Following an autoimmune protocol diet and looking for ways to cut down on your time in the kitchen? This AIP Chicken Casserole recipe is for YOU! 

I’m Abby Grimm, a board-certified functional dietitian who has successfully guided dozens of individuals through an AIP diet to reduce inflammation and autoimmune symptoms. 

This high protein AIP chicken casserole is fantastic to prep ahead of time for a quick lunch or dinner. It’s hearty and delicious. Let’s get into it! 

Benefits of a High Protein AIP Chicken Casserole

If you’re following an AIP diet, making meals palatable and full of flavor can be challenging. Not to mention, it can feel isolating at times to eat when your options are so limited.

But I am telling you, this will NOT be a concern with this AIP chicken casserole recipe. Ideally, this casserole is extremely comforting and super flavorful—you could find it on a restaurant menu! 

It’s packed with flavor. 

It’s creamy. 

It’s delicious. 

Here are some other benefits of a high-protein AIP chicken casserole. 

  • This AIP chicken casserole has only 12 ingredients! All these ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store, unlike many recipes that require you to scour the grocery aisles looking for fancy ingredients that may or may not be in stock.
  • You get the feeling of “cheesy” without actually consuming it. Thank you, nutritional yeast! 
  • Once your 1-hour of work is done, you have an easy lunch or dinner prepped and ready to go for the whole week.
  • This casserole is not only AIP but also Paleo, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, and free of added sugars! So, even if you’re not following an autoimmune protocol, it’s a satisfying and delicious anti-inflammatory meal option. People wouldn’t even know it’s considered a “healthy” option, so heck, bring it over to your next family potluck dinner! 

Details on The Main Ingredients Needed

  • Chicken Breast: Chicken breast is leaner, but chicken thighs are also a great option that will provide a bit more flavor for a little bit higher fat content.
  • Broccoli: Frozen works great, but fresh would also work!
  • Riced Cauliflower: This veggie blends in so nicely and provides added fiber, volume, and “heartiness” that blends in so nicely and leaves you feeling nice and satisfied.
  • Avocado Oil: This oil doesn’t add any unwanted flavors or aromas to the dish which is what you want. We also love it for the added healthy fats.
  • Onion: Nothing to say here other than, what’s a casserole without onion? Excellent for enhancing flavor! 
  • Coconut Milk: Regular milk would be fine for those not following an AIP diet, but if looking to keep dairy free this is a great option to keep the creaminess and consistency of the casserole. Coconut milk also blends in very well to balance the potency of the turmeric spice.  
  • Turmeric: Turmeric in fresh form is milder, so you can use the whole root if needed. Dried turmeric spice would also be great, especially if you enjoy the taste and potency of turmeric. Either way, the coconut milk really balances out the taste of turmeric. 
  • Arrowroot powder: Arrowroot adds a nice thickness to the casserole, and it’s AIP-friendly!

Nutritional Benefits of Recipe Ingredients

Of course, we love this recipe because it is delicious and simple to make, but we believe it’s essential to highlight the main benefits of this meal in terms of the wide array of whole foods used! 

  • Chicken Thigh or Breast: Rich in vitamin D, zinc, B-vitamins, and iron source. This protein source is also supportive of muscle-building protein and complete amino acids to support energy production and immune function. 
  • Broccoli and Cauliflower: a rich source of folate to support healthy detoxification levels. This will, therefore, encourage healthy estrogen levels in men and women. Therefore, the fiber in these veggies will also promote healthy digestion and balance of healthy bacteria in the gut microbiome. [1] 
  • Avocado: a rich source of fiber & omega 3’s to reduce inflammation and support heart and hormonal balance. [2] 
  • Yellow Onion: a rich source of antioxidants & prebiotic fibers to support the immune system and feed healthy gut bacteria 
  • Coconut Milk: a rich source of potassium, medium-chain triglycerides, and other nutrients that provide a delicious smoothness and thickness to the casserole
  • Chicken Bone Broth: a rich source of glycine and collagen to support healing of the gut lining and rich in minerals to support stress resilience, energy production, and liver detoxification. Ideally, chicken bone broth provides flavor for the casserole as well! 
  • Nutritional Yeast: plant-based source of B-vitamins and beta-glucan, which supports energy production, detoxification, and healthy microbial balance in the gut. This is where the “cheesy” taste comes from
  • Turmeric: a potent anti-inflammatory spice that has been shown to reduce inflammation, support brain function, and improve recovery from exercise. [3] 

Additional Equipment:

Your life will be easier if you have a few appliances to speed up the preparation process. While not required, here’s what we used and for what to prep this amazing AIP chicken casserole.

