Cheesy Chicken Cauliflower Rice Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Chicken Cauliflower Rice Casserole is a delicious, low-carb dish that combines tender shredded chicken with flavorful cauliflower rice and melty cheddar cheese. Creamy and satisfying, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you crave comfort food without the heaviness.

Ingredients

• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or cooked chicken breast)
• 4 cups cauliflower rice
• 4 oz cream cheese or 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Optional: 1 cup sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. If needed, cook and shred your chicken. Prepare cauliflower rice or use store-bought.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cauliflower rice and sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and most moisture has evaporated.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, cooked cauliflower rice, cream cheese or Greek yogurt, half of the shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. If using optional veggies, lightly sauté them first, then add to the mixture.
4. Step 4: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.
5. Step 5: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly around the edges. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Sauté the cauliflower rice well to remove excess moisture and avoid a soggy casserole.
• Use full-fat cream cheese for a richer casserole, or Greek yogurt for a lighter version with added protein.
• Shred your own cheese if possible, as it melts more smoothly than pre-shredded.
• Lightly sauté optional vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli to maintain good texture.
• Try substituting shredded turkey or ground chicken instead of shredded chicken.
• Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Swiss cheese for different flavors.
• Add a spicy kick with red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños.
• For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with cooked lentils or tofu crumbles.

Storage

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven at 350°F until warmed through. This casserole also freezes well; freeze portions before or after baking by wrapping tightly and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to one day in advance and refrigerate it. Bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use frozen cauliflower rice?

Absolutely. Just thaw the frozen cauliflower rice and sauté it to remove excess moisture before mixing it into the casserole.

Cheesy Chicken Cauliflower Rice Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 61 reviews

This Chicken Cauliflower Rice Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting low-carb dish packed with shredded chicken, sautéed cauliflower rice, and flavorful seasonings. It features a melty cheddar cheese topping and optional veggies like spinach or mushrooms, making it a perfect healthy meal for busy weeknights or anytime you crave a hearty casserole with a light twist.

• Author: Rami
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Carb

Ingredients

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Protein and Dairy

• 2 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie or cooked chicken breast)
• 4 oz cream cheese (or 1/2 cup Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Vegetables

• 4 cups cauliflower rice (fresh or thawed from frozen)
• Optional: 1 cup spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli, lightly sautéed

Seasonings

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. If your chicken is not cooked, cook and shred it now. Prepare your cauliflower rice if using fresh, or thaw it if frozen.
2. Cook the Cauliflower Rice: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cauliflower rice and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and most of the moisture has evaporated to avoid a soggy casserole.
3. Mix the Casserole Base: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cooked cauliflower rice, cream cheese or Greek yogurt, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. If using optional vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms, lightly sauté them first and then mix into the base.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
5. Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly around the edges. Once baked, allow the casserole to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to set properly.

Notes

• Sauté cauliflower rice thoroughly to remove excess moisture and prevent a watery casserole.
• Use full-fat cream cheese for a richer, creamier texture; Greek yogurt adds protein and reduces fat.
• Shred your own cheese if possible for better melting.
• Lightly sauté optional vegetables to maintain beneficial texture and flavor balance.
• Adjust seasoning before baking to taste.
• This recipe can be halved and baked in an 8×8-inch dish with slightly reduced baking time.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze portions before or after baking.
• Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Keywords: Chicken casserole, cauliflower rice, low carb dinner, creamy casserole, cheesy chicken bake, healthy comfort food, easy weeknight meal