Indulge in the heartwarming goodness of our Keto Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole, where every bite is a harmonious blend of creamy spinach, succulent chicken, and tender artichokes, topped with a golden Parmesan crust. This gluten-free, low-carb masterpiece is a delightful treat for anyone looking for a delicious and nutritious meal, perfect for gathering the whole family around the dinner table.
My love for the classic spinach artichoke dip was deep, yet it often left me feeling unwell, with headaches and discomfort. This mystery unraveled when I started my journey in nutrition studies. I discovered the hidden culprits: preservatives and artificial ingredients in grocery stores and restaurant foods, notorious for causing inflammation.
This knowledge sparked a transformation in my approach to cooking, leading me to recreate my favorite dishes with clean, natural ingredients, significantly improving how I felt after meals.
In my culinary exploration, I experimented with various low-carb casserole recipes, each of our delicious recipes offering its own unique flair – from the savory Chicken Parmesan Casserole and the hearty Italian Turkey Broccoli Casserole to the zesty Green Chile Chicken Casserole, tangy BBQ Chicken Casserole, Bacon Ranch Chicken and Rice Casserole, and the spicy Buffalo Chicken Broccoli Casserole. (And many more!) For make ahead keto breakfast ideas, try our keto breakfast casserole.
The real triumph was in reimagining my cherished artichoke dip into this sumptuous casserole. It has become a family favorite! The combination of chicken with the creamy spinach artichoke mix, crowned with a crispy Parmesan topping, resulted in a dish that's not just a quick, easy weeknight dinner but also a nutrient-dense delight.
Setting intentions before crafting a recipe is a practice that has profoundly enriched my cooking experience. It brings mindfulness to the process, infusing the dish with positive energy and care. This approach leads to meals that are not only nourishing but also deeply satisfying. I invite you to learn more about this transformative technique in our free guide on setting intentions and using affirmations – it's a valuable resource for anyone wishing to elevate their culinary skills and overall well-being.
This artichoke chicken casserole recipe is more than just a low-carb meal; it's a symphony of delicious flavors and simple ingredients that come together to create a flavorful chicken dinner. It's perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or whenever you need a comforting, family-friendly dish.
Whether you're a seasoned keto enthusiast or a newcomer to gluten-free cooking, this cheesy chicken casserole, brimming with fresh spinach, marinated artichoke hearts, and gooey mozzarella cheese, is sure to delight. Join us in celebrating the joy of creating and sharing delicious, wholesome meals that cater to a vibrant, healthy lifestyle.
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Ingredients
Cream Cheese: The foundation of our casserole's creamy sauce, cream cheese adds a rich, velvety texture. Opt for organic, full-fat cream cheese with minimal ingredients for the best quality and health benefits, including essential vitamins and healthy fats.
Rotisserie Chicken: A convenient choice for a busy weeknight, rotisserie chicken ensures this chicken artichoke bake is both delicious and easy to prepare. For a healthier option, choose organic or free-range chicken with no added hormones or preservatives from your local grocery store.
You can also make your own shredded chicken in the instant pot or slow cooker with skinless chicken breasts or boneless chicken thighs if you prefer!
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, savory depth to the casserole. Parmesan, especially when aged and of high quality, not only enhances flavor but also provides calcium and protein. Look for Parmesan with a short ingredient list, signifying less processing.
Fresh Spinach: Brings color, nutrients, and a subtle earthy flavor to the dish. Fresh spinach is packed with vitamins and iron. Choose organic, vibrant green leaves that are crisp and free from blemishes.
Artichoke Hearts: A key component in this low-carb meal, artichoke hearts contribute a mildly sweet and nutty flavor. They are high in fiber and antioxidants. Select artichoke hearts that are canned or jarred in water or brine with minimal additives.
Greek Yogurt: It enhances the creamy sauce with its tangy flavor and adds a protein boost. Greek yogurt also provides probiotics for gut health. Choose full-fat, organic Greek yogurt for maximum benefits and a richer taste.
Almond Flour: Almond flour is one of our favorite options for breadcrumb alternatives. Most keto recipes use pork rinds in place of panko bread crumbs, but we found a better-for-you alternative!
