Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole

After developing hundreds of keto recipes over the past six years, I’ve found that casseroles represent the ultimate test of low-carb cooking. This particular Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole has become one of my most requested recipes because it solves the common problem of watery, bland low-carb casseroles. They need to achieve that perfect balance – rich and satisfying without relying on traditional thickeners or carb-heavy ingredients.

The challenge with most Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole recipes is they either end up watery or rely on flour-based roux. What makes this version different is the emulsion technique we use for the sauce and the specific mushroom preparation that maximizes flavor without adding carbs. I’ve served this Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole to non-keto friends who couldn’t believe it was low-carb, which is always the ultimate test.

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Ingredients for the Perfect Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole

Protein and Vegetable Components for Your Keto Casserole

You’ll need:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 medium), cubed
• 1 lb cremini mushrooms, sliced 1/4-inch thick
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp avocado oil for sautéing

The mushroom selection here is crucial for this Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole. I prefer cremini over white button mushrooms because they have deeper flavor, but you could use shiitake for even more umami. According to the USDA FoodData Central, cremini mushrooms provide only 2.3g net carbs per cup while adding significant flavor depth to your Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole.

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients for Keto Casserole Success

For the creamy sauce in this Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole:

• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 tsp xanthan gum (this is our thickener)
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Sea salt and black pepper to taste

The xanthan gum is non-negotiable here – it’s what gives us that luxurious texture without flour in this Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole. The Food and Drug Administration recognizes xanthan gum as safe for consumption, and it’s become a staple in keto cooking for its reliable thickening properties without adding carbs.

Topping and Garnish Options for Keto Casserole

For the crispy topping on your Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole:

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup crushed pork rinds (about 1 oz)
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

The pork rind topping is what takes this Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole from good to exceptional. It provides that crucial textural contrast and savory crunch that makes you forget you’re eating keto. If you’re new to using pork rinds in keto cooking, Serious Eats has an excellent guide on how different brands perform in various applications.

Step-by-Step Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole Instructions

Preparation and Vegetable Sautéing for Keto Casserole

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is lower than many casserole recipes call for, but we need that moderate heat to cook everything evenly without burning the dairy-based sauce in our Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole.

Heat the avocado oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add your mushrooms in a single layer – don’t crowd them, or they’ll steam instead of browning. You might need to do this in batches. Cook until they’ve released their liquid and started to brown, about 6-8 minutes. This step is crucial for developing that deep mushroom flavor in your Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole.

Chicken Cooking and Sauce Development for Keto Casserole

Push the vegetables to the sides and add your cubed chicken to the center of the skillet. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink on the outside, about 4-5 minutes. It doesn’t need to be cooked through at this point in your Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole preparation.

Now for the sauce – this is where technique matters for your Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole. Reduce heat to medium-low and add the cream cheese, stirring until it melts into the existing liquids. Sprinkle the xanthan gum evenly over the surface and whisk vigorously to prevent clumping. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking constantly.

Assembly and Baking Techniques for Keto Casserole

If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, transfer everything to a 9×13 baking dish. Make sure the chicken and vegetables are evenly distributed. Top with the mozzarella, then sprinkle the pork rind and Parmesan mixture evenly over the surface of your Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and the topping is golden brown. I like to switch to broil for the last minute or two to really crisp up the topping, but watch it carefully – it can burn quickly. The internal temperature of your Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole should reach 165°F when measured with a digital thermometer.

Nutritional Analysis and Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole Customization

Macronutrient Breakdown and Serving Sizes for Keto Casserole

This Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole recipe makes 6 servings. Per serving:

• Calories: 485
• Fat: 35g
• Protein: 38g
• Total Carbs: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Net Carbs: 6g

The net carb count is surprisingly low considering how rich this Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole tastes. The mushrooms and onion contribute most of the carbs, but they’re essential for flavor development. I’ve calculated this using Cronometer with standard USDA data, but your exact numbers may vary slightly depending on your specific ingredients in this Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole.

Ingredient Substitutions and Keto Casserole Variations

For dairy-free Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, and omit the mozzarella topping. The flavor profile changes, but it’s still delicious. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics notes that coconut cream provides similar richness while remaining dairy-free.

For different proteins in your Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole: This works beautifully with turkey or even firm tofu. I’ve tested both extensively. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

To boost vegetables in your Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole: You can add spinach (wilt it first) or cauliflower florets. If adding cauliflower, roast it first to remove excess moisture that could water down your Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole.

Frequently Asked Questions About Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole

Can I make this Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble everything except the topping, cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the topping right before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time since your Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole is starting cold.

What’s the best way to store and reheat Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole leftovers?

Store your Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for best results – microwave reheating can make the sauce separate. The texture holds up remarkably well in this Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole.

Can I use different mushrooms in this Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole recipe?

Yes, but avoid portobello – they release too much water. Cremini, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms all work well in your Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole. I sometimes use a mushroom blend for more complex flavor.

How many net carbs are in this Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole?

6 grams net carbs per serving of this Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole. The primary carb sources are the mushrooms (3g net), onion (2g net), and minimal amounts from other ingredients in your Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole.

Can I make this Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole dairy-free?

Yes – use coconut cream, nutritional yeast, and vegan cheese alternatives. The flavor will be different but still delicious. I’ve served the dairy-free version of this Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole to lactose-intolerant guests with great feedback.

What sides pair well with Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole?

I typically serve this Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole with a simple green salad or roasted asparagus. The richness of the Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole pairs well with something light and acidic. Cauliflower rice also works if you want something more substantial with your Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole.

Can I use chicken thighs in this Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole?

Yes, and many people prefer them for their richer flavor and higher fat content in their Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole. Just adjust cooking time slightly as thighs take longer to cook through. The final macros will be slightly different but your Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole will still be keto-friendly.