chicken spinach and mushroom low carb casserole

I’ll never forget the evening Grace showed up at my door with a bag full of fresh spinach from the farmer’s market and a mischievous grin. “Let’s make something comforting but healthy,” she said. That night, with Lila and Jack setting the table and arguing about who got the bigger serving spoon, we created our first chicken spinach and mushroom low carb casserole.

The kitchen filled with the aroma of garlic, herbs, and melted cheese while we laughed about everything and nothing. Mark would have loved this dish—it’s exactly the kind of meal that brings everyone together without weighing you down.

This low carb chicken casserole has become our weeknight hero, packed with protein, vegetables, and so much flavor that no one even notices it’s good for them. Whether you’re watching your carbs or simply craving something wholesome and delicious, this chicken spinach and mushroom low carb casserole delivers every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Low Carb Chicken Spinach Casserole

This chicken spinach and mushroom low carb casserole checks every box for busy families like ours. First, it comes together in one dish, which means less cleanup—something I deeply appreciate after a long day. Additionally, the combination of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant spinach creates layers of flavor that satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Jack, who normally picks out vegetables, devours this casserole without complaint.

Furthermore, this low carb mushroom chicken casserole fits perfectly into various eating styles. Whether you’re following keto, watching your carbohydrates, or simply wanting a lighter dinner option, this recipe works beautifully. The creamy sauce binds everything together without relying on flour or heavy starches. Moreover, you can prep components ahead of time, making weeknight dinners incredibly manageable.

The cheese topping turns golden and bubbly in the oven, creating that irresistible texture everyone craves. Meanwhile, the chicken and spinach casserole stays moist and flavorful thanks to the cream cheese and broth mixture. Finally, leftovers taste even better the next day, which rarely happens in my house because this dish disappears quickly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering ingredients for this chicken spinach and mushroom low carb casserole is straightforward. You probably have most items in your kitchen already. Here’s what you need:

Ingredient	Amount
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts	2 pounds
Fresh spinach	4 cups
Mushrooms, sliced	8 ounces
Cream cheese, softened	8 ounces
Heavy cream	1/2 cup
Chicken broth	1/2 cup
Mozzarella cheese, shredded	2 cups
Parmesan cheese, grated	1/2 cup
Garlic, minced	4 cloves
Olive oil	2 tablespoons
Italian seasoning	2 teaspoons
Salt	1 teaspoon
Black pepper	1/2 teaspoon
Red pepper flakes (optional)	1/4 teaspoon

Substitutions & Variations

This low carb casserole with chicken adapts beautifully to what you have on hand. If you prefer chicken thighs instead of breasts, they work wonderfully and add extra richness. Similarly, rotisserie chicken saves time—just shred about three cups and skip the initial cooking step.

For the vegetables in this chicken spinach and mushroom low carb casserole, frozen spinach works perfectly. Simply thaw it completely and squeeze out all excess water before adding. You can also swap cremini mushrooms for white button mushrooms or even try shiitake for a deeper flavor.

Dairy variations offer flexibility too. Greek yogurt can replace some of the cream cheese for a tangier profile. Alternatively, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to lighten the dish slightly. The cheese topping welcomes creativity—try Gruyère, fontina, or sharp cheddar for different flavor profiles in your mushroom spinach chicken bake.

If you want to add more vegetables, consider artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers. These additions complement the existing flavors while keeping the carb count low. Some people enjoy adding a handful of fresh basil or thyme right before baking for extra freshness in their keto chicken casserole.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this chicken spinach and mushroom low carb casserole follows a simple process. I’ll walk you through each step just like I do when Lila helps me in the kitchen.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Meanwhile, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from heat, let rest briefly, then cut into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Sauté the mushrooms for about 5 minutes until they release their moisture and turn golden brown. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This builds tremendous flavor in your low carb chicken and mushroom casserole.

Step 3: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet with the mushrooms. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts completely. If using frozen spinach, simply stir it in since it’s already cooked. Season with the remaining Italian seasoning.

Step 4: Reduce the heat to low. Add the cream cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. This creates the luscious base for your chicken spinach and mushroom low carb casserole.

Step 5: Add the cooked chicken pieces back to the skillet. Stir everything together until the chicken is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Transfer the entire mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top, creating a generous layer that will turn golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Bake the low carb spinach mushroom casserole for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts, bubbles, and develops golden spots. If you want extra browning, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 8: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes serving much easier.

Making this chicken spinach and mushroom low carb casserole follows a simple process. For another easy chicken recipe, check out our sheet pan chicken pitas with herby ranch slaw recipe that is perfect for busy weeknights.

Pro Tips for Success

After making this chicken spinach and mushroom low carb casserole countless times, I’ve learned several tricks that guarantee success. First, don’t skip cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Uniform pieces ensure even distribution and make serving much simpler.

Second, thoroughly drain any excess liquid from the mushrooms and spinach. Vegetables release moisture during cooking, and too much liquid creates a watery low carb chicken casserole. If you notice excess liquid in your skillet, drain some off before adding the cream cheese mixture.

Third, bring the cream cheese to room temperature before starting. Cold cream cheese refuses to blend smoothly and creates lumps in your sauce. I usually set mine on the counter about 30 minutes before cooking.

Fourth, don’t overbake your chicken and mushroom low carb bake. The chicken is already cooked, so you’re simply heating everything through and melting the cheese. Overbaking dries out the chicken and makes the casserole less creamy.

Finally, use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded varieties. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Freshly grated cheese creates that stretchy, gooey texture we all love in a cheesy chicken casserole.

Storage & Reheating Tips

This chicken spinach and mushroom low carb casserole stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Let the casserole cool completely before storing. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days.

For reheating individual portions, the microwave works perfectly. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. This prevents the edges from drying out while the center heats through. If reheating the entire low carb casserole, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes.

You can also freeze this chicken spinach and mushroom low carb casserole for up to three months. I recommend dividing it into portion-sized containers for easier thawing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat as directed above. The texture remains excellent after freezing, though the sauce may seem slightly separated—just stir well and it comes back together.

This chicken spinach and mushroom low carb casserole stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. If you’re looking for a sweet treat to complement your meal, try our strawberry crackle salad creamy dessert idea.

What to Serve With This Recipe

While this chicken spinach and mushroom low carb casserole serves as a complete meal on its own, certain sides complement it wonderfully. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. I often toss mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a simple lemon dressing.

Roasted vegetables make another excellent pairing. Try roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or green beans seasoned with garlic and olive oil. These vegetables add color and nutrition while keeping the meal low in carbohydrates.

For those not watching carbs as strictly, crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce from this low carb chicken bake. Cauliflower rice offers a lower-carb alternative that still provides that satisfying grain-like texture.

Grace loves serving this mushroom chicken casserole with roasted cherry tomatoes on the side. The acidity from the tomatoes balances the richness beautifully. Sometimes I’ll add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil right before serving for a pop of freshness.

FAQs

Can I make this chicken spinach and mushroom low carb casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the entire chicken spinach and mushroom low carb casserole through step 6, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator while the oven preheats, then bake as directed, adding 5-10 extra minutes since it starts cold.

How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?

Excess moisture comes primarily from the vegetables. Cook the mushrooms until their liquid evaporates completely. If using fresh spinach, wilt it thoroughly and press out any excess water. For frozen spinach, squeeze it very well in a clean kitchen towel before adding to your low carb chicken casserole.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs work beautifully in this chicken spinach and mushroom low carb casserole. They add extra flavor and stay moist during baking. Use boneless, skinless thighs and cook them the same way as the breasts, though they may need an extra minute or two.

Is this recipe truly keto-friendly?

This chicken spinach and mushroom low carb casserole fits perfectly into a ketogenic diet. Each serving contains approximately 5-7 net carbs, depending on portion size. The combination of protein, healthy fats, and low-carb vegetables makes it an ideal keto meal.

What other cheeses work well in this casserole?

Many cheeses complement this low carb chicken and spinach bake. Try Gruyère for a nutty flavor, sharp cheddar for tanginess, or fontina for creaminess. You can also mix different cheeses—combining mozzarella with Gruyère creates wonderful depth. Just maintain the same total amount of cheese.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	385
Protein	42g
Total Fat	22g
Saturated Fat	12g
Total Carbohydrates	7g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Net Carbohydrates	5g
Sugar	2g
Sodium	685mg

Note: This chicken spinach and mushroom low carb casserole recipe yields 6 servings. Nutrition information is approximate and varies based on specific ingredients used.

This chicken spinach and mushroom low carb casserole has earned a permanent spot in our weekly rotation. It combines everything I love about cooking—simple ingredients, big flavors, and the ability to bring my family together around the table. When Lila and Jack ask for seconds, and Grace texts me the next day asking for the recipe again, I know this dish delivers exactly what we need: comfort, nutrition, and love on a plate.

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A chicken spinach and mushroom low carb casserole is a nutritious dish that combines lean protein with vegetables, making it a great option for those looking to maintain a healthy diet. This type of casserole can be a part of various dietary plans, including low-carb and keto, providing a satisfying meal without excess carbohydrates, as detailed in casserole recipes.