Mozzarella Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully, adding gooey deliciousness to the casserole. Mozzarella is a good source of protein and calcium. Opt for organic, whole-milk mozzarella for the best flavor and healthful fats.
Garlic: Offers a pungent flavor and numerous health benefits, including antibacterial properties. Fresh, organic garlic cloves are preferable for their superior taste and benefits.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the dish. Onions are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties. Choose fresh, organic onions for the best flavor and nutritional value.
Avocado Oil: Used for roasting and sautéing, avocado oil has a high smoke point and is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats. Look for cold-pressed, organic avocado oil.
Black Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its sharp, mildly spicy notes. Freshly ground black pepper is more flavorful and contains more antioxidants.
Each of these ingredients plays a vital role in creating a flavorful and health-conscious low-carb meal. When shopping, always look for organic, minimally processed options to ensure the highest quality and benefits.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Roasting Cauliflower: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, coat the cauliflower florets with avocado oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Once done, remember to reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) for the next steps.
Sautéing Veggies: In a large skillet, warm avocado oil over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, cooking them for about 2 minutes until they release their aroma. Follow this by adding fresh spinach to the skillet, and sautéing until it wilts, approximately 5 minutes.
Combining Ingredients: Take a large mixing bowl and combine your cooked chicken, cream cheese, half of the Parmesan cheese, Greek yogurt, half of the mozzarella cheese, artichoke hearts, the sautéed spinach mixture, and the roasted cauliflower. Season this with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, sea salt, and black pepper.
Filling the Dish: Carefully transfer this mixture into your baking dish, spreading it out to create an even layer.
Preparing the Cheesy Topping: In a small bowl, mix the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan with almond flour and the rest of the Italian seasoning.
Adding the Topping to the Dish: Gently sprinkle this cheese and almond flour mixture over the top of the chicken mixture in the casserole dish.
Baking and Broiling for a Perfect Finish: Bake the casserole in the oven at the adjusted temperature for 20 minutes. Then, switch your oven to broil and let the casserole broil for an additional minute to achieve a crispier top. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Garnishing and Serving: Once baked, garnish the casserole with dried parsley and serve it warm. This final touch adds a subtle flavor and makes your creamy spinach artichoke chicken casserole a visually appealing and delicious easy dinner.
Remember, each step, from roasting the cauliflower to the final broil, is crafted to maximize flavors and textures, ensuring your chicken artichoke bake turns out perfect every time.
Hint: For easier mixing, let the cream cheese reach room temperature before adding it to the artichoke mixture. Alternatively, gently warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat until it softens. This ensures a smoother, creamier texture in your chicken artichoke bake.
Substitutions and Variations
Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian twist.
Extra Spice: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the artichoke mixture.
Turn It Into a Dip: By adjusting the consistency with a bit more sour cream or heavy cream, you can transform this casserole into a rich, creamy dip. Serve it with vegetable sticks or low-carb crackers for an entertaining and crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Sour Cream: If you prefer the tanginess of sour cream, it can easily replace Greek yogurt in the recipe.
Cream Cheese Alternative: For a lighter version, omit the cream cheese and use FAGE 5% Greek yogurt instead. Its thickness is akin to cream cheese and maintains the creamy consistency of the dish.
Heavy Cream for Yogurt: Organic heavy cream is another excellent substitute for Greek yogurt, adding richness and depth to the casserole.
Cauliflower Rice Instead of Florets: Swap out cauliflower florets for cauliflower rice for a different texture. This variation still offers the nutritional benefits of cauliflower while changing up the dish's consistency.
Zucchini Noodles as a Cauliflower Alternative: Zucchini noodles can replace cauliflower, offering a unique twist and adding more vegetables to your meal.
Feta Cheese: Sprinkle some feta cheese on top before baking for an additional burst of flavor. Feta's saltiness complements the creamy elements beautifully, creating a more complex taste profile.
These substitutions and variations allow you to tailor the creamy spinach artichoke chicken casserole to your preferences, dietary needs, or simply to what you have on hand, ensuring each rendition of this low-carb meal is both healthful and delightful.
