This chicken green bean casserole is made with shredded chicken and cut green beans in a creamy cream cheese sauce. This low carb friendly dinner recipe is a great to meal prep for the week.
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Are you looking for a way to use up some leftover roasted chicken or turkey? One option is to make an easy leftover turkey stew or soup. But that basic dish may not win your family over as much as a cheesy low carb casserole.
I know that a recipe is worth keeping when my husband goes for seconds. He's super picky so if he likes it I know it's got to be exceptionally good.
This creamy low carb chicken green bean casserole is one of the low carb dinner recipes my husband really enjoyed! Although he claims he doesn't like cream cheese, I didn't tell him I used it in this dish and he devoured the meal.
The cream cheese is not overpowering in this dish and it blends well with the parmesan cheese. The creamy sauce in this yummy casserole is somewhat similar to an alfredo sauce which goes really well with chicken.
Ingredients in the Chicken and Green Bean Casserole
To make the chicken green bean casserole, the following ingredients were used:
- Green beans
- Cooked chicken
- Cream cheese
- Heavy cream
- Water
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Parmesan cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
Quick Tips:
- Although green beans were used, other low carb vegetables like broccoli could be added instead. Spinach or kale would also work out well.
- I don't usually like to take the time to shred chicken but, it was worth the extra time because the shreds of chicken combined better in the sauce than cubed chicken would have.
- If you don't have any cooked chicken or turkey on hand, raw meat can be poached or cooked in an Instant Pot to make the casserole.
- Another really easy way to save time cooking chicken is to use a rotisserie chicken, they are usually made without sugar.
How To Make A Chicken Green Bean Casserole from Scratch
There are a lot of green bean casserole recipes with chicken that use canned soup as a base like the one at Betty Crocker. But, most of those soups have unnecessary additives that result in added carbs. That's why it's best to make the casserole from scratch.
My recipe starts with a layer of cooked green beans. Either fresh or frozen can be used. I used a small bag of cut green beans. If using fresh, it's best to cut them up before putting in the casserole so they are bite-sized.
The green beans are then topped with a small amount of sauce before adding the shredded chicken. The sauce could be combined with the green beans and chicken before adding to the baking pan rather than layering if desired.
However, it's easier to just layer the vegetables in the pan rather than combining first and then spreading it out in the baking dish. Don't you agree?
Frequently Asked Questions About Keto Green Bean Casserole
The entire recipe is at the bottom of the post but first, I am going to answer a few questions about this recipe - read through them and see if you had one of these questions too.
What Is The Best Thing To Use On Top Of The Casserole?
I thought a little shredded mozzarella would be a nice topping for the gluten-free chicken green bean casserole. However, you could add another type of cheese or additional shredded parmesan cheese on top.
In addition to cheese, either crushed pork rinds or crumbled bacon would make a nice touch over the cheese. It's also a good idea to garnish with some parsley for added color since there's a lot of white between the cheese and chicken.
How Long Do I Bake This Chicken Green Bean Casserole?
The chicken green bean casserole is baked just until the cheese began to brown on top. For me, it was about 25 minutes at 350°F.
What Is The Best Thing To Serve With It?
There's no need for a side dish since the casserole is complete with meat and vegetables. But when I serve it, I like to add fresh greens like those in my baby kale avocado salad along with some sliced low carb bread.
Can I Make This Without Meat?
Yes, this casserole will taste just as delicious without any meat! You might have to adjust how much sauce you use since I created the recipe with the chicken in mind.
You can even use any kind of shredded meat, but the lighter meats like chicken and pork will taste the best.
How Do You Freeze The Casserole?
This casserole freezes really well. You can save it for later and then you will save lots of time meal prepping.
To freeze it, you need to cook the casserole first. Then, let it cool. After it is completely cooled off, seal it and store it in the freezer.
I suggest storing it in an oven-safe dish. That way, you can just take it out of the freezer and pop it in the oven.
