Looking for a creamy, hearty, low-carb dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor? Keto chicken and broccoli casserole is the perfect choice. Packed with tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and rich cheese sauce, this dish fits beautifully into any ketogenic meal plan. Whether you’re on a strict keto diet or just cutting carbs, this easy recipe delivers comfort and nutrition in every bite.
The best part? It’s family-friendly, budget-friendly, and meal-prep approved. This article breaks down everything you need to know. From the ingredients to the best ways to cook and serve it, we’ve got you covered.
Looking for inspiration? Try our keto peanut butter cookies for dessert after your casserole.
Let’s start with the basics of what makes this dish such a keto superstar.
What Is Keto Chicken and Broccoli Casserole?
What makes a casserole keto?
Not every casserole fits a keto lifestyle. A traditional one often contains pasta, rice, or starchy thickeners. A keto chicken and broccoli casserole skips all that. It’s built with high-fat, low-carb ingredients like shredded chicken, heavy cream, cream cheese, and fresh veggies like broccoli. You still get that creamy, baked goodness without kicking yourself out of ketosis.
It’s also about balance. A good keto casserole is high in fat, moderate in protein, and very low in carbs. That’s why this recipe is ideal it hits all the right macro targets while still tasting like comfort food.
Overview of chicken and broccoli in ketogenic diets
Chicken is a top protein choice on keto because it’s lean, versatile, and pairs perfectly with high-fat sauces. Broccoli, on the other hand, is one of the lowest-carb vegetables. It’s full of fiber, vitamins C and K, and adds a satisfying bite.
Together, chicken and broccoli make a winning team. They create a filling meal that supports ketosis while keeping your taste buds happy. Add cheese and cream, and you’ve got a keto chicken and broccoli casserole that’s both rich and healthy.
Table of Contents
Key Ingredients in Keto Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
Best cuts of chicken for low-carb casseroles
The heart of a keto chicken and broccoli casserole is the chicken. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are the best options. They cook quickly, shred easily, and soak up flavor. Thighs offer more fat, which fits the keto profile better. Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken also works great when you’re in a rush.
Cook it, shred it, and layer it into your casserole dish with broccoli and cheese for the ultimate keto combo.
Choosing the right cheese, cream, and seasonings
Cheese is the creamy hero of every keto chicken and broccoli casserole. Use shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix of both. Add full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream to bind everything together. These high-fat ingredients help maintain ketosis while giving your dish rich, gooey texture.
Don’t skip the spices. Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper add depth. A little Dijon mustard or Italian seasoning gives it a bold twist. If you like heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes.
Why broccoli is perfect for keto
Broccoli is a must in this casserole. It’s low in carbs, high in fiber, and packed with antioxidants. Its firm texture holds up in baking, adding crunch and color to the dish. Steam or lightly sauté it before mixing for best results.
Broccoli not only balances the richness of cheese and chicken, it boosts the health benefits too. That’s why keto chicken and broccoli casserole isn’t just delicious. It’s also a complete, nutritious meal.
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Keto Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Low-Carb
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This keto chicken and broccoli casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and low-carb comfort food perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
2 cups steamed broccoli florets
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 oz cream cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, heavy cream, cheddar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Add in chicken and broccoli, stir to combine.
4. Spread mixture into a greased casserole dish.
5. Top with extra cheese if desired.
6. Bake for 25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
7. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
Lightly steam broccoli to keep it firm.
Add mushrooms or bacon for variety.
Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Check out recipes for Himalayan pink salt to add more flavor to your keto meals.
How to Make the Perfect Keto Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
Step-by-step cooking instructions
Start with pre-cooked shredded chicken and steamed broccoli. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, heavy cream, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix until smooth. Add in the chicken and broccoli. Stir everything together.
Pour into a greased casserole dish. Top with more cheese. Bake at 375°F for about 25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. That’s it. Your keto chicken and broccoli casserole is ready to serve.
Prep tips for better flavor and texture
Always use room-temperature cream cheese for easy mixing. Lightly steam the broccoli to keep it crisp, not soggy. Sauté the chicken in butter or olive oil for extra flavor before adding it to the mix.
Want a crispy top? Sprinkle crushed pork rinds or a little parmesan cheese over the casserole before baking.
How to meal-prep and store leftovers
Keto chicken and broccoli casserole is perfect for meal prep. Divide into portions after baking. Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
You can also freeze it. Just wrap the whole dish tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking again.
Don’t miss our mounjaro recipe for weight loss if you want more keto-friendly ideas.
Variations of Keto Chicken Casserole to Try
Adding mushrooms, bacon, or cauliflower
Want to upgrade your keto chicken and broccoli casserole? Add sliced mushrooms for earthy flavor. Toss in crispy bacon for smoky crunch. Swap some broccoli with cauliflower to change the texture and add variety. These ingredients are all low in carbs and blend well with chicken and cheese.
Use leftovers or fresh veggies. Just keep the net carbs low to stay keto-friendly.
Dairy-free or paleo-friendly substitutions
Need a dairy-free twist on your keto chicken and broccoli casserole? Use unsweetened coconut cream or almond milk instead of heavy cream. Replace cheese with vegan alternatives made for melting.
For paleo, skip dairy completely. Use ghee or avocado oil. Add more eggs or coconut flour to hold the mixture together.
These swaps still give you that creamy, baked finish while sticking to your plan.
Discover great ideas like our 4-ingredient natural mounjaro truth benefits for clean eating recipes.
Nutritional Profile and Health Benefits
Net carbs, protein, and fat breakdown
A serving of keto chicken and broccoli casserole usually has about 4 to 6 grams of net carbs. Protein content averages around 25 grams, and fat hits the 20 to 30-gram range, depending on your ingredients.
