Keto Chicken Broccoli Casserole
What is Keto Chicken Broccoli Casserole?
When I first switched to a keto lifestyle, I worried I’d have to give up all my favorite comfort foods. Then I discovered Keto Chicken Broccoli Casserole, and everything changed! This dish combines tender shredded chicken with fresh broccoli florets, all wrapped in a rich, creamy cheese sauce that’s perfectly keto-friendly.
What makes this casserole special is how it delivers all the satisfaction of a traditional comfort food while keeping carbs incredibly low – just 4g net carbs per serving! I love how it brings together protein-packed chicken, nutrient-dense broccoli, and a decadent blend of cheeses for a meal that feels indulgent but supports my health goals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
| Cooked chicken | 2 cups, shredded | Rotisserie chicken works great for convenience |
| Broccoli florets | 2 cups | Fresh is best, but frozen works too (thaw first) |
| Cheddar cheese | 1 cup, shredded | Use sharp cheddar for more flavor |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | The foundation of our creamy sauce |
| Cream cheese | 1/2 cup, softened | Ensures a silky-smooth texture |
| Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup, grated | Creates a delicious golden crust |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | For greasing the baking dish |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon | Adds depth without carbs |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon | Flavor without actual onions |
| Paprika | 1/2 teaspoon | Adds color and mild flavor |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon | Adjust to taste |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon | Freshly ground is best |
I find all these ingredients easily at my local grocery store, which makes this recipe so convenient. What I love most about this ingredient list is how adaptable it is. If I’m feeling adventurous, I might add crumbled bacon for extra protein and flavor, or swap in different cheeses based on what I have in my fridge. The versatility makes this casserole a regular in my weekly meal rotation!
Preparation Steps for the Perfect Keto Casserole
When I make my Keto Chicken Broccoli Casserole, I follow these simple steps for consistent results every time. The prep is straightforward, which makes this perfect for busy weeknights when I want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Step 1: Setting Up
I always start by preheating my oven to 350°F. This temperature creates the perfect environment for the cheese to melt gradually without burning. While the oven heats up, I grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Preparing the Components
For the chicken, I typically use leftover rotisserie chicken that I’ve shredded the night before. If you’re starting from scratch, simply poach or bake two chicken breasts until tender, then shred with two forks.
Next, I steam the broccoli florets for about 3-4 minutes – just until they turn bright green. I’m careful not to overcook them since they’ll continue cooking in the oven. The key is to maintain some crunch for texture contrast in the finished dish.
Step 3: Creating the Cheese Sauce
The cheese sauce is where the magic happens! In a medium saucepan over low heat, I combine the heavy cream and softened cream cheese, whisking until smooth. Then I add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika, stirring to incorporate all the flavors.
Once the mixture is smooth, I remove it from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted. The result is a velvety sauce that coats every bite of chicken and broccoli.
Step 4: Assembling the Casserole
Assembly is my favorite part! I gently combine the shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, and cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
I transfer this mixture to my prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Then I sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and all the Parmesan cheese on top to create that irresistible golden crust when baked.
Step 5: Baking to Perfection
Into the oven it goes for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown at the edges. The aroma that fills my kitchen during this time is absolutely mouthwatering! Once done, I let it rest for 5 minutes before serving – though resisting the temptation to dig in immediately is always the hardest part!
Variations and Serving Suggestions
One thing I’ve discovered while making this casserole regularly is how versatile it can be. I love experimenting with different variations to keep things interesting without compromising the low-carb profile.
Creative Twists on the Classic Recipe
My favorite variation is adding crispy bacon bits throughout the casserole. The smoky flavor pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese sauce. Sometimes, I’ll swap half the broccoli for cauliflower florets for a different texture combination. If I’m feeling spicy, I’ll add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese mixture.
For those occasions when I need to accommodate dairy sensitivities, I’ve successfully used coconut cream in place of heavy cream. The slight coconut flavor works surprisingly well with the chicken and broccoli. You can also try nutritional yeast as a cheese alternative if you’re completely avoiding dairy.
Perfect Pairings for a Complete Meal
While this casserole is satisfying on its own, I sometimes serve it with simple sides to round out the meal. A crisp side salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole. Sliced avocado is another excellent companion, adding healthy fats and a creamy texture.
For special occasions, I serve the casserole over cauliflower rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce beautifully. Roasted mushrooms also make a fantastic low-carb side that complements the flavors of the dish.
Time-Saving Tips and Nutritional Benefits
From start to finish, this casserole takes about 45 minutes to prepare – 15-20 minutes of prep time and 25-30 minutes of baking. For busy weeks, I often prepare the components ahead of time. I’ll steam the broccoli and shred the chicken on Sunday, then quickly assemble and bake the casserole on a weeknight.
Each serving (about 1/6 of the casserole) contains approximately:
- 400 calories
- 30g protein
- 30g fat
- 4g net carbs
This nutritional profile makes it perfect for maintaining ketosis while still feeling satisfied. The high protein content helps preserve muscle mass, while the healthy fats keep hunger at bay for hours.
The casserole keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it excellent for meal prep. I often divide leftovers into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
Keto Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 2 cups broccoli florets fresh or thawed frozen
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded (sharp cheddar preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for greasing dish
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
- Steam broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until bright green but still crisp.
- In a saucepan over low heat, whisk together heavy cream and softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Remove from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, and cheese sauce, mixing gently to coat.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Top with remaining cheddar cheese and all the Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
