Easy Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole

The savory aroma of garlic mingling with earthy mushrooms draws everyone to the table for this Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole. This dish combines tender chicken bites in a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s both comforting and simple to prepare. It suits weeknight dinners without the carb guilt. With fresh spinach adding a pop of green and nutrition, it bakes into a bubbly masterpiece. This feels indulgent yet fits seamlessly into a low-carb lifestyle.

I appreciate how this casserole reheats beautifully for lunches. It stays creamy without drying out. And it serves a crowd of six effortlessly. Busy days call for meals like this that nourish without fuss. It earns rave reviews from family for its rich flavors and ease. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with extra veggies if desired.

Why We Love This Recipe

• Keto Comfort Food: This casserole delivers creamy, cheesy satisfaction while keeping carbs low at just 5g per serving. It’s ideal for low-carb diets.
• Quick Prep Time: Ready in under an hour with simple steps, it fits perfectly into busy schedules for weeknight family meals.
• Family Favorite: Tender chicken and mushrooms create a hearty, flavorful dish that even picky eaters enjoy. Spinach sneaks in some greens too.
• Versatile Leftovers: Stores well in the fridge for days. This makes it a practical choice for meal prepping or unexpected guests.

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Ingredients to make Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole

These ingredients come together for a creamy, low-carb bake where the garlic and mushrooms shine. They’re enhanced by quality dairy for that irresistible richness. Opting for fresh produce and full-fat items elevates the flavors without adding carbs.

• Unsalted butter – Provides a rich base for searing the chicken and building the sauce.
• Boneless skinless chicken – Cubed for tenderness, it absorbs the savory flavors during cooking. Use thighs for extra juiciness if preferred.
• Sliced mushrooms – Adds earthy depth and texture to the casserole.
• Chopped onion – Builds aromatic sweetness in the sautéed base.
• Fresh thyme – Infuses herbal notes. Substitute dried for convenience.
• Sea salt – Seasons the dish for balanced flavor.
• Freshly ground black pepper – Adds a subtle kick to enhance the garlic.
• Minced garlic – Delivers bold, aromatic punch central to the recipe.
• Fresh spinach – Wilts in for nutrition and a slight bitterness to balance the creaminess.
• Chicken broth – Forms the liquid base for the sauce without carbs.
• Cream cheese – Softens into a velvety thickness for the creamy element. Ensure it’s at room temperature.
• Heavy cream – Creates a lush, keto-friendly sauce that coats everything beautifully.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts into a golden, bubbly top for cheesy appeal.

How to Make Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Sear Chicken

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Then add the cubed chicken and sear for about 5 minutes until browned on all sides. Set it aside to keep the flavors building.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms, chopped onion, thyme, sea salt, and black pepper. Then sauté for around 6 minutes until the vegetables soften and release their juices. This creates a flavorful base.

Step 3: Wilt Spinach and Add Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and fresh spinach. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the spinach wilts down. This incorporates bright, garlicky notes into the mix.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and add the softened cream cheese. Stir continuously over medium heat until the cheese fully melts. It forms a smooth, creamy sauce that ties everything together.

Step 5: Combine Chicken

Return the browned chicken to the skillet. Stir well to coat it evenly in the sauce. This ensures full flavor infusion before the final bake.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish. Top evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbly and the cheese turns golden brown.

Step 7: Rest Before Serving

Remove from the oven. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to settle and makes serving easier.

Pro Tips for Success

• Soften Cream Cheese: Let it sit at room temperature first. This ensures it melts smoothly into the sauce without lumps.
• Sear Chicken Well: Brown it thoroughly in the butter. This gives deeper flavor and better texture in the final casserole.
• Use Fresh Thyme: It adds brighter herbal notes than dried. This enhances the garlic and mushroom profile.
• Watch Bake Time: Check at 25 minutes. This avoids over-browning the cheese while keeping the chicken tender.

How to Serve Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or a few thyme leaves on top right after baking. This adds a pop of color and herbal freshness that brightens the creamy dish. A light dusting of grated Parmesan adds extra cheesiness without carbs. Or try sliced green onions for a mild crunch. These simple touches make it feel more special at the table.

Side Dishes

Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed in olive oil and vinegar. This complements the richness with fresh acidity. Roasted broccoli or zucchini brings more low-carb veggies. They echo the mushrooms’ earthiness. For heartier meals, steamed cauliflower rice soaks up the sauce nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon portions into individual ramekins for a cozy, personalized bake. This looks elegant for guests. Layer it family-style in a clear dish to show off the golden cheese topping. This invites everyone to dig in. I sometimes serve it over zucchini noodles for a fun twist. That keeps it keto-friendly and visually appealing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to 3 days without losing creaminess. This makes it easy to portion out for quick lunches. Just cover tightly to maintain moisture.

Freezing

For longer storage, I portion the cooled casserole into freezer-safe bags or containers. It holds up for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. This preserves the tender chicken texture. Avoid refreezing once thawed for best quality.

Reheating

Reheat in the microwave on medium power in 1-2 minute bursts. Stir halfway through. Or use a 350°F oven covered with foil for 10-15 minutes. This prevents drying. The oven method keeps the cheese melty and golden. Add a splash of broth if needed for extra sauciness.