This balance supports ketosis. Low carbs, moderate protein, and high fat make it ideal for anyone on a keto diet. Use full-fat cheese and heavy cream for the best results.
Keto benefits: satiety, weight loss, and gut health
Keto chicken and broccoli casserole keeps you full longer. The fats slow digestion and curb hunger. Chicken boosts your protein intake without extra carbs. Broccoli adds fiber, which helps digestion and gut health.
This dish supports weight loss while still being hearty. It’s a comfort meal that fuels your body and satisfies cravings.
Check out mounjaro diet plan for weight loss if you’re building a complete keto routine.
Tips to Make It Creamier or Thicker
Low-carb thickeners: xanthan gum vs. almond flour
Want your keto chicken and broccoli casserole thicker? Use xanthan gum. A small pinch goes a long way and adds zero carbs. Almond flour also works well and adds a mild nutty flavor. Both keep your casserole keto while giving it a rich, smooth texture.
Skip cornstarch and flour. They raise carb counts fast. Stick with keto-safe thickeners that keep your dish low carb and satisfying.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
Too watery? You may not have drained the broccoli fully. Try patting it dry before mixing it in. Sauce too thin? Add more cheese or a spoon of cream cheese to thicken it.
For creaminess, always use full-fat dairy. Low-fat products won’t give the same rich result. Don’t overbake. It dries out the dish fast. Bake just until the cheese bubbles and browns lightly.
Learn more about cottage cheese bagels for another keto-friendly idea.
Common Keto Casserole Questions Answered
Can you eat too much chicken on keto?
Yes, eating too much chicken on keto can push your protein too high. Keto isn’t high-protein, it’s high-fat. Your keto chicken and broccoli casserole should include enough cheese, cream, and healthy fats to balance it out.
Too much protein may slow down ketosis. Keep portions balanced to get the best results.
How do you thicken a keto casserole?
To thicken your keto chicken and broccoli casserole, use xanthan gum, almond flour, or cream cheese. These ingredients add body without adding carbs.
Let the casserole rest after baking. This helps it firm up and stay thick when served.
What ingredients go in chicken casserole?
A keto chicken and broccoli casserole needs chicken, broccoli, shredded cheese, cream cheese, heavy cream, and seasonings. You can also add bacon, mushrooms, or cauliflower for extra flavor and texture.
These low-carb ingredients keep it filling without the carbs.
How many carbs are in chicken mushroom casserole?
A keto chicken mushroom casserole usually has 4 to 6 net carbs per serving. It depends on your ingredients. Mushrooms are low-carb and fit well into keto recipes. Keep an eye on sauces or thickeners that could raise the carb count.
Don’t miss our homemade mounjaro recipe for wellness if you want more clean, keto-inspired meals.
Serving Suggestions and Meal Pairings
What to serve with keto casseroles
Your keto chicken and broccoli casserole is a full meal, but sides make it better. Add a simple green salad with olive oil. Serve with roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach. Keep sides low-carb and rich in fiber to stay on track.
If you want a dip, go with avocado slices or guacamole. These boost the fat content and add flavor without extra carbs.
Family-friendly side ideas
For kids or non-keto guests, try serving your casserole with garlic cauliflower mash or low-carb cheesy breadsticks. You can also make a small pot of rice or noodles for others while you stick with your keto chicken and broccoli casserole.
Balance is key. This dish lets you feed everyone without cooking two meals.
Looking for inspiration? Try cottage cheese bagels with almond flour as a side or quick keto breakfast.
Bonus: Freezer-Friendly Keto Casserole Guide
How to freeze, thaw, and reheat keto casseroles
Your keto chicken and broccoli casserole freezes well. Let it cool completely before freezing. Use an airtight container or wrap the dish in foil and plastic wrap. Label it with the date.
To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Bake at 350°F until hot. Add extra cheese on top if it looks dry. Avoid microwaving from frozen. That can ruin the texture.
Time-saving batch cooking tips
Double your keto chicken and broccoli casserole recipe. Bake one now and freeze the other for later. This saves time and helps you stick to your keto plan.
You can also prep ingredients in advance. Shred chicken, chop broccoli, and portion cheese ahead of time. Store them in the fridge and assemble later.
Check out pink salt recipe weight loss habit for more ways to prep smarter and eat healthier.
Conclusion
Keto chicken and broccoli casserole is more than just a meal. It’s a quick, low-carb comfort dish that fits right into any ketogenic lifestyle. With simple ingredients like chicken, broccoli, cheese, and cream, you get big flavor with very few carbs.
This recipe is flexible, freezer-friendly, and perfect for weekly meal prep. Whether you’re feeding a family or just yourself, it’s an easy way to stay on track with your goals.
Learn more about Brazilian mounjaro drink recipe for other tasty, healthy ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you eat too much chicken on keto?
Yes, too much chicken can push your protein too high. Keto is a high-fat plan. Balance your keto chicken and broccoli casserole with cheese and cream to stay on track.
What ingredients go in chicken casserole?
A classic keto chicken and broccoli casserole includes chicken, broccoli, cheese, cream cheese, heavy cream, garlic powder, and seasonings. Optional add-ins like mushrooms or bacon work too.
How do you thicken a keto casserole?
Use xanthan gum or almond flour. Cream cheese also helps. These keep your keto chicken and broccoli casserole thick without raising carbs.
How many carbs are in chicken mushroom casserole?
It varies by ingredients. A keto chicken and broccoli casserole with mushrooms usually has 4 to 6 net carbs per serving. Always check labels to be sure.