  • 9×13 casserole dish 
  • Instant Pot: to prepare the shredded chicken. But you could also do this in a crockpot if you’ve got more time or think ahead to prep the day before.
  • Kitchen Aid Mixer: We shredded the cooked chicken using the paddle tool from the mixer, and it was a lot easier than doing it by hand with forks. However, if you don’t have a Kitchen Aid mixer, you can simply shred the kitchen using a cutting board and forks!
  • High-Powered Blender: we used a Vitamix blender. This was used to blend the “cheesy” sauce in less than 30 seconds! 

Steps for Chicken Preparation:

To prepare the shredded chicken in a super quick and simple way, follow these steps using an Instant Pot and Kitchen Aid mixer

  1. In an Instant Pot place 1-1.5 pounds of chicken breasts or chicken thighs, 1 cup of chicken broth, and sprinkle seasonings you desire. We used extra turmeric, garlic powder, salt, and pepper! 
  2. Close and seal lid. 
  3. Set Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 10 minutes. After cook time is done let it natrually release for 15 minutes followed by a quick release of any remaining pressure. 
  4. Remove chicken and about half of the liquid and place the chicken into a kitchen aid mixer
  5. Use the paddle tool, lock the mixer, and start on the lowest speed as the mixer shreds up the chicken until desired consistency 
  6. Now your chicken is ready to go into your casserole! 

High Protein AIP Chicken Casserole

Here is what you will need to make this delicious AIP chicken casserole!

  • Chicken breast, shredded
  • Avocado oil
  • Salt
  • Fresh or frozen broccoli florets
  • Frozen riced cauliflower
  • Yellow onion
  • Canned coconut milk (full fat)
  • Chicken bone broth
  • Sweet potato
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Nutritional yeast 
  • Turmeric 
  • Arrowroot powder 

Looking For More AIP Recipes? 

Another breakfast option to add to your rotation is one of our FIVE AIP Breakfast Smoothies!

We also recommend our AIP Breakfast Hash or  Easy Lemon Garlic AIP Salmon for a simple and delicious lunch or dinner. 

Share This Recipe!

If you happen to give this AIP chicken casserole recipe a try and enjoy it, do us a favor. Snap a picture of your final product, and tag us on Instagram to get this recipe into the mouths of others following an AIP protocol. Sharing is caring! 

This recipe will yield 6-8 servings

Estimated Cost: $20-$25

Prep Time: 30 minutes 

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: ~60 minutes 

Ingredients 

  • 1-1.5 pounds of cooked and shredded chicken breast
  • About 3 tbsp avocado oil, divided
  • 2 tsp salt, divided 
  • 4 cups of fresh or frozen broccoli florets (we used fresh)
  • One package of frozen riced cauliflower (~12 oz), microwaved per instructions 
  • One medium-sized yellow onion, diced
  • One 13.5 oz can of coconut milk (full fat)
  • ¼ cup of chicken bone broth (plus 1 extra cup if preparing the shredded chicken)
  • ½ medium sweet potato, finely diced
  • 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 4 tbsp of nutritional yeast 
  • ¼ tsp turmeric 
  • 2 tbsp arrowroot powder 

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
  2. Spread broccoli evenly on the baking sheet and drizzle with ~1 tbsp avocado oil and 1 tsp of sea salt and massage together. Bake for 30 minutes or until crispy and brown.
  3. While broccoli is baking, follow the directions above to prepare shredded chicken in the Instant Pot and Kitchen Aid Mixer if not done so yet
  4. While chicken is being prepared, microwave the riced cauliflower 
  5. Heat the remaining avocado oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the onion and cook for about 5 minutes or until it begins to become translucent. 
  6. Add the coconut milk and bone broth, stirring to allow the coconut milk to melt if it’s hardened.
  7. Add the chopped sweet potato, apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp salt, turmeric, and nutritional yeast. Stir and bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the potato is soft
  8. Meanwhile, add the riced cauliflower, broccoli, and chicken to a large casserole dish and stir to combine. 
  9. Stir the arrowroot powder into the sauce and turn off the heat. 
  10. Transfer contents into the blender, and blend into a smooth sauce. 
  11. Pour the “cheese” sauce into the casserole and stir to combine.
  12. Optional – put casserole back in the oven for 5-7 minutes to warm if eating right away
  13. If storing the casserole, let it cool and store it in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. 

There you have it! The simplest, most refreshing AIP chicken casserole that you can prep on Sunday for a creamy, satiating, and timely lunch or dinner! Your taste buds are going to love this.