When I first made this casserole, it came from one of those nights when I was trying to pull together something hearty from what I already had. A couple of mushrooms, some leftover chicken, and a craving for creamy comfort food came together in this rich, cheesy, low-carb dish. Every bite is warm, garlicky, and perfectly seasoned with thyme—a cozy meal that feels indulgent but stays keto-friendly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s quick, satisfying, and completely adaptable. It’s one of those dinners that looks and tastes like I spent hours in the kitchen, but it actually comes together in under an hour. The creamy sauce, the golden cheese crust, and the juicy chicken make it feel like a true comfort classic. I also appreciate that I can easily customize it with different veggies or cheeses without losing the flavor or texture I crave.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 teaspoon thyme
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
2 cups sliced mushrooms
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
1/2 cup chopped spinach (optional)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions
I preheat my oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a casserole dish with a bit of olive oil.
I heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add 2 cups of sliced mushrooms. I sauté them for about 5–7 minutes until golden and tender, then add the 2 minced garlic cloves for the last minute of cooking. I set them aside once fragrant.
In a mixing bowl, I whisk together 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of chicken broth, and 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. Then I season it with 1 teaspoon of thyme, salt, and pepper.
I fold in 2 cups of shredded or diced cooked chicken and the sautéed mushrooms. If I’m adding spinach or red pepper flakes, I mix them in at this stage.
I pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it evenly. Then I sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
In a small bowl, I combine the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese with 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese and sprinkle it evenly over the casserole.
I bake it uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
Once baked, I let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving so it sets nicely.
Servings And Timing
Servings: 6
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Oven temperature: 375°F (190°C)
Variations
Sometimes I like to replace the chicken with turkey for a simple switch-up. If I’m in the mood for a stronger cheese flavor, I use cheddar instead of mozzarella. For a lighter version, I substitute almond milk for heavy cream, though it creates a thinner sauce. Adding a small pinch of rosemary with the thyme also gives it a lovely herbal depth that I enjoy.
Storage/Reheating
I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, I freeze portions for up to 2 months—though the sauce might separate slightly after thawing. To reheat, I bake it at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or heat individual portions in the microwave in short bursts.
FAQs
Can I prep this casserole the night before?
Yes, I often assemble it in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. When I’m ready to bake, I simply add an extra 5–7 minutes to the cooking time.
How do I make the cheese topping crispier?
I like to broil the casserole for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully until the top becomes golden and slightly crisp.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried thyme?
Definitely. I replace 1 teaspoon of dried thyme with 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh thyme—it gives a brighter, fresher flavor.
What can I serve with this casserole?
I usually serve it with roasted broccoli, a crisp green salad, or cauliflower mash for a full keto-friendly meal.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, I replace the heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free cream cheese and shredded cheese. The flavor remains rich, and the texture stays creamy.
Conclusion
This Keto Chicken and Mushroom Casserole is one of my favorite go-to meals when I want something filling, flavorful, and simple to prepare. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of satisfying textures—all while keeping things low-carb. I love how it transforms a few basic ingredients into a dish that feels like pure comfort every single time.
A creamy, cheesy, and hearty low-carb casserole made with tender chicken, mushrooms, and a rich sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan. Perfect for a comforting keto-friendly dinner.
Total Time:45 minutes
Yield:6 servings
Ingredients
1 teaspoon thyme
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
2 cups sliced mushrooms
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup chopped spinach (optional)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a casserole dish with olive oil.
In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Sauté sliced mushrooms for 5–7 minutes until golden, then add garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Remove from heat.
In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, chicken broth, and cream cheese until smooth. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
Fold in cooked chicken, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Pour mixture into the greased casserole dish and spread evenly. Top with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella.
In a small bowl, combine remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Sprinkle over the casserole.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Broil for 1–2 minutes if a crispier top is desired.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use cheddar cheese instead of mozzarella for a stronger flavor.
Add a pinch of rosemary along with thyme for extra depth.
Substitute turkey for chicken if desired.
Use almond milk instead of cream for a lighter version.
Store in fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.