Lately everybody keeps talking bout this Keto diet thing. Its poppin up on social medias and news, cause its all about eating more fat and very less carbs. Then your body goes into ketosis and burn fat instead of carbs. People say it helps you loose weight fast and gives you more energy during the day. But if your gonna try Keto, you gotta find meals that are easy and tasty so you actually stick to it.
Casseroles are a pretty sweet solution for meal prep, since they mix ease and flavor in one pan. You can make a bunch of servings at once, so theyre great for busy folks or families. If you wanna save time during the week or feed friends, casseroles kinda fit in with whatever you need while staying Keto.
Here comes the Keto Creamy Chicken casserole, a simple dish that shows off Keto eating without making you miss taste. Its packed with good stuffs, its creamy and filling, perfect for your Keto journey or a family dinner. Its easy to make and you can tweak it however you like, so its a must try for anyone who wanna cook yummy Keto meals.
What Is Keto?
The Keto diet, short for ketogenic diet, focuses on eating high fats and very low carbs. The main goal is making your body go into a state called ketosis, where it burns fat for energy instead of carbs. This not only helps you loose weight but some people feel more awake and think more clearly.
On Keto, you count macros, that is fats, proteins, carbs. Normally you aim for about 70% fat, 25% protein, and only 5% carbs. Keeping these numbers in check is super important to stay in ketosis. By eating healthy fats and cutting carbs, you can get other perks too, like better blood sugar balance and less cravings.
Why Choose a Casserole?
Casseroles are awesome for Keto because theyre easy to prep and you can change them around. Meal prep can be a pain when youre busy, but with a casserole you make one dish and get several meals out of it, thats perfect for lunches or dinners all week.
Also, casseroles let you be as creative as you want. You can mix in different proteins, veggies, or spices but still keep it Keto. That way you dont bored with same meals every day, and you stay on your diet goals.
Key Ingredients for Keto Creamy Chicken Casserole
To make a killer Keto Creamy Chicken casserole, pick the right stuff. These ingredients will make your dish tasty, healthy, and totally Keto friendly.
Core Chicken Ingredients
- Type of Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs are juicier and more flavorful, breasts are leaner.
- Suggested Cuts: Cut chicken into cubes so it cooks even and you can scoop it easy. It also soaks up the sauce better.
Creamy Base Options
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese gives a rich, smooth texture. Make sure its soft so it mixes well.
- Heavy Cream: You can use heavy cream if you want extra creaminess and a richer sauce.
- Other Alternatives: For a lighter version, try sour cream or Greek yogurt, both add creaminess and a bit of tang.
Low-Carb Vegetables
- Recommended Vegetables: Broccoli, spinach, and zucchini are top picks since theyre low in carbs and high in nutrients.
- Benefits of Incorporating Veggies: They add things like vitamins and minerals and keeps the carb count low.
Cheese Selection
- Types of Cheeses: Cream cheese for creaminess, cheddar and mozzarella for that gooey stretch. You can mix them for more layers of flavor.
Spices and Seasoning
- Essential Herbs and Spices: Use garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper to boost the overall taste. Try thyme or rosemary if you want more depth.
Detailed Keto Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs of chicken breasts (cubed)
- 1 cup of cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups of broccoli florets
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of spinach (fresh)
- 3 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your casserole dish with non-stick spray or a bit of oil.
- Cooking the Chicken: In a big skillet, heat the olive oil on medium. Add cubed chicken and season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Cook until browned and done through.
- Making the Creamy Sauce: In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with chicken broth until its smooth. Stir in minced garlic well.
- Combining Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the cooked chicken, broccoli, spinach, and the creamy sauce. Fold in half of the cheddar cheese.
- Assembling the Casserole: Pour mixture into the prepared dish. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top.
- Baking: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden on top.
- Serving Suggestions: Let it cool a little before serving. It goes great with a simple green salad or cauliflower rice for extra bulk.
Advice for Best Results
- You can swap chicken for turkey or add other veggies if you prefer.
- If your oven heats hot or cool, adjust the time a bit so it bakes evenly.
- To store, let the casserole cool fully before putting it in fridge or freezer. Reheat in the oven so it stays nice and not soggy.
Keto Casserole Recipe - Keto Creamy Chicken
Equipment
- 1 Oven
- 1 Large mixing bowl
- 1 9x13 inch baking dish
- 1 Cooking spoon
- 1 Chopping board
- 1 set Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded You can use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time.
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup broccoli florets Fresh or frozen.
- ½ cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until tender.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, heavy cream, cream cheese, and dried thyme. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add the sautéed mixture from the skillet into the bowl and season with paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until well combined.
- Pour the chicken and broccoli mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese, spreading it evenly over the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
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