Storage
Store leftovers of your chicken artichoke casserole, and let them cool to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container. This method keeps the casserole fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
When reheating, opt for the oven or stovetop instead of the microwave. In the oven, reheat at 350°F until thoroughly warmed. On the stovetop, gently heat the casserole in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
These storage and reheating techniques ensure your leftover chicken casserole retains its flavor and texture, making it a delightful meal every time.
Top tip
For an extra crispy and golden top on your creamy spinach artichoke chicken casserole, finish it with a brief broil after the regular baking time. After baking, set your oven to broil and place the casserole under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching it closely. This additional step caramelizes the cheese topping, adding a delightful texture contrast to the creamy layers beneath. Just be vigilant during broiling to avoid burning, as it can happen quickly. This simple yet impactful technique takes your casserole from delicious to spectacular, making it a sure hit for any low-carb meal occasion.
FAQ
Yes, artichokes can be included in a keto diet. They are low in net carbs and high in fiber, making them a great choice for those following a ketogenic lifestyle. Artichokes offer nutritional benefits, including being rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. However, as with all foods on a keto diet, they should be consumed in moderation to maintain the balance of macronutrients needed to stay in ketosis.
The carb content in spinach artichoke dip can vary depending on the recipe. Traditional spinach artichoke dips may have higher carbs due to added ingredients like flour or breadcrumbs. However, our Keto Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole, inspired by the classic dip, is designed to be low in carbs, using keto-friendly ingredients that align with a ketogenic diet. By substituting high-carb ingredients with low-carb alternatives, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of spinach artichoke dip without the worry of excessive carbs.
Vegetables that are high in carbohydrates are generally not allowed or should be limited on a keto diet. These include starchy vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, and peas. Root vegetables such as carrots and beets are also higher in sugars and should be consumed in moderation. The key to a keto-friendly diet is to focus on low-carb vegetables like leafy greens, cauliflower, broccoli, zucchini, and bell peppers, which provide essential nutrients without significantly increasing your carb intake.
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Pairing
Pair with sauteed asparagus, steamed broccoli, or a simple side salad!
More Holistic Nutrition Info
Recipe
Keto Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole
Equipment
- Spatula or mixing spoon
Ingredients
- 2 cups cauliflower florets
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken rotisserie or homemade
- 1 cup cream cheese softened
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
- 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- 1 cup artichoke hearts drained and chopped
- 2 tablespoon avocado oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning divided
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup almond flour
- Dried parsley for garnish
- Red pepper flakes for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cauliflower with avocado oil, salt, and pepper; roast on a baking sheet for 20-25 minutes. Lower oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
- Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic and onion for 2 minutes, then add spinach and cook until wilted.
- In a large bowl, combine chicken, cream cheese, half the mozzarella and Parmesan, Greek yogurt, drained and chopped artichokes, spinach mixture, roasted cauliflower, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to the casserole dish.
- Mix remaining mozzarella and Parmesan with almond flour and remaining Italian seasoning for the topping. Sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake for 20 minutes. Broil for 1 minute to brown the top.
- Garnish with dried parsley and red pepper flakes. Serve warm.
Nutrition
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making and savoring this keto chicken spinach artichoke casserole as much as I do. It's a great dish that brings a flavor-packed meal to your dinner table. If you loved this recipe, don't forget to save it for later and share it with friends who appreciate delicious keto chicken recipes. For more information on Clean Keto check out our free Clean Keto Meal Plan!
Stay connected with us on social media for more delightful recipes and tips, and feel free to comment below with your thoughts on this recipe or share your own variations. Your feedback and experiences are what makes this journey so special.
Lastly, don’t forget to subscribe for more mouth-watering recipes and tips to keep your meal times exciting and healthy. Remember, every meal is an opportunity to nourish not just your body but also your soul.
Be well,
Natalie
Andréa says
This looks like a delicious healthy dinner meal. Love the combination of chicken, spinach, and artichoke!
Natalie Perry says
It is one of our favorites!
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says
The cauliflower and artichokes in this dish really complement each other. My family loved this meal - we'll have it again!
Natalie Perry says
Wonderful!
Nora says
What a wonderful, flavorful meal! Can't wait to make it again! Thank you!
Natalie Perry says
so happy you enjoyed it!