The best way to do this is to let it thaw first, but you can always just cook it from frozen too - but it will take a little longer that way.
Low Carb Green Bean Casserole Recipe
This is a nice chicken and vegetable casserole that your family is sure to enjoy. Be sure to leave a comment if you do give it a try to let us know how it turned out.
Other Recipes To Try
If you are searching for more low-carb casseroles to make at home, then you should try one of these favorites:
- Low-Carb Pizza Casserole is gluten-free with an irresistible tomato sauce.
- Keto Chicken Broccoli Casserole With Cream Cheese is so rich and filling and compliments any meal.
- Keto Shephard's Pie is an entire meal in one pot with creamy mashed cauliflower on top.
- Stuffed Pepper Casserole is brimming with tantalizing spices, melted cheese, and only has 4 grams of net carbs per serving.
- Low-Carb Paleo Buffalo Chicken Casserole is loved by everyone that enjoys the spicy buffalo flavor.
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Recipe
Chicken Green Bean Casserole
Video
Ingredients
- 10.8 oz frozen green beans or fresh
- 2 ½ pounds chicken cooked and shredded
- 2 packages cream cheese 8 ounces each
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup parmesan cheese grated
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese shredded
Instructions
- Cook green beans according to bag directions, then place in a lightly greased or seasoned 9x13 baking dish.
- Heat the cream, water, cream cheese, garlic powder, salt, and parmesan cheese over low heat, stirring until smooth.
- Pour 1 cup of sauce over the green beans.
- Layer the chicken over the green beans and then pour the rest of the sauce on top.
- Sprinkle top with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake at 350 F for about 25 minutes or until cheese is browned.
Notes
Low Carb Sweeteners | Keto Sweetener Conversion Chart
Nutrition
Additional Info
Notes on Nutritional Information
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs are not included in carb counts as it has been shown not to impact blood sugar. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.
Copyright
© LowCarbYum.com - Unauthorized use of this material without written permission is strictly prohibited unless for personal offline purposes. Single photos may be used, provided that full credit is given to LowCarbYum.com along with a link back to the original content.
First Published: November 29, 2018... Last Updated: October 22, 2020, with additional recipe information.
Kala
I’ve been making this for years! I was planning to make it today and had the thought of adding sliced and halved carrots. Has anyone tried this?
Eileen A
great way to use leftover chicken, green beans. Since i had 6 oz chicken leftovers and tiny amt cooked green beans, cooking for 2 light eaters, and no heavy cream (only half n half) - had to seriously adapt, but it worked. No one went hungry...
Denmark3
Absolutely delicious recipe. I did add bacon to the green beans, but, otherwise followed the recipe as printed. I used leftover rotisserie chicken, so the whole recipe is easy to put together.
Angie
Easy recipe especially if you have leftover chicken breasts. I added fried onions and capsicum which add to carbs but well worth the taste!
Pamela
Can’t wait to make this. Whenever I make a casserole with chicken I buy an already cooked rotisserie chicken and shred as soon as I get it home from the store since it’s much easier when hot. This has saved me so much time and its seasoned well
Toni
I didn’t have green beans so I used broccoli. Delicious, quick and easy.
Deanna
Hey Lisa, as usual your recipe looks amazing! I would Love this, however there are some in my family that are "offended" by the smell of parmesan. (I don't get it!) Anyway, can the parmesan be sub'd? Is it the flavor or the texture that is important?
Thanks for your help!! ????
Lisa MarcAurele
The parmesan gives it more of an Alfredo taste, but you can change it out if others don't care for the smell or taste. It's more for flavor than texture. But if you sub it out with a softer cheese like mozzarella, the casserole will be more gooey and cheesy.
Millie
Shread the chicken with your kitchen aid stand mixer so much faster.
Gayla Skates
This was delicious! My husband I both loved it. This one is going on our regular rotation!
trish
for the green bean chicken cass...what is a serving size, says 10 servings...1/2 cup or 1 cup?
