If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful meal that’s also a little lighter than your typical casserole, you have to try this Chicken & Cauliflower-Rice Casserole Recipe. It’s a beautiful harmony of tender shredded chicken mingled with creamy, cheesy cauliflower rice, packed with savory spices and topped with golden melted cheddar. Every bite feels like home, yet it’s refreshingly low-carb thanks to the cauliflower rice, making it perfect for cozy weeknights or feeding a crowd with something a little different. I can’t wait to walk you through this recipe that’s become a favorite in my kitchen for easy dinners that impress!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows eight bowls and plates arranged on a white marbled surface. At the top left, a white rectangular plate with a brown rim holds a block of cream cheese. To the right, a white bowl is filled with small, pale yellow cauliflower rice. Below the cheese plate, six small bowls display different seasonings including salt, dried herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika seasoning, and black pepper. In the middle, a white bowl contains shredded bright orange cheddar cheese. Just below that is a small bowl with chopped green onions. To the right, a white bowl holds shredded white meat chicken. All the items are neatly placed, and the lighting is bright and clear, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Chicken & Cauliflower-Rice Casserole Recipe shines because the ingredients are simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in the final dish’s flavor, texture, and color. You’ll get creamy richness, a pop of sharpness, aromatic herbs, and the perfect cheesy topping—all harmonizing beautifully.

12 ounces riced cauliflower: Acts as a light, grain-free base that soaks up flavors while adding gentle texture.
6 ounces cream cheese, softened: Brings creaminess and a subtle tang that makes every bite luscious.
½ cup thinly sliced scallions, divided: Adds fresh oniony brightness and a touch of color before and after baking.
1½ teaspoons garlic powder: Infuses savory depth with minimal effort, enhancing all the savory components.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Boosts the mellow sweet-and-savory onion flavor without overpowering.
1 teaspoon dry mustard: Offers a mild sharpness for complexity and a pleasant tang.
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that bring warmth and herbal notes that cozy up the taste.
½ teaspoon ground pepper: Gives just enough heat and spice kick to enliven the dish.
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all flavors, balancing the dish perfectly.
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Adds a subtle, inviting warmth that surprises the palate.
3 cups shredded cooked chicken breast: The hearty protein base that makes this casserole satisfying and comforting.
1½ cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided: Provides that rich, melty cheesy crust on top and creamy pockets throughout.

How to Make Chicken & Cauliflower-Rice Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by heating your oven to 400°F. While it warms up, coat a 7-by-11-inch baking dish with cooking spray to make sure your casserole won’t stick and will come out perfectly baked and easy to serve.

Step 2: Cook the Cauliflower Rice

Place the riced cauliflower in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it tightly, and microwave on high for about 3 minutes until tender. Depending on the cauliflower’s moisture, you may want to drain any excess liquid—this step keeps your casserole from becoming watery.

Step 3: Mix the Flavorful Base

In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with ¼ cup of the sliced scallions. Add garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard, Italian seasoning, ground pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper. Beat this mixture on medium speed for about a minute until smooth and creamy—this is where all the incredible flavors start to come together.

Step 4: Combine Main Ingredients

Gently fold the tender cauliflower rice, shredded chicken breast, and one cup of shredded sharp Cheddar into the cream cheese mixture. Make sure everything is evenly coated—this is the heart of the Chicken & Cauliflower-Rice Casserole Recipe where the texture and flavor meld beautifully.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Spoon the mixture into your prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of Cheddar cheese over it, then cover the dish with foil. Bake for 30 minutes until bubbling, then uncover and bake for another 10 minutes so the cheese on top browns beautifully, creating that irresistible crust.

Step 6: Final Touch and Rest

Once out of the oven, sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of scallions over the top for a pop of color and fresh bite, then let your casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps everything set nicely and makes each portion come out clean and perfect.

How to Serve Chicken & Cauliflower-Rice Casserole Recipe

The image shows a clear glass bowl with a creamy mixture inside that has three main layers: shredded pale beige chicken pieces mixed evenly with fluffy off-white rice as the base, small bits of bright orange cheese scattered throughout, and a white wooden spoon with a light brown handle resting inside the bowl on the right side. The mixture looks moist and soft with textures of shredded meat and rice. The bowl sits on a white marbled textured surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh scallions on top add that vibrant green contrast and a fresh onion bite. Feel free to add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for a tangy edge that brightens every forkful.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette to balance the creamy richness. Roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts or asparagus also make excellent sides that complement the hearty flavors without overpowering.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this casserole in individual ramekins for single servings, perfect for dinner parties. You can also layer the mixture in a clear glass dish to show off the colorful layers of cheddar, chicken, and cauliflower—a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a great make-ahead meal when you’re busy during the week.

Freezing

You can freeze the casserole before baking—cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as usual. This trick lets you have a comforting homemade meal ready in no time.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole casserole in a 350°F oven, covered with foil to keep moisture, for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Remove the foil in the last 5 minutes for a nice melty top.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cauliflower instead of riced cauliflower?

Absolutely! You can pulse fresh cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble rice. Just be sure to microwave or steam them until tender before combining with other ingredients.

What’s the best chicken to use for this casserole?

Shredded cooked chicken breast is ideal because it’s lean and tender, but leftover rotisserie chicken works beautifully and adds extra flavor with minimal effort.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute dairy ingredients with cream cheese and cheese alternatives made from cashews or soy. The texture might be slightly different but the casserole will still be delicious and creamy.

Is this recipe low-carb or keto-friendly?

This Chicken & Cauliflower-Rice Casserole Recipe is perfect for low-carb and keto diets since it swaps traditional rice for cauliflower rice which is much lower in carbs but still filling and tasty.

How spicy is this casserole?

The cayenne pepper adds just a gentle warmth that awakens the flavors without being overpowering. You can always adjust the amount to suit your heat preference or omit it completely for a milder dish.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken & Cauliflower-Rice Casserole Recipe has quickly become a go-to comfort food for its perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors paired with a nourishing, veggie-forward twist. It’s straightforward, satisfying, and a real crowd-pleaser no matter the occasion. Don’t hesitate to try it and make it your own—you’ll find it as comforting and delicious as I do!