soggy.
- Make the Casserole Base: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked cauliflower rice, cream cheese or Greek yogurt, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. If you are including optional vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli, sauté them lightly beforehand and then fold them into the mixture to add extra texture and flavor.
- Assemble the Dish: Transfer the prepared mixture evenly into the greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese all over the top, creating a cheesy golden crust when baked.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. Bake until the cheese is fully melted, golden, and bubbly around the edges. Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes to set before serving.
Notes
- Sautéing cauliflower rice to evaporate moisture is crucial to avoid a watery casserole.
- Full-fat cream cheese offers a richer flavor, while Greek yogurt lightens the dish and adds a protein boost.
- Shredding cheese yourself helps it melt more smoothly compared to pre-shredded varieties.
- Adjust salt levels based on your taste preference before baking.
- Adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms enhances the color and nutritional value, but ensure they’re sautéed lightly to maintain texture balance.
- This casserole pairs beautifully with crisp salads, roasted green beans, sliced avocado, or low-carb garlic bread for a complete meal.
Keywords: Chicken casserole, cauliflower rice casserole, low carb dinner, creamy chicken casserole, easy baked casserole, healthy comfort food, keto friendly casserole
