Name: Keto Chicken and Broccoli Casserole: 5 Reasons to Love It Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 4 cups broccoli florets; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup cream cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt to taste; Pepper to taste

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If you are craving a comforting, wholesome dish that fits perfectly into your low-carb lifestyle, then Keto Chicken and Broccoli Casserole: 5 Reasons to Love It is about to become your new favorite meal. This casserole combines tender shredded chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that bakes into a golden, bubbly delight. Every bite offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures while keeping you on track with your keto goals. Once you try this recipe, you’ll see why it’s cherished by so many and why it deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection.

Keto Chicken and Broccoli Casserole: 5 Reasons to Love It Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that are easy to find but play vital roles in building the flavor, texture, and richness of the casserole. Each one brings something special to the table, making this dish as satisfying as it is simple.

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Using shredded chicken ensures every forkful is packed with tender, savory protein.
4 cups broccoli florets: The broccoli adds a gorgeous green color and a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy sauce.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the casserole its rich, tangy flavor and creates a lovely golden crust when baked.
1 cup heavy cream: This helps create that velvety, luscious sauce that brings everything together.
1/2 cup cream cheese: Adding cream cheese boosts the creamy texture and adds subtle tanginess for depth of flavor.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the dish with gentle warmth and aromatic notes without overpowering.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the overall savoriness, providing a mild sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cheese.
Salt to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors in the dish.
Pepper to taste: Adds a subtle spicy kick to keep things interesting.

How to Make Keto Chicken and Broccoli Casserole: 5 Reasons to Love It

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to make sure it’s ready to bake your casserole evenly and thoroughly. This step ensures that when you’re done mixing the ingredients, you can pop it in right away for the best texture and flavor.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, toss together shredded cooked chicken, fresh broccoli florets, shredded cheddar cheese, heavy cream, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This blend might look simple, but it is packed with flavor and creaminess that melts together while baking.

Step 3: Mix Thoroughly

Use a sturdy spoon or spatula to mix everything until the cream cheese is evenly incorporated and the broccoli and chicken are well coated. This step is crucial to get a uniform texture and ensure each bite delivers all the flavors in harmony.

Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish

Grease a baking dish to prevent sticking, then pour in your luscious mixture. Spreading it out evenly will help the casserole bake consistently and develop that beautiful bubbly top you want to see at the end.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place your casserole in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbling vigorously and the cheese on top is a mouthwatering golden brown. This baking process melds all the ingredients together into one comforting, savory dish.

Step 6: Cool Before Serving

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This resting time lets the sauce thicken slightly, making it easier to serve and enhancing the flavors. Plus, it’s the perfect moment to gather everyone around the table in anticipation!

How to Serve Keto Chicken and Broccoli Casserole: 5 Reasons to Love It

Garnishes

Add a fresh touch to your casserole by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or chives on top before serving. The vibrant green garnish not only brightens the presentation but adds a subtle freshness that balances out the rich creaminess perfectly.

Side Dishes

This casserole is quite filling on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted mushrooms can add texture and variety without kicking you out of ketosis. A simple lemon vinaigrette salad works beautifully to cut through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual portions of the casserole in ramekins for easy, elegant plating. You can also top each serving with a sprinkle of Parmesan or a few crushed pork rinds for an extra crispy, savory topping that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying, transfer your leftover casserole into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 3-4 days, making it a perfect option for quick weekday meals or lunchboxes.

Freezing

This casserole freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to retain its creamy texture and flavors.

Reheating

Reheat your casserole gently in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until warmed through, or pop a portion in the microwave. Adding a splash of cream or a sprinkle of cheese before reheating can help restore its luscious, creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked chicken?

It’s best to use cooked chicken because the baking time isn’t long enough to cook raw chicken thoroughly. You can use leftover roasted chicken or quickly poach chicken breasts and shred them before mixing into the casserole.

Is this casserole suitable for other low-carb diets?

Absolutely! While it’s perfect for keto, anyone following a low-carb or gluten-free diet will find this casserole delicious and compliant with their eating plan as it contains no grains or sugars.

Can I substitute the broccoli with other vegetables?

Certainly. Cauliflower is a popular alternative that holds up well in the casserole. Zucchini or spinach can also work, though they may alter the texture and moisture content slightly.

What type of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar is ideal for its strong flavor and melting ability, but you can experiment with mozzarella for a milder taste or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Mixing cheeses can also add complexity.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, try using coconut cream in place of heavy cream and a dairy-free cream cheese substitute. Nutritional yeast can provide cheesy flavor without dairy, but keep in mind the texture may change.

Final Thoughts

Keto Chicken and Broccoli Casserole: 5 Reasons to Love It is more than just a meal; it’s a cozy experience that welcomes you back to comfort food without the guilt. Whether you’re new to keto or a seasoned pro, this dish is a dependable favorite that’s easy to make, delicious to eat, and perfect for any occasion. Try it soon and discover why it’s so widely adored!

Keto Chicken and Broccoli Casserole: 5 Reasons to Love It Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 10 reviews

Author: Julian
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Carb

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Description

This Keto Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is a creamy, low-carb dish perfect for those following a ketogenic lifestyle. Combining tender shredded chicken, fresh broccoli, and rich cheeses baked to bubbly perfection, this casserole is an easy, satisfying meal packed with flavor and nutrition. Ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prepping, it supports your keto goals while delivering comfort food vibes.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Vegetables

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
4 cups broccoli florets

Dairy and Seasoning

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup cream cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the correct baking temperature for even cooking.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked shredded chicken, broccoli florets, shredded cheddar cheese, heavy cream, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until thoroughly combined.
Mix Thoroughly: Stir the mixture well to ensure the cream cheese and heavy cream coat the chicken and broccoli evenly.
Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish lightly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Then transfer the mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until it becomes bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving to let it set and enhance the flavors.

Notes

You can substitute cheddar cheese with mozzarella or a cheese blend if preferred.
For added crunch, sprinkle crushed pork rinds or almond flour on top before baking.
Use fresh or frozen broccoli florets but make sure to drain any excess moisture if using frozen.
Adjust garlic and onion powder according to your taste preferences.
To make this dish dairy-free, substitute heavy cream and cream cheese with coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives.
This recipe can easily be doubled for meal prep and reheats well in the microwave or oven.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American