This Creamy Chicken and Cauliflower Rice Casserole is a delicious, low-carb, and keto-friendly dish that’s packed with rich flavors. Made with tender rotisserie chicken, cauliflower rice, cream cheese, and cheddar, this casserole is the perfect comfort food without the carbs. It’s easy to prepare, making it a great weeknight dinner or meal-prep option that the whole family will enjoy!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 rotisserie chicken (4 cups, shredded)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic (or garlic powder)
- ½ small onion, finely minced (or onion powder)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (or Parmesan)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup chicken stock
- 1 large head cauliflower, riced
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Prepare the chicken: Remove the skin from the rotisserie chicken, discard the bones, and chop or shred the meat.
- Cook the cauliflower rice: Microwave the riced cauliflower with ¼ cup water for 7 minutes. Let cool and squeeze out excess liquid to prevent a watery casserole.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cooked cauliflower rice, heavy cream, cream cheese, minced onion, garlic, paprika, chicken stock, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Assemble the casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest & serve: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce.
- For a crispy topping, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after baking.
- Mix in more veggies like sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or celery.
- Add crispy bacon on top for extra crunch and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or oven (covered with foil).
- Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
Nutrients (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
This Creamy Chicken and Cauliflower Rice Casserole is a warm, cheesy, and satisfying meal that’s low-carb, gluten-free, and packed with flavor—perfect for a healthy yet indulgent dinner! 🥘✨
The Perfect Combination of Sweet and Savory
The star of this dish is undoubtedly the honey-garlic sauce. The honey provides a natural sweetness that perfectly complements the rich, savory garlic and lime flavors. This combination of sweet and savory is enhanced by the addition of Dano seasoning (or a mix of salt, paprika, and garlic powder), which imparts a depth of flavor to the chicken. For those who enjoy a bit of spice, the habanero pepper adds a touch of heat, giving the dish a subtle kick that balances the sweetness of the honey.
What makes this dish even more irresistible is the way the honey-garlic sauce is brushed onto the chicken kabobs while they’re still hot. This not only ensures that the sauce coats the chicken evenly but also creates a flavorful glaze that caramelizes slightly when it hits the grill. The result is a beautifully golden, flavorful exterior with tender, juicy chicken on the inside.
Grilled to Perfection: The Secret to Tender Chicken Kabobs
Grilling is the perfect cooking method for kabobs because it adds a smoky flavor and a slight char to the chicken, which enhances its overall taste. The chicken in this recipe is marinated for at least 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat. The lime juice in the marinade helps tenderize the chicken, while the olive oil ensures that the meat stays moist during cooking. The baking powder in the marinade also helps create a slightly crispy texture on the outside of the chicken as it grills.
Once the chicken is marinated, it’s threaded onto wooden skewers and grilled for just a few minutes on each side. The result is perfectly cooked chicken that is juicy, tender, and slightly charred on the outside, making it the ideal addition to the rice.
Serving with Fluffy Rice for a Balanced Meal
This recipe is served over fluffy white rice, which acts as the perfect base for the smoky, sweet chicken kabobs. The rice soaks up any extra honey-garlic sauce, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish. The combination of chicken and rice creates a balanced meal that’s both hearty and satisfying, making it ideal for both adults and children alike.
The rice also adds a soft, comforting texture to the dish, balancing the slightly crispy chicken. While the kabobs provide a burst of bold flavors, the rice offers a neutral, satisfying backdrop that makes every bite a harmonious experience.
Quick and Easy to Prepare
One of the best aspects of Honey-Garlic Chicken Kabobs with Rice is how easy it is to make. With just a handful of simple ingredients, the preparation is straightforward and quick. The chicken is marinated for only 20 minutes, allowing you to prepare the rice while the chicken absorbs the flavors of the marinade. Grilling the kabobs takes just 8 minutes, and the dish is ready to serve in under 30 minutes.
This makes it a fantastic option for busy weeknights when you want a delicious, healthy dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s also perfect for meal prep, as the kabobs can be grilled ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a few days. Reheat them in the microwave or on the grill for an easy and tasty meal any time of the day.
A Healthy, Protein-Packed Meal
Not only is this dish quick and easy, but it’s also packed with protein and healthy fats, making it a nutritious option for anyone looking to fuel their body. Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, and the addition of almonds in the recipe (from the almond-based seasoning) provides healthy fats that support overall health. The dish is also relatively low in saturated fat thanks to the use of olive oil for grilling.
The honey-garlic sauce is naturally sweetened with honey, which is a healthier alternative to refined sugars, providing a touch of sweetness without overloading on empty calories. Additionally, the habanero pepper in the sauce provides a slight metabolism-boosting effect, making this dish not just tasty but also beneficial for your body.
Perfect for Entertaining
If you’re hosting a gathering, Honey-Garlic Chicken Kabobs with Rice make an excellent choice. The kabobs are easy to serve and eat, and their vibrant flavors are sure to impress your guests. You can easily double or triple the recipe to accommodate larger groups, and they’re versatile enough to pair with a variety of side dishes.
For a complete meal, consider serving these kabobs with a side salad or roasted vegetables to add even more freshness to the plate. The honey-garlic sauce can also be served on the side for guests who want to add extra flavor to their kabobs.
Conclusion: A Versatile and Delicious Meal
In conclusion, Honey-Garlic Chicken Kabobs with Rice is a simple yet delicious meal that delivers bold flavors and satisfying textures. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a meal prep option, or a crowd-pleasing dish for a gathering, this recipe has got you covered. The tender grilled chicken, sweet and savory honey-garlic sauce, and fluffy rice come together in perfect harmony to create a dish that is both wholesome and indulgent.
Not only is it quick and easy to make, but it’s also packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it a well-rounded meal that will leave you feeling satisfied. The versatility of the dish allows for customization with different types of rice or vegetables, and the optional spicy habanero adds an extra layer of flavor for those who enjoy a little heat.
For anyone looking for a quick, delicious, and nutritious meal, Honey-Garlic Chicken Kabobs with Rice are the perfect option. This recipe is sure to become a favorite in your cooking repertoire!