Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole: Easy Low-Carb Dinner Recipe

There’s something undeniably cozy about a warm casserole fresh from the oven, bubbling with cheesy goodness and rich, savory flavors. Our Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole takes all the comforting elements of classic casseroles and makes them keto-friendly, low-carb, and packed with protein and healthy fats.

Whether you’re following a keto lifestyle, looking for a hearty weeknight dinner, or just craving something indulgently cheesy yet nutritious, this casserole hits every mark. With tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, garlicky aroma, and a golden, bubbly cheese topping, it’s comfort food in its purest form.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this casserole deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation:

• Keto-Friendly: Low in carbs, high in protein and healthy fats.
• Easy to Prepare: Only 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of bake time.
• Cheesy & Rich: Mozzarella and Parmesan create a golden, melty topping.
• Versatile Protein: Use shredded chicken, rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even tofu/chickpeas for vegetarian adaptations.
• Nutrient-Dense Mushrooms: Loaded with antioxidants, vitamin D, and B vitamins.
• Family & Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe serves 6 portions. Here’s the exact ingredient list, grouped for clarity:

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced – protein-packed base
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini) – earthy, vitamin-rich
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – aromatic and flavorful

Creamy Base:

• 1 cup heavy cream – adds richness and keeps casserole moist
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme – subtle earthy notes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano – herbal depth
• Salt and pepper, to taste – to enhance all flavors

Cheese Topping:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – melty, stretchy goodness
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – nutty, sharp accent

Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped – brightens the dish

Cooking Fats & Oils:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing mushrooms and garlic

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large skillet – for sautéing mushrooms and garlic
• Mixing bowl – to combine all ingredients
• 9×13-inch casserole dish – to bake the casserole
• Knife and cutting board – for slicing mushrooms and chopping parsley
• Spatula – for mixing and spreading casserole evenly

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps carefully for the best cheesy keto casserole:

1. Preheat Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures even baking and perfect cheese melt.

2. Sauté Mushrooms

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add sliced mushrooms. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and moisture has evaporated. Mushrooms should be tender and caramelized, which concentrates their earthy flavor.

3. Add Garlic

Add minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Garlic releases its aroma, adding depth and richness to the casserole.

4. Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• Cooked chicken
• Sautéed mushrooms and garlic
• Heavy cream
• Dried thyme and oregano
• Salt and pepper

Mix until evenly combined, creating a creamy, flavorful base.

5. Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. This ensures uniform cooking and a nice, cohesive casserole.

6. Add Cheese

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly on top. These cheeses melt into a golden, bubbly layer that seals in moisture and flavor.

7. Bake

Place casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and lightly golden. For an extra-crispy top, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes.

8. Garnish & Serve

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. This adds color, freshness, and a hint of herbal brightness.

Tips & Variations

• Protein Swaps: Use rotisserie chicken, shredded turkey, or vegetarian options like chickpeas or firm tofu.
• Vegetable Boost: Add spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrients.
• Cheese Variation: Swap mozzarella for provolone or Gruyère for different flavors.
• Herb Adjustment: Fresh thyme and oregano can replace dried for more intense flavor.
• Extra Crunch: Top with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly crust.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

Taste & Texture: Creamy and cheesy with a savory, garlicky undertone. Mushrooms add earthiness and depth, while chicken provides protein and substance. The Parmesan topping creates a nutty, golden crust with melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Serving Suggestions:

• Pair with a crisp green salad for contrast
• Serve alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli
• For meal prep, portion into containers for easy grab-and-go lunches

Nutritional Overview

Per Serving (1/6 casserole):

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g
• Cholesterol: 120mg

Dietary Notes: Keto-friendly, gluten-free, low-carb, high-protein, and suitable for a low-sugar diet.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Pre-Cook Chicken: Use leftover or rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Pre-Sauté Mushrooms: Mushrooms can be sautéed a day ahead and stored in the fridge.
• Assemble Ahead: Combine chicken, mushrooms, and cream mixture in the casserole dish and refrigerate; bake when ready.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Assemble unbaked, cover tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

FAQs

1. Can I use raw chicken?
Yes, but bake slightly longer and ensure it reaches 165°F internally.

2. Is this recipe dairy-free friendly?
Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and cheeses with dairy-free alternatives.

3. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Spinach, zucchini, or roasted peppers complement the flavors well.

4. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, replace chicken with chickpeas or firm tofu. Mushrooms and cheese provide richness.

5. Can I make it spicier?
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during the sauté step.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Time	Notes
Prep Ingredients	15 minutes	Shred chicken, slice mushrooms
Sauté Mushrooms & Garlic	7–9 minutes	Until golden and fragrant
Mix Ingredients	5 minutes	Combine chicken, cream, herbs
Assemble Casserole	5 minutes	Spread in dish and top with cheese
Bake	25–30 minutes	Until bubbly and golden
Broil (Optional)	2–3 minutes	For crustier top

Total Time: 45 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot directly from the casserole dish.
• Garnish with fresh parsley for color and aroma.
• Pair with simple keto-friendly sides like roasted asparagus or zucchini noodles.

Recipe Variations

1. Cheesy Spinach Mushroom Chicken Casserole: Add 1–2 cups fresh spinach to the mix.
2. Bacon Mushroom Chicken Casserole: Sprinkle cooked bacon bits over cheese before baking.
3. Herbed Garlic Chicken Bake: Use fresh thyme and rosemary instead of dried herbs.
4. Low-Fat Option: Replace half the cream with unsweetened almond milk and use reduced-fat cheeses.

Ingredient Spotlight

Mushrooms

Packed with antioxidants, vitamins D & B, and umami flavor. Slice evenly and sauté to caramelize for maximum taste.

Chicken

Cooked chicken provides protein and a satisfying texture. Rotisserie or leftover chicken is perfect for saving prep time.

Cheese

Mozzarella melts beautifully for stretchiness, while Parmesan adds sharp, nutty notes. Combining both creates a flavorful, golden crust.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Sauté Mushrooms Well: Cook until moisture evaporates to prevent watery casserole.
• Bloom Garlic: Add garlic at the end of sautéing mushrooms to avoid burning.
• Golden Crust: Broil 2–3 minutes at the end for an extra crunchy cheese layer.
• Flavor Layering: Herbs and garlic release their best flavor when cooked gently in oil before adding the chicken mixture.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers up to 4 days.
• Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
• Garnish fresh parsley just before serving for best appearance and flavor.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	420 kcal	Filling and keto-friendly
Protein	32 g	From chicken and cheese
Carbohydrates	5 g	Low-carb for keto
Fat	30 g	Healthy fats from cream & cheese
Saturated Fat	15 g	From cream & cheese
Fiber	1 g	Mushrooms
Sugar	2 g	Naturally occurring in mushrooms

Expanded Conclusion

Our Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort dish for anyone following a low-carb or keto lifestyle. It combines creamy richness, earthy mushrooms, tender chicken, and a melty cheesy topping to create a warm, hearty meal. Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or family dinners, it’s simple, versatile, and incredibly satisfying.

Try this recipe, experiment with your favorite herbs or vegetables, and enjoy a dish that’s as indulgent as it is nutritious. Share it with family and friends—you’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

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