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Healthy Chicken Cauliflower Rice Casserole

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A creamy, cheesy, and comforting casserole that transforms humble ingredients like chicken, cauliflower rice, and cheddar into a nourishing, low-carb family favorite. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, and picky eaters, this dish proves healthy eating can be utterly delicious and fuss-free.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch pieces

2 tbsp olive oil

1 large head of cauliflower (about 67 cups riced), riced fresh or frozen (thawed and squeezed dry)

1 small yellow onion, finely diced

4 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

1/2 cup milk (dairy or unsweetened non-dairy)

1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp dried Italian seasoning

Salt and black pepper to taste

2 tbsp fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. 1. Prep Ingredients: Dice chicken into 1-inch pieces. Finely dice onion. If using fresh cauliflower, rice using a food processor or box grater. If using frozen, thaw completely and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. 2. Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.

3. 3. Sauté Aromatics and Cauliflower: In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook 3-5 minutes until softened. Add riced cauliflower and cook 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened.

4. 4. Create Creamy Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add softened cream cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Pour in chicken broth and milk, stirring continuously until creamy. Add sour cream (or Greek yogurt), garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and 1/2 cup cheddar cheese. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce thickens slightly. Season generously with salt and pepper.

5. 5. Combine: Return cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat evenly with the sauce.

6. 6. Assemble: Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Top with remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese.

7. 7. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted and lightly golden. For a deeper golden crust, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching closely.

8. 8. Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let rest 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.

Notes

Crucial Tip: Squeeze all excess moisture from cauliflower rice to avoid a watery casserole. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting. Season chicken well from the start. If meal prepping, assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate; add 5-10 minutes baking time if starting cold. Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in oven at 300°F or microwave; add a splash of broth or milk if dry. For a vegetarian version, substitute chickpeas or cannellini beans.

  • Author: Charlotte Johnson
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup)
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg