Are you craving a mouthwatering, guilt-free dinner that will make your taste buds dance and your body thank you? Look no further than this incredible Creamy Chicken Mushroom Cauli Rice Casserole! Imagine a dish that combines the rich, comforting flavors of a classic casserole with a healthy, low-carb twist that will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished. This recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero - packed with tender shredded chicken, golden mushrooms, and a creamy sauce that'll have everyone begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 2 cups cauliflower rice
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- If not already prepared, cook chicken breasts thoroughly. You can do this by baking, grilling, or poaching until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, allow to cool slightly and then shred using two forks.
- In a large skillet, sauté sliced mushrooms over medium heat until they release their moisture and become golden brown, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, chicken broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Prepare cauliflower rice by either purchasing pre-riced cauliflower or grating fresh cauliflower using a box grater. If using fresh, lightly sauté or steam the cauliflower rice for 2-3 minutes to soften.
- In the prepared baking dish, layer the cauliflower rice as the base. Top with shredded chicken and sautéed mushrooms.
- Pour the cream cheese and broth mixture evenly over the layered ingredients, ensuring complete coverage.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the casserole, creating an even layer.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set and makes serving easier.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions if desired, and serve hot.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, season your chicken generously before cooking and consider using rotisserie chicken for an even quicker preparation.
- Make sure to sauté your mushrooms until they're golden brown to develop a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
- If you want extra moisture, you can add a splash of white wine to the cream cheese mixture for a gourmet touch.
- For a crispy top, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after baking to achieve a perfectly golden cheese crust.
- This dish is extremely meal-prep friendly! You can prepare it in advance and refrigerate, just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of shredded cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 740kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 53g
Saturated Fat: 31g
Cholesterol: 215mg
