Description
This Healthy Chicken Cauliflower Rice Casserole is a delicious low-carb comfort dish combining shredded chicken, cauliflower rice, creamy cheese, and nutritious veggies baked to golden perfection. It’s a perfect family-friendly meal that is quick to prepare and packed with protein and flavor.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie or cooked chicken breast)
Vegetables
- 4 cups cauliflower rice (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup chopped spinach, broccoli florets, or sliced mushrooms
Dairy & Cheese
- 8 oz (1 cup) cream cheese (softened) (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided, or use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and parmesan)
Seasonings & Oils
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing the cauliflower rice)
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Gather all ingredients. If using raw chicken, cook and shred it. Prepare cauliflower rice by pulsing cauliflower florets in a food processor or using a store-bought option.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to warm up while you prepare the casserole.
- Sauté the Cauliflower Rice: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cauliflower rice and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until tender and most moisture has evaporated.
- Sauté Vegetables: If including spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms, sauté them lightly in the skillet until just softened.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, sautéed cauliflower rice, softened cream cheese, half of the shredded cheese, and the seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper). Stir well to combine. Gently fold in the sautéed vegetables.
- Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the mixture into it. Spread evenly, then top with the remaining shredded cheese for a deliciously cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden on top.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt.
- You can use a mix of cheeses such as mozzarella and parmesan instead of just cheddar.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt, depending on your cheese choice.
- If using raw chicken, ensure it is cooked thoroughly before shredding.
- Cauliflower rice can be made fresh or bought pre-riced for convenience.
- This casserole can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
