Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes, then stir and continue cooking for 3-4 more minutes until golden brown and moisture has evaporated. The pan should look dry, not watery.
- Add minced garlic to the mushrooms and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Remove skillet from heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, sautéed mushrooms and garlic, heavy cream, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt (about 1 teaspoon), and pepper (about 1/2 teaspoon). Mix until everything is well combined and evenly coated.
- Transfer the chicken mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom and into the corners.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken mixture, then top with the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the sauce is bubbling around the edges and the cheese is melted and golden brown. For extra crispy topping, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly during this time. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freezes well for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway. For best results, reheat covered in a 325°F oven for 20 minutes, then uncover for 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.
Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready.
Net Carbs: Approximately 3-4 net carbs per serving.
Substitutions: Use coconut cream for dairy-free (choose dairy-free cheese too). Turkey works instead of chicken. Try Gruyere or white cheddar instead of mozzarella. Add spinach, kale, or zucchini for extra vegetables.
Tips: Don't skip browning the mushrooms properly—this prevents a watery casserole. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting. If using raw chicken, cook it completely in the skillet first before adding mushrooms. Add 2 tablespoons cream cheese to the mixture for extra creaminess.
