This creamy chicken casserole is the ultimate comfort food, reimagined to fit perfectly within a carnivore diet. Rich and indulgent, it features tender chicken in a velvety cheese and cream sauce, topped with a buttery, crunchy pork panko crust.
Whether you’re looking for a satisfying dinner or a meal-prep-friendly dish, this recipe offers a delicious way to stay on track.
How to Make a Carnivore-Friendly Creamy Chicken Casserole
- Yield: 6 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (not including time to cook chicken)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 cups finely chopped cooked chicken breast
For the Topping:
- ¾ cup pork panko
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- ½ cup pregrated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream. Mix until smooth. Stir in the chopped chicken, ensuring it is well coated. Transfer the mixture to an 11×7-inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
- In a separate small bowl, combine the pork panko and melted butter. Mix thoroughly, then stir in the Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the chicken mixture.
- Bake the casserole for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy, and the filling is hot and bubbly. Serve immediately.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Chicken Casserole
- Cooking the Chicken: To achieve 4 cups of cooked chicken, start with about 2 pounds of raw, boneless, skinless chicken breasts. These can be poached, roasted, or pan-seared depending on your preference.
- Crunchy Topping: For the perfect crunchy texture, use shelf-stable Parmesan cheese sold in jars or cans. Bagged Parmesan often contains too much moisture and may not crisp up properly.
- Meal Prep-Friendly: This casserole reheats beautifully, making it an excellent option for batch cooking. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Why This Recipe Fits the Carnivore Diet
With its focus on high-protein and high-fat ingredients, this creamy chicken casserole aligns seamlessly with a carnivore diet. By swapping traditional breadcrumbs for pork panko, the dish stays grain-free and carnivore-approved without sacrificing texture or flavor.
Advanced Cooking Tips & Serving Suggestions
- Add Flavor Variations: Incorporate shredded cheese into the chicken mixture for an extra layer of richness or sprinkle bacon crumbles on top before baking for added flavor.
- Make It in Advance: Prepare the casserole up to the topping stage, cover, and refrigerate. Add the topping just before baking to ensure a fresh, crunchy finish.
- Pairing Ideas: While this dish stands on its own, you can serve it alongside a dollop of whipped cream cheese or melted butter for extra indulgence.
This creamy chicken casserole is a true classic reimagined for the carnivore lifestyle. Its rich, cheesy filling and satisfyingly crunchy topping make it a dish you’ll want to enjoy time and time again. Perfect for dinner, meal prep, or entertaining guests, this casserole proves that staying carnivore can be both delicious and easy. Try it tonight!
Creamy Chicken Casserole with Crunchy Pork Panko Topping
Ingredients
- 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 cups finely chopped cooked chicken breast
- ¾ cup pork panko
- 2 tablespoons salted butter melted
- ½ cup pregrated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream. Mix until smooth. Stir in the chopped chicken, ensuring it is well coated. Transfer the mixture to an 11×7-inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
- In a separate small bowl, combine the pork panko and melted butter. Mix thoroughly, then stir in the Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the chicken mixture.
- Bake the casserole for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy, and the filling is hot and bubbly. Serve immediately.
Disclaimer: Some images in this content were created/edited with the help of AI.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.