Lisa MarcAurele
It's closer to a cup size.
DJ
Tbis is DELICIOUS!! The flavor is perfect. We doubled the amount of green beans, and reduced the amount of chicken, to suit our taste. It was gobbled up by the entire family. It's the perfect comfort food, but healthier. Thank you for sharing your recipes!!
Heather
Love, love, love this recipe and this was my very first casserole ever eating or making. I just do see anywhere, the serving size?
Lisa MarcAurele
It's at the very top of the recipe card: 10 servings
Michelle
I’m curious to change it up do you think hamburger instead of chicken would be good? Similar to Shepherds Pie?
Lisa MarcAurele
I think ground meat would work fine in the recipe. It would be similar to a ground beef stroganoff that I've made.
Teresa
Yum!! This chicken casserole is so good!!
Cris
I make this all the time now ... at least once or twice every couple walks ... absolutely delicious I do Add 1 cup of cream of mushroom to it ...it does not take over the flavor of the delicious Parmesan ... I have taught my children how to make this this will be a favorite casserole tradition in my family for generations to come thank you for the recipe is just absolutely delicious ????????????
Cheryl
This was absolutely wonderful. Next time I am using two cans of green beans. Love veggies. When I cooked chicken I used Italian Seasoning to add flower to chicken. This would be great to take to a carry in dinner. Freezes as well.
Donna
Going to try the green bean and chicken casserole.thanks
Kevin
So good, it's a keeper for our go to meals. Thank you for sharing it.
Jess
Just made this last night. Super easy and I cheated and just used a couple cans of cut green beans which did not need to be cooked before assembling. It’s was excellent and my super picky hubby who is not on a low carb meal plan enjoyed it. I am so happy I found your recipe. Thank you so much for sharing it ?
Lisa MarcAurele
My husband loves this one too and he doesn't do low carb (he's super active and doesn't eat much anyway).
Diane
I just made the Low Carb Eggplant Parm Lasagna Casserole and it is a FAVORITE now. It satisfies the desire to have Italian food but also is low carb. Will be making this many times over.
cheryl
If using fresh green beans do I need to cook them before putting in the oven?
Lisa MarcAurele
It's best to cook them first so they are softer.
Xo
What is the best way to reheat leftovers? I have soo much left.
Lisa MarcAurele
Either a low temperature oven or the microwave.
Lauren
I added half a lemon's worth of lemon juice to the chicken and my husband loved it!
Stephanie Jones
This was so good it didn’t make any sense! It was so delicious that I wanted to eat it till I physically burst!!
Lisa MarcAurele
I knew this one was a keeper when my husband ate it without complaining. I'm so glad you enjoyed it too!
Katherine
Hi you think this could be cooked in a deep pie maker like the Kogan for single servings?
Lisa MarcAurele
I don't see why not.
Jodi
This sounds delish! Can I substitute Almond milk instead of heavy cream?
Thanks!
Lisa MarcAurele
It will be thinner so you may want to use less.
karen kay french
love it made alot can you freeze?
Lisa MarcAurele
It should be okay to freeze them.
Linda Roberts
I generally store cooked chicken by the cup. Can you tell me how many cups of chicken are used?
Lisa MarcAurele
It's a little over 6 cups.
Kayla
I absolutely loved this! I don’t like green beans so I boiled some cauliflower and layered the bottom with it. Topping it with bacon was another level of deiciousness!! I make another keto Alfredo/cheese sauce with less cream cheese, and I liked yours just as much! And it didn’t take as long as mine can take!
Anyway, delicious! Thank you!
Lisa MarcAurele
Any vegetables will work out. Cauliflower sounds like a great sub for the green beans.
Tammy Horn
I made this last night. Made it exactly as your recipe and it was so delicious! My husband and I both really liked it. Definitely adding this to our rotation of meals. Thank you!
