Chilly Breeze Low Carb Bake

The wind was howling against my kitchen windows last November when I threw this together for the first time. I had chicken thawing and a fridge full of vegetables that needed using, but honestly, I was craving something that felt like a hug without the heavy pasta or potatoes. This casserole came out of that 'use what you have' energy, and it's been my go-to ever since.

My sister came over unexpectedly that evening, and I was worried a low-carb dish would feel like diet food. She actually asked for seconds and then texted me the next morning demanding the recipe. Now she makes it for her family every Tuesday, and honestly, knowing that something this good fits my lifestyle feels like a small victory.

Ingredients

• 500 g boneless skinless chicken breast: Dicing the chicken into bite-sized pieces helps it cook evenly and absorb more of that creamy sauce
• 1 medium head broccoli: Cut into uniform florets so they all become tender at the same time in the oven
• 1 medium zucchini: Dice it small so it softens nicely without becoming mushy
• 1 red bell pepper: Adds both sweetness and vibrant color that makes the dish look as good as it tastes
• 2 cloves garlic: Mince it fresh because jarred garlic can't compete with the aromatic punch you need here
• 120 ml heavy cream: This creates the luxurious base that makes everything feel rich despite being low carb
• 100 g shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor impact, but medium-sharp works if you prefer it milder
• 60 g cream cheese: Soften it completely before whisking or you'll end up with lumps in your sauce
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese: The salty umami punch that ties all the other flavors together
• 1 tsp dried thyme: Earthy and aromatic, this herb bridges the gap between the creamy sauce and vegetables
• ½ tsp smoked paprika: This subtle smokiness makes the dish taste like it cooked for hours
• ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper: Season gradually because the cheeses already bring saltiness
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley: The bright green finish makes the whole dish look like you put in way more effort

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and grease a baking dish:

A light coating of oil or butter prevents sticking and makes cleanup so much easier later.

Cook the diced chicken in a large skillet:

About 5 to 6 minutes over medium heat until the chicken is no longer pink, then remove it from the pan.

Sauté the garlic briefly:

Just 1 minute in the same skillet until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Add the vegetables:

Toss in broccoli, zucchini, and red bell pepper and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly tender.

Whisk together the sauce:

Combine heavy cream, cream cheese, cheddar, Parmesan, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until completely smooth.

Combine everything in the baking dish:

Mix the cooked chicken, sautéed vegetables, and sauce until everything is evenly coated.

Bake until golden and bubbly:

About 25 minutes in the oven until the cheese is melted and the top is beautifully golden.

Garnish and serve:

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top right before serving for that pop of color and freshness.

Save

This recipe became a staple during a particularly stressful work month when I needed comfort food that wouldn't leave me feeling sluggish. There's something about pulling a bubbling, golden casserole out of the oven that makes any evening feel special.

Making It Your Own

I've tried swapping turkey for the chicken, and while it works, the chicken stays juicier through the baking process. Sometimes I'll add cooked bacon if I want that smoky depth, or a pinch of red pepper flakes when I need something to wake up my palate.

Perfect Pairings

A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. I've also served it alongside roasted cauliflower when I wanted to keep the meal entirely low-carb, and the textures complement each other surprisingly well.

Storage and Reheating

This keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days and actually tastes even better the second day when the flavors have had more time to meld together.

• Reheat individual portions in the microwave in 30 second intervals
• Cover with foil if reheating the whole dish to prevent the top from burning
• Add a splash of cream if it seems dry after refrigeration

Save

There's something deeply satisfying about a recipe that manages to be both comforting and light. Hope this becomes your cozy night staple too.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute the chicken with other proteins?

Yes, turkey or cooked bacon can be used as alternatives to chicken, offering different flavor profiles while keeping the dish hearty.

→ What cheese can I use instead of cheddar?

Gruyère or other melting cheeses like mozzarella can substitute cheddar for a slightly different taste and texture.

→ Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but be sure to verify the labels on cheese and cream products for additives.

→ How do I enhance the flavor of this dish?

Add a pinch of chili flakes to the cheese sauce or swap smoked paprika for regular paprika for a milder spice.

→ What side dishes pair well with this bake?

A simple green salad or steamed vegetables complement the casserole nicely, balancing the rich cheese sauce.