Looking at this rich, comforting keto casserole recipe, I notice you’re looking for creamy chicken comfort without the carbs. This low-carb dinner brings together tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and melted cheese in one satisfying dish that keeps you full and on track with your goals.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole
I always start with high-quality ingredients since they really make a difference in the final dish. For the chicken, I recommend using rotisserie chicken to save time, though freshly cooked works beautifully too. My go-to mushrooms are cremini since they have a deeper, earthier flavor than regular button mushrooms.
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced, cold or room temperature)
- 8 ounces mushrooms (sliced, button or cremini) – I usually choose cremini for richer flavor
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream – In my experience, full-fat cream creates the richest, most velvety sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – My preference is freshly grated for better melting and flavor
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper (to taste) – Pro tip: season generously since mushrooms absorb a lot of salt
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
I recommend prepping all your ingredients before you start cooking, as this casserole comes together quickly once you begin. Make sure your oven is preheating while you work on the mushrooms.
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and sauté for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and they’ve released most of their moisture. The mushrooms should shrink noticeably and develop nice caramelized edges. Don’t rush this step as properly browned mushrooms add incredible depth of flavor, similar to the technique used in Chicken Marsala.
Step 3: Toss in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. You’ll know it’s ready when the aroma becomes fragrant and fills your kitchen. The garlic should be softened but not browned.
Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, sautéed mushrooms and garlic, heavy cream, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the chicken is evenly coated with the cream and the seasonings are well distributed throughout.
Step 5: Transfer the mixture to your prepared casserole dish, spreading it into an even layer with a spatula. Make sure the mixture reaches all corners for uniform cooking.
Step 6: Top generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, covering the entire surface. The cheese will melt down into the casserole while creating a golden crust on top.
Step 7: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese turns bubbly with golden brown spots and slightly crispy edges. If you want extra crispiness on top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Step 8: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven (this helps the sauce thicken slightly), then garnish with fresh parsley before serving hot.
Perfect Pairings for Your Casserole
This rich, creamy casserole pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides that balance the heaviness of the cheese and cream.
Cauliflower Rice: This low-carb alternative soaks up the creamy sauce perfectly while adding extra vegetables to your plate without compromising your keto goals. For another keto-friendly rice alternative, try pairing it with the cauliflower rice from our Salsa Verde Chicken Rice Skillet.
Steamed Green Beans: The crisp texture and bright flavor of green beans cut through the richness of the casserole, offering a refreshing contrast that keeps each bite interesting. Similar to how vegetables balance our Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies.
Simple Side Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette provides refreshing acidity that balances the savory, cheesy flavors beautifully.
Roasted Broccoli: The slightly charred, nutty flavor of roasted broccoli complements the garlic in the casserole while adding fiber and important nutrients. You can find similar veggie prep ideas in our Chicken with Mixed Vegetable Stir Fry.
Zucchini Noodles: These spiralized zoodles offer a pasta-like experience without the carbs, making your meal feel even more substantial and satisfying.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Caramelized Brussels sprouts add a slightly sweet, nutty element that pairs wonderfully with the savory mushroom and garlic flavors.
Keeping It Fresh
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious the next day.
For reheating, I recommend using the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes to maintain that crispy cheese topping. Cover with foil if the top starts browning too quickly. The microwave works in a pinch for individual portions, though the texture won’t be quite as perfect. Pro tip: add a splash of heavy cream when reheating if the sauce seems too thick.
This casserole freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it perfect for meal prep. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results. You can freeze in individual portions for easy grab-and-go lunches.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Just dice raw chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and cook it thoroughly in the skillet before adding the mushrooms. Season the chicken with salt and pepper while cooking. This adds about 8-10 minutes to your prep time but works perfectly and ensures the chicken stays tender.
How can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese alternatives like cashew-based mozzarella or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious and satisfying while remaining keto-friendly.
What’s the carb count per serving?
This casserole contains approximately 5-7 net carbs per serving (based on 6 servings), making it an excellent choice for staying within your daily keto macros while enjoying a hearty, filling meal that keeps you satisfied for hours.
Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and they have released their moisture.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, sautéed mushrooms and garlic, heavy cream, dried thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Transfer the mixture into the greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese generously on top of the chicken mixture.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. For extra crispy topping, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot.
Notes