Janet
I added cooked egg noodles as a bed to the beans and chicken before melting the cheese. My husband and I both loved it and will definitely have it again.
Lisa MarcAurele
Thanks for sharing that serving idea! Sounds perfect.
Laurie Bean
So delicious. My husband loved it too. Thank you so much. Second recipe I have tried. Loved the cauliflower mash too!
Lisa MarcAurele
You're welcome! I'm happy to share the low carb recipes. 🙂
Beth
Love. This. Casserole. I do make it with broccoli instead of green beans, but the favor is so good, and it only gets better as leftovers. Highly recommend.
Sammyie
Eh, It didn't seem to have much flavor. I've never made alfredo sauce before, so I wasn't aware that is what the white sauce was...
It was really bland; we ate it with more parmesan cheese and drizzled with sriracha and it was much better. Likely won't make again.
Lisa MarcAurele
You could add in some herbs to it, but this type of sauce is just supposed to get flavor from the cheese.
Lisa
Maybe I overlooked it but how much is one serving? I don't see it listed on the Nutrition Facts.
Lisa MarcAurele
It's just a tenth of the recipe since it serves 10.
Annette Thompson
This was so delicious! We used 4 chicken breasts, 3 cans of green beans and shredded Mexican cheese blend instead of mozzarella this first time and next time we’ll try fresh steamed broccoli. The cream cheese sauce was to die for!
Lisa MarcAurele
I agree! Even my super picky husband and daughter devoured this casserole.
J
My wife and I started low carb meals. This was a great meal. Thanks
Kevin Schlewitz
I just made this so here's my thoughts...
Flavor is wonderful. I like the idea about topping it with crushed pork rinds.
I had some issues and I'm not sure if it was because of the size of pan I was cooking it in. The author doesn't say what size to use but that can make a difference. I used a glass baking dish that was 7" x 8 3/4" x 3" deep.
First of all, at least with my glass pan, there was way too much sauce. And this is coming from a Gravy/Sauce guy. I could easily see cutting it in half. Half the cream cheese, half the water, half the heavy cream. I went by the original recipe and I didn't even use all of the sauce. And the finished product was completely overwhelming and almost gagged me. Obviously it was easy to push the sauce aside and not eat all of it and like I said maybe it was the size of my pan I was using but it was way more than is needed and this is coming from a dude who could drink a gallon of gravy LOL.
Lisa
Thanks for those thoughts! The pan was larger (9x13), but I do think the sauce could be cut back.
Andrea
I just made this recipe for dinner tonight. OMG, the cream sauce was amazing! I can see using it as an alfredo sauce to go with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. I poached and shredded 2.5 lbs of chicken breasts but ended up only putting in half to look more like your picture. Are you sure it's 2.5 lbs?
Lisa
I bet the sauce would go great with veggie noodles!
Beverly Siek
I may be missing something, but I didn't see an actual recipe. What's in and how do you make the sauce? It looks so good! Thanks for posting this.
Lisa
I had an issue on the website this morning where I needed to deactivate all software plugins, one of which was for displaying recipes. That should be fixed now. Sorry!
Jenifer
This was absolutely amazing! I've been a low carber for a little over two years now so I try a lot of new recipes. This is definitely one of my favorites. My family loved it, too. Thanks for such a great dinner!
Lisa
Always happy to share a good recipe with low carbers.
Ana
I see that it says cook green beans according to bag directions but do we cook fresh green beans first too? In the video they look raw.
Lisa MarcAurele
I find steaming to crisp tender works best.
Leslie
I'm pinning this. I've never thought to add chicken! You just blew my mind, haha.
Lisa
I hope you enjoy it if you give it a try. Adding the chicken makes it a one dish meal. 😉
Rebecca
This sounds absolutely delicious! My husband is the same way with veggies!
Lisa
This one is full of creamy goodness. Guys tend to appreciate the added meat.