Keto Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe [low carb]

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Mexico with this keto-friendly Mexican chicken casserole, a perfect dish for those following a low-carb lifestyle. Packed with tender chicken, zesty spices, and creamy cheese, this casserole brings a deliciously satisfying meal to your table without the extra carbs. Easy to prepare and full of nutritious ingredients, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

What is Mexican Chicken Casserole

The Mexican chicken casserole is a modern dish that merges traditional Mexican culinary elements with the convenience of American casserole cooking.

This fusion dish likely evolved as Mexican cuisine gained popularity in the United States, blending staple ingredients like chicken, cheese, peppers, and spices into a single, easy-to-prepare meal.

While not an authentic Mexican recipe, it reflects the influence of Mexican flavors and the American penchant for hearty, one-dish meals.

What ingredients are needed for Keto Mexican Chicken Casserole

In a keto Mexican chicken casserole, each ingredient plays a crucial role in ensuring the dish is both flavorful and diet-compliant:

Cauliflower rice: This low-carb substitute for traditional rice provides a similar texture and bulk without the high carbohydrate content, making the casserole suitable for a keto diet while adding a mild, slightly nutty flavor.

Vegan chicken: As a plant-based protein alternative, vegan chicken caters to those avoiding animal products, offering a similar texture and taste to chicken, ensuring the dish remains hearty and protein-rich.

Garlic: This aromatic ingredient enhances the overall flavor profile of the casserole with its pungent, savory notes, complementing the other spices and ingredients.

Salsa: Salsa adds a tangy, slightly spicy component to the casserole, infusing it with traditional Mexican flavors from tomatoes, onions, peppers, and spices, and helps keep the dish moist.

Dairy-free sour cream: This ingredient provides a creamy, tangy element that mimics traditional sour cream, adding richness and balancing the heat from the spices while catering to those who are lactose intolerant or avoiding dairy.

Chili powder: Essential for its warm, spicy kick, chili powder adds depth and heat to the casserole, contributing to the authentic Mexican taste.

Dairy-free cheese: This cheese alternative melts similarly to regular cheese, providing the familiar creamy, gooey texture and flavor without the lactose, ensuring the dish remains dairy-free and suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

How to make Keto Mexican Chicken Casserole

Preheat oven to 350 F and set a casserole dish ready.

First, get a large pan and heat the oil. Give the cauliflower rice, garlic, and chicken in the hot oil. Then fry all for 5 minutes while stirring. 

Next, add the salsa to the mix, together with 3/4 of the cheese, and the sour cream. Finally, season with chili powder, salt, and black pepper. 

Now transfer everything from the pan to the casserole dish and top it with the rest of the vegan cheese. Bake in the oven for about 10 minutes. 

Serving Suggestions

To complement your keto Mexican chicken casserole, consider these serving suggestions to create a complete and satisfying meal:

• Add creamy, nutrient-rich avocado slices or a side of guacamole to enhance the casserole’s flavors and provide healthy fats.
• Serve with a refreshing green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette, incorporating ingredients like lettuce, spinach, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes for a crisp contrast to the warm casserole.
• Cauliflower Tortillas: Pair the casserole with homemade or store-bought cauliflower tortillas to create low-carb, handheld portions reminiscent of tacos or burritos.
• Offer lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of zesty citrus that can be squeezed over the casserole for added freshness and brightness.
• Provide a side of sliced fresh or pickled jalapeños for those who enjoy an extra kick of heat, adding another layer of authentic Mexican flavor.
• Garnish the casserole with freshly chopped cilantro and green onions to add a pop of color and a fresh, herbal note to each bite.

What are possible variations? 

Here are some possible variations to the keto Mexican chicken casserole to suit different tastes and dietary preferences:

1. Include crumbled chorizo sausage for a spicier, more robust flavor and an extra protein boost, making the dish even heartier.
2. Sauté bell peppers and onions to add to the casserole for a more colorful, nutrient-rich variation that enhances the Mexican flavor profile.
3. Substitute salsa with green enchilada sauce for a tangy twist and a slightly different flavor profile that pairs well with chicken.
4. Incorporate sliced zucchini or fresh spinach to add more vegetables and a different texture, keeping the dish keto-friendly while increasing its nutritional value.
5. Top the casserole with sliced avocado or a dollop of guacamole after baking for added creaminess.
6. Sprinkle sliced black olives and pickled jalapeños on top before baking for added flavor complexity and a touch of heat.
7. Serve with a side of fresh pico de gallo to add a burst of freshness and acidity, balancing the richness of the casserole.
8. Use ground beef, turkey, or shrimp instead of chicken for a different protein source, catering to various taste preferences and adding variety.

What to do with leftovers of Keto Mexican Chicken Casserole?

Leftovers from your keto Mexican chicken casserole offer endless possibilities for delicious meal variations. You can use the leftover casserole as a filling for low-carb tortillas or lettuce wraps to create quick and flavorful tacos, or hollow out bell peppers and stuff them with the casserole for a unique stuffed pepper dish. Another option is to serve the leftovers in bowls, topped with fresh ingredients like diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and a dollop of dairy-free sour cream for a quick and nutritious meal.

For breakfast or brunch, mix the leftovers with scrambled eggs for a hearty and flavorful option. Alternatively, crumble the leftover casserole over a bed of mixed greens and vegetables, adding a drizzle of lime vinaigrette for a filling salad. If you’re in the mood for soup, incorporate the leftover casserole into a pot of chicken or vegetable broth, adding extra vegetables if desired, to create a comforting and hearty soup. Additionally, you can scoop out some avocado flesh to create a well, fill it with the leftover casserole, and bake until the avocado is warm and slightly tender for a unique and satisfying dish.

To extend the life of your leftovers, store them in an airtight container and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick and convenient meal on busy days. These creative repurposing ideas ensure that your keto Mexican chicken casserole can be enjoyed in various ways, offering delicious and satisfying meals each time.

Other Keto Recipes to try

• Easy Keto Asparagus Casserole Recipe (low-carb)
• Easy Keto Bacon Chicken Casserole Recipe
• Keto Alfredo Sauce
• Best Keto Big Mac Casserole Recipe [low carb, easy]
• Easy Keto Cauliflower Cheese Casserole

 

Share your favorite twist on this keto Mexican chicken casserole with us in the comments below! Don’t forget to tag in your Instagram and Facebook posts. I can’t wait to see how you’re enjoying this delicious dish! Let’s inspire each other to cook up some amazing meals.