Creative Chicken Casseroles - The Low Carb Darlings
When you're starting a low carb diet, probably one of the foods most people turn to is chicken. Its "zero carbs, high protein" sales pitch hits the mark. Chicken is also reasonably priced and versatile.
But, with any diet, variety is important. Eating yet another grilled chicken breast with a side of asparagus spears is not going to keep the low carb dieter happy for long. Not long at all.
A person who is limiting carbs in their diet needs dishes that are filling. Carbs play a big role in filling our tummy, so the clever dieter has to find ways to replace the bad carbs they may have been eating with good carbs and plenty of protein.
So, how do we move chicken from that 'grilled boneless skinless chicken breast' on a plate to something that tastes like a real meal? Get that chicken in a casserole where it can be a part of something filling, nutritious, delicious, and low carb. Let's take a look at a few ideas for doing just that.
Asian Inspired Low Carb Chicken Casserole
Think of your favorite stir-fry ingredients and get them together easily in a casserole. Layer thinly cut strips of chicken with shoestring style celery, carrots, and onions in a casserole dish. You might want to add some shredded cabbage, too. If you have bean sprouts and water chestnuts, add those, too.
Whisk together some soy sauce, mustard, olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, and drizzle it over the ingredients. Cover and bake. Sprinkle some chopped almonds over the top before serving if you like. This dish is very filling as is or it can be served over rice if your diet allows.
Mexican Inspired Low Carb Chicken Casserole
If you de-construct those tacos, enchiladas, and burritos, it's easy to create a chicken casserole that is flavorful, filling, and low carb. You start with the chicken, browning it if you like. Then layer in the low carb ingredients you love in your favorite Mexican foods. Choose poblamo peppers, red chilies, onions, celery, tomatoes, corn, tomato sauce, and cilantro.
If allowed on your diet, add black beans, pinto beans, or other beans to the dish. Add cheese and you have a filling low carb chicken casserole with very little difficulty but a lot of taste. Again, you can serve this over rice or tortillas if allowed.
Italian Inspired Low Carb Chicken Casserole
When pasta is avoided because of a low carb diet, you may be tempted to avoid Italian dishes, as well. The good news is, there's a lot more to enjoy about Italian cooking than pasta. Fresh vegetables and tasty herbs are the keys to creating a chicken casserole that is flavorful enough to satisfy the low carb dieter.
Choose fresh zucchini, yellow squash, tomatoes, and onion, to set the stage. Then add fresh basil or dried oregano flakes and top with fresh Mozzarella cheese. When the chicken is smothered in these ingredients, you won't even think about the pasta!
Being on a low carb diet shouldn't mean you have to limit your meals to plain old grilled chicken breasts over and over again. With these few suggestions, you can create filling delicious chicken casseroles that are still low carb, but never boring!
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