Description
This Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish perfect for a satisfying low-carb meal. Featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a rich blend of mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and spices, baked to perfection with sharp cheddar cheese, scallions, and crispy bacon bits. Quick to prepare and ideal for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (8 oz each, 32 oz total)
- Avocado oil spray
- ½ teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt (or ¼ teaspoon regular salt)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- ¼ cup mayonnaise (or up to ⅓ cup for a creamier casserole)
- ¼ cup sour cream (or up to ⅓ cup for a creamier casserole)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt (or ¼ teaspoon regular salt)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
Toppings
- ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
- ¼ cup scallions (green parts only), sliced
- ¼ cup bacon bits (room temperature)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a casserole dish with avocado oil to prevent sticking and help with even cooking.
- Season and Sear Chicken: Lightly season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium heat, sear the chicken breasts for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they are lightly browned. This step is optional but adds great flavor and texture to the dish.
- Mix the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, pepper, dried thyme, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to combine. Then fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese (½ cup) into the sauce mixture.
- Assemble the Casserole: Place the seared chicken breasts evenly in the prepared casserole dish. Spread the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken, ensuring every piece is well coated.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese (½ cup) evenly over the top of the sauced chicken breasts.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Add Final Toppings: Remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the sliced scallions and room temperature bacon bits evenly over the top for added flavor and crunch.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes serving easier.
Notes
- Searing the chicken before baking is optional but enhances flavor and texture.
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with any other sharp cheese like Monterey Jack or Colby if preferred.
- For a creamier casserole, increase mayonnaise and sour cream up to â…“ cup each.
- Use bacon bits or cooked, crumbled bacon for added smoky flavor.
- Make sure to check the chicken’s internal temperature for food safety.
