Description
This Low Carb Chicken Casserole is a hearty, comforting, and flavorful dish made with tender chicken breasts, smoked turkey bacon, cauliflower florets, and creamy plant-based cheese. Enhanced with natural vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, fresh herbs, and a luscious plant-based heavy cream sauce, it offers a delicious twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for low carb diets, meal prep, and family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon
Vegetables
- 3 cups cauliflower florets
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley, chopped, about 2 tbsp
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 cup plant-based heavy cream
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Dairy Alternatives & Others
- 1 1/2 cups plant-based cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Bacon: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crisp. Remove bacon and set aside, reserving some bacon fat in the pan. Quickly sauté the chicken pieces in the bacon fat until they are golden and just cooked through, then remove from heat.
- Sauté the Aromatics and Cauliflower: Using the reserved bacon fat, gently cook the diced onions and crushed garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add the cauliflower florets and cook briefly until slightly softened but still firm, maintaining texture.
- Mix the Creamy Base: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the plant-based heavy cream, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), fresh herbs, and natural gelling agent until smooth and creamy. This will help bind the casserole and add richness.
- Combine and Assemble: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, crumbled smoked turkey bacon, sautéed vegetables, and creamy sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Transfer the mixture into a baking dish and sprinkle with a generous layer of shredded plant-based cheese on top.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors set.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for even cooking and consistent texture.
- Do not overcook the cauliflower; keep some crunch for the best mouthfeel.
- Reserve some bacon fat for sautéing to enhance smoky flavor.
- Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to set properly.
- Mix different types of shredded plant-based cheese for a more complex melt and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: low carb, chicken casserole, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, gluten free, comfort food, meal prep
