Savory Chicken & Cauliflower Rice Casserole
(Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, One-Pan Comfort Meal)
Preparation Details:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary: Gluten-free, Low-carb, Keto-friendly
Equipment Needed:
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Cutting board and knife
- Food processor (or box grater)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients:
- 4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (about 1 whole chicken)
- 1 head cauliflower, riced (3 cups) [or pre-made cauliflower rice]
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened (8 oz/225g)
- 1 cup heavy cream (240ml) [or Greek yogurt]
- 1 cup shredded cheddar (4 oz/113g) [or mozzarella]
- 1/2 cup chicken stock (120ml)
- 1/2 small onion, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Black pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
Method:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- If using whole cauliflower, pulse in a food processor until rice-sized pieces form.
- Microwave cauliflower rice for 7 minutes, then drain and squeeze out excess moisture.
- In a large bowl, combine chicken, cauliflower rice, softened cream cheese, heavy cream, chicken stock, minced onion, garlic, and spices.
- Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13 baking dish.
- Top evenly with shredded cheddar.
- Bake for 25 minutes until bubbling and cheese is golden.
- Optional: Broil for 2-3 minutes for extra browning.
Crucial Tips:
- ALWAYS squeeze excess moisture from cauliflower rice.
- Let cream cheese soften at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Don’t overbake – it can dry out the casserole.
- Test seasoning before baking.
Storage & Reheating:
- Refrigerate up to 4 days.
- Freeze portions up to 2 months.
- Reheat at 300°F (150°C) for 15 minutes.
Scaling:
- For smaller portions, halve all ingredients and use an 8×8 dish.
- Doubling the recipe requires two baking dishes.
Variations:
- Mexican: Add taco seasoning and top with a Mexican cheese blend.
- Italian: Use mozzarella and Italian herbs.
- Veggie-loaded: Add broccoli or spinach.
- Spicy: Include diced jalapeños and cayenne.
Common Mistakes:
- Skipping the cauliflower draining step.
- Not softening the cream cheese.
- Overcooking until dry.
This casserole combines comfort food satisfaction with healthy, low-carb ingredients. Perfect for meal prep and family dinners!
