Chicken Tetrazzini

There is nothing quite like a bubbling casserole to warm you up, but traditional pasta dishes can be a nightmare when you’re trying to keep things clean. That is why I am obsessed with this Paleo Chicken Tetrazzini. By swapping out the heavy noodles for tender spaghetti squash and using a rich, dairy-free coconut milk sauce, you get all that classic comfort food flavor without the carb coma. Whether you are Paleo or just looking for a hearty low-carb dinner, this creamy bake hits the spot every single time.

Serves 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340.2 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed of all visible fat and cut into 0.75-inch pieces

• 0.33 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 5 oz (141.7 g) Spaghetti Squash, prepared

• 2 tbsp coconut oil

• 1 tbsp coconut milk

• 8 oz (226.8 g) white or cremini mushrooms, trimmed and sliced thin

• 1 onion, chopped fine

• 2 tbsp coconut flour

• 32 tbsp Chicken Broth or Stock

• 2 tbsp dry sherry

• 4 oz (113.4 g) Coconut Milk Cheddar Cheese, softened

• 1 oz (28.3 g) Coconut Milk Cheddar Cheese, grated

• 16 tbsp bell pepper, diced

• 8 tbsp White Sandwich Breadcrumbs, toasted

Preparation

1. Adjust oven rack to upper-middle position and preheat oven to 400° F (205° C). Combine chicken and vinegar in a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
2. Meanwhile, melt oil in a twelve-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms, onion, 0.5 tsp sea salt, and 0.5 tsp pepper and cook until browned.
3. Add flour, broth, and sherry to a medium-sized bowl and whisk to combine. Add mixture to skillet, scraping up any browned bits, and bring to a simmer. Whisk in coconut milk and 4 oz (113.4 g) cheese and simmer until slightly thickened, about 1 minute. Stir in marinated chicken and peppers and simmer gently for 1 minute (chicken will not be fully cooked). Add mixture to cooked spaghetti squash and toss to combine.
4. Transfer mixture to an eight-inch square baking dish. Toss toasted breadcrumbs with remaining cheese in a bowl, season with sea salt and pepper to taste, and sprinkle over top. Bake until hot throughout, 12 to 14 minutes. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 310 kcal

• Total Fat: 16 g

• Saturated Fat: 9 g

• Cholesterol: 48 mg

• Sodium: 460 mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 18 g

• Dietary Fiber: 4 g

• Sugars: 5 g

• Protein: 23 g

Pro Tips for the Perfect Chicken Tetrazzini

• Ban the Moisture: Spaghetti squash releases a lot of water while baking. After you prepare the squash strings, place them in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and give them a gentle squeeze to remove excess moisture. This prevents your casserole from becoming watery at the bottom of the dish.

• Whisk the Flour Thoroughly: Coconut flour is highly absorbent and can clump easily. When adding it to the broth and sherry in step 3, make sure to whisk vigorously until completely smooth before adding it to the skillet. This ensures a silky, lump-free sauce.

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: In step 3, you are only simmering the chicken for one minute. It will look raw in the middle—this is intentional. It will finish cooking in the oven. If you cook it through in the pan, it will be dry and rubbery after baking.

• Let it “Set”: Dairy-free sauces (like the coconut cheese mixture used here) often need a moment to firm up after baking. Let the casserole rest on the counter for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly, making it much easier to scoop or slice.

• Broil for Crunch: If you prefer a golden-brown, extra-crispy topping, turn your oven to “Broil” for the final 60 to 90 seconds. Keep a close eye on it, as the almond/coconut flour breadcrumbs can burn much faster than traditional wheat crumbs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this recipe taste strongly of coconut? Surprisingly, no. While the recipe uses coconut oil, milk, and flour, the savory flavors of the chicken broth, balsamic vinegar, dry sherry, and sautéed onions overpower the sweetness of the coconut. The result is a rich, creamy sauce that tastes like traditional comfort food, not tropical fruit.

Can I make this Chicken Tetrazzini ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the entire casserole up to the point of baking. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to eat, add the breadcrumb topping and bake as directed. You may need to add 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time if the dish is going straight from the fridge to the oven.

How do I store leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave. Note that spaghetti squash can release a bit more liquid when reheated, so you might notice the sauce is slightly thinner the next day.

Can I freeze this dish? Freezing is possible but not highly recommended for optimal texture. Spaghetti squash tends to become very soft and watery upon thawing and reheating, which can break the creamy sauce. If you must freeze it, do so before baking, and thaw it completely in the refrigerator before putting it in the oven.

Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. It uses coconut flour for thickening instead of wheat flour, spaghetti squash instead of wheat pasta, and assumes the use of gluten-free white sandwich breadcrumbs. Always check the labels on your specific ingredients, especially the soy sauce or broth, to ensure they are certified gluten-free.

What if I can’t find Coconut Milk Cheddar Cheese? If you cannot find a commercial coconut-based cheddar, you can substitute it with any high-quality dairy-free cheddar alternative that melts well. If you are not strictly dairy-free, standard sharp cheddar cheese works perfectly in equal measures.

Conclusion

There you have it—a warm, creamy Chicken Tetrazzini that fits perfectly into your clean eating lifestyle. Whether you are serving this for a cozy family dinner or prepping it for the week ahead, this dish proves you do not have to sacrifice comfort for health. I really hope you give this one a try; it might just become a new staple in your rotation. If you make it, please drop a comment below and let me know how it turned out, or tag me on social media so I can see your creation!