This Cheesy Keto Chicken Zucchini Casserole is a warm and tasty dish! It combines tender chicken, fresh zucchini, and lots of cheese for a yummy meal that’s low in carbs.
You’ll love how easy it is to whip up—just mix everything together, bake, and enjoy! I like to serve it with a side salad for a quick weeknight dinner. Can’t beat that! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: This vegetable adds moisture and a lightness to the casserole. If you can’t find zucchini, yellow squash is a great substitute! It has a similar texture and mild flavor.
Chicken: I recommend using rotisserie chicken for convenience, but leftover chicken breast, thighs, or even turkey work well too. Just make sure it’s cooked and shredded or diced.
Cheese: Mozzarella and cheddar give amazing flavor and creaminess. If you’re looking for variations, try using pepper jack for a spicy twist or gouda for a smoky flavor!
Cream Cheese: This helps to create that creamy texture. If you want a lighter option, you could use Greek yogurt, though it may alter the flavor slightly.
Almond Flour or Pork Rind Crumbs: For the crunchy topping, almond flour is excellent for keto. If you’re strictly avoiding nuts, crushed pork rinds are a fantastic low-carb choice that adds great crunch!
How Do I Make Sure My Casserole is Creamy and Not Dry?
Keeping your casserole moist and creamy is key to a delightful experience. Here’s how to achieve that perfect result:
- First, don’t skip the heavy cream! It ensures that the casserole stays rich and creamy.
- Mix the cream cheese well into the other cheeses before adding other ingredients. This helps it blend smoothly.
- Overcooking can make it dry, so keep an eye on it in the oven. Baking just until bubbly will give you that perfect texture!
- Let it cool a bit before serving; this allows the cheese to set slightly, making for easier serving.
Remember these tips, and you’ll have a deliciously creamy casserole every time!
Cheesy Keto Chicken Zucchini Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 2 medium zucchinis, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup almond flour or pork rind crumbs (optional, for a crunchy topping)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for sautéing zucchini)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Cheesy Keto Chicken Zucchini Casserole will take about 10 minutes for preparation and 25 minutes for baking. So, in roughly 35 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps ensure your casserole cooks evenly and gets that delicious bubbly cheese we all love!
2. Sauté the Zucchini:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped zucchinis and sauté them for about 5-7 minutes. You want them slightly tender. Season with salt, pepper, and half of the garlic and onion powders as you cook. After sautéing, remove the skillet from heat.
3. Make the Cheese Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, heavy cream, mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, along with the remaining garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir everything together until it’s smooth and creamy—this mixture is going to make your casserole irresistible!
4. Combine Ingredients:
Add the diced cooked chicken and the sautéed zucchini to the cheese mixture. Carefully stir everything to ensure all ingredients are well blended together.
5. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer this delicious mixture into a greased oven-safe casserole dish or individual cast iron skillets for serving. If you like a bit of crunch, sprinkle almond flour or crushed pork rinds evenly on top.
6. Bake It:
Pop the dish in the preheated oven and bake it uncovered for about 20-25 minutes. You want it to be bubbly and have a nice golden-brown top that looks super inviting!
7. Cool and Garnish:
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. This will make it easier to serve. Before diving in, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor.
Enjoy your Cheesy Keto Chicken Zucchini Casserole! It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavors—perfect for any meal!
FAQ for Cheesy Keto Chicken Zucchini Casserole
Can I Use Fresh Zucchini Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh zucchini works great and actually provides a better texture. If using frozen, ensure they’re fully thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake it straight from the fridge; you may just need an extra few minutes in the oven.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat, gently reheat in the microwave or the oven until warmed through.
What Can I Substitue for the Cream Cheese?
If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese. Both will change the flavor and texture slightly, but they will still keep your casserole creamy!
