Keto Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Name: Keto Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced; 4 cups broccoli florets; 4 ounces cream cheese; 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Looking for a delicious, creamy, and satisfying low-carb dinner? This Keto Chicken Broccoli Casserole is an easy family-friendly recipe made with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, cream cheese, heavy cream, and melted cheddar cheese. Every bite is rich, cheesy, and full of flavor.

This simple casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, meal preparation, or anyone following a ketogenic or low-carb eating plan. It uses everyday ingredients, requires minimal preparation, and comes together in one baking dish for easier cleanup.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 40–45 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Diet: Keto-friendly, low-carb

Why You Will Love This Keto Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Low-carb ingredients: Chicken, broccoli, and cheese make a satisfying combination.
Creamy and cheesy: Cream cheese and cheddar create a rich sauce.
Easy preparation: Simple steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.
Family-friendly: A comforting dinner that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Meal-prep friendly: Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated.
Customizable: Add your favorite keto-friendly herbs or seasonings.

Ingredients for Keto Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Gather these ingredients before you begin cooking.

3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
4 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, optional

Equipment Needed

9 x 13-inch baking dish
Large mixing bowl
Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
Whisk or mixing spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent the casserole from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli

Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Steam or boil the broccoli for approximately 3–4 minutes, until it is slightly tender but still bright green. Drain thoroughly and set aside.

If using frozen broccoli, thaw it completely and remove excess moisture before adding it to the casserole. This helps prevent a watery sauce.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the cooked chicken breast into small cubes or shred it using two forks. Rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken can also be used for convenience.

If starting with raw chicken, cook it separately until the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Allow it to cool slightly before cutting or shredding.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Place the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir gently until the cream cheese softens and the mixture becomes smooth.

Add the minced garlic, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all the seasonings.

Add the mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Remove from the heat.

Step 5: Combine the Ingredients

Place the cooked chicken and prepared broccoli in a large mixing bowl. Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the mixture.

Gently stir until the chicken and broccoli are evenly coated. Make sure the sauce reaches the bottom of the mixture so every serving is flavorful.

Step 6: Transfer to the Baking Dish

Spoon the chicken and broccoli mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly using a spatula or the back of a spoon.

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. This creates a delicious golden, cheesy layer as the casserole bakes.

Step 7: Bake the Casserole

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the cheese has melted.

For a more golden top, broil for an additional 1–2 minutes if desired. Watch carefully to prevent the cheese from burning.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for approximately 5 minutes. This allows the creamy sauce to settle and makes serving easier.

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm as a comforting keto-friendly dinner.

Tips for the Best Keto Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Drain the broccoli well: Excess water can make the casserole runny.
Use freshly shredded cheese: It often melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
Soften the cream cheese: This helps create a smoother sauce.
Use cooked chicken: Preparing the chicken in advance saves time.
Adjust the seasoning: Taste the sauce before combining it with the chicken and broccoli.
Avoid overbaking: Bake just until hot and bubbly to help keep the chicken tender.

Helpful Tip: If your sauce seems too thick, add a small amount of heavy cream. If it seems too thin, make sure the broccoli is well drained and allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking.

Easy Variations

1. Keto Chicken Bacon Casserole

Add 4 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon to the chicken and broccoli mixture before baking for a smoky flavor.

2. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Casserole

Replace some of the cheddar cheese with grated Parmesan and add an extra clove of garlic for a savory, cheesy variation.

3. Spicy Keto Chicken Casserole

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a small amount of red pepper flakes to give the casserole a little heat.

4. Mushroom Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Add sliced mushrooms that have been sautéed until tender. Cook off excess moisture before mixing them into the casserole.

What to Serve with Keto Chicken Broccoli Casserole

This casserole is satisfying on its own, but you can pair it with other low-carb side dishes for a complete meal.

Fresh green salad with olive oil dressing
Cauliflower rice
Roasted zucchini
Garlic butter green beans
Steamed asparagus
Low-carb cucumber salad

How to Store Leftovers

Refrigerator

Allow leftovers to cool slightly, then place them in an airtight container. Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking and use within 3–4 days.

Freezer

For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers. For best quality, use within 2–3 months. The sauce may change texture slightly after thawing.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave until steaming hot, stirring if needed. You can also reheat the casserole in an oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C), covered, until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is chicken broccoli casserole keto-friendly?

This recipe uses chicken, broccoli, cream cheese, heavy cream, and cheese instead of flour-based sauces or breadcrumbs. These ingredients can fit into a ketogenic eating plan. Check ingredient labels and serving sizes to calculate the carbohydrate content for your particular ingredients.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes. Shredded rotisserie chicken is a convenient option. Remove the skin and bones, then measure approximately 3 cups of cooked chicken. Check the seasoning and nutrition information if using a prepared rotisserie chicken.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes. Thaw the broccoli completely and drain it well before mixing it with the sauce. Removing excess moisture helps the casserole stay creamy.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. For more even cooking, let the baking dish sit out briefly while the oven preheats, provided food-safety time limits are observed. You may need to add a few minutes to the baking time.

How many carbs are in a serving?

The exact carbohydrate content depends on the brands and quantities of ingredients used. Broccoli contains carbohydrates, so this casserole is low-carb rather than carbohydrate-free. Calculate the nutrition using your specific ingredients and divide by the number of servings.

Can I make this recipe without heavy cream?

Heavy cream helps create the rich sauce. You can experiment with an unsweetened, low-carbohydrate alternative, but the taste and texture may change. Check the nutrition label before using a substitute.

Conclusion

This Keto Chicken Broccoli Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and easy dinner that combines tender chicken and broccoli in a rich homemade cheese sauce. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it is a practical choice for weeknight meals and make-ahead dinners.

Prepare this comforting casserole for your next dinner, customize it with your favorite seasonings, and save any leftovers for another meal. If you try this recipe, consider sharing it with friends and family who enjoy simple low-carb cooking.

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