Introduction
Looking for a hearty and comforting meal that fits perfectly into your ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle? Look no further than this Keto Chicken Cheese Broccoli Casserole. A delightful combination of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and melty cheese, this casserole is a filling, savory dish that satisfies your cravings for something rich and creamy—all while staying low-carb. It’s a great option for dinner, meal prep, or even as a crowd-pleasing dish for family gatherings.

The beauty of this casserole is not only in its rich flavor but also in its versatility. It’s made with a simple set of wholesome, keto-friendly ingredients that come together effortlessly to create a dish that will leave you feeling full and nourished. The creamy cheese sauce enveloping the chicken and broccoli gives this casserole a comforting, indulgent texture, while the chicken provides a good amount of protein, making it a balanced meal to support a low-carb lifestyle.

This recipe is ideal for those on a ketogenic diet or anyone looking to cut back on carbohydrates without sacrificing flavor. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, even for beginner home cooks. So, let’s dive in and make this perfect Keto Chicken Cheese Broccoli Casserole!

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

  • 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (about 2 large chicken breasts)
  • 4 cups broccoli florets, steamed (or blanched)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional, for added flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese (softened)

For the Topping:

  • 1/2 cup crushed pork rinds (optional, for crunch and texture)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Broccoli

Begin by cooking the chicken. If you’re using raw chicken breasts, you can either bake, grill, or pan-sear the chicken until it’s fully cooked and tender (about 20-25 minutes depending on the method). Once cooked, allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before shredding it into bite-sized pieces.

While the chicken is cooking, steam the broccoli florets until they are tender but still bright green, about 5-7 minutes. You can steam them using a stovetop steamer basket, in the microwave, or by placing them in a pot with a small amount of water and covering the pot. Once the broccoli is steamed, set it aside to drain excess moisture.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the cream cheese and cook until it begins to soften, about 1-2 minutes. Once the cream cheese has softened, add the heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and dried thyme (if using). Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.

Once the sauce has started to simmer, reduce the heat to low and gradually add the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Stir constantly until the cheeses melt smoothly and the sauce becomes thick and creamy. If you want an extra tangy flavor, you can also stir in the Dijon mustard at this point. Adjust the seasoning by tasting and adding more salt or pepper if necessary.

Step 3: Combine the Chicken, Broccoli, and Cheese Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, and the creamy cheese sauce. Gently toss the ingredients together to make sure everything is well-coated in the creamy sauce. At this stage, you can taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if desired. If you like more garlic flavor, feel free to add an extra pinch of garlic powder.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray. Pour the chicken and broccoli mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with extra shredded cheese for an even cheesier casserole.

Step 5: Add the Topping (Optional)

For a crunchy, savory topping, mix the crushed pork rinds with the olive oil (or melted butter). Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the casserole for added texture and flavor. This step is optional, but it adds a nice contrast to the creamy casserole and enhances the dish’s overall flavor.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. If you’ve added the pork rind topping, keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn. You can also broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking to achieve a crispy, golden top.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of leafy greens or a light keto salad. Spoon generous portions onto plates and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

Nutritional Information (per serving)

This Keto Chicken Cheese Broccoli Casserole serves approximately 6 people. The following is the nutritional breakdown for one serving:

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Fat: 28g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Total Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Net Carbs: 3g
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 550mg
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

SmartPoints (WW)

For those following the Weight Watchers program, this casserole is a great low-SmartPoints option. It’s filling, satisfying, and won’t break your points bank!

  • SmartPoints (WW Green): 7 points per serving
  • SmartPoints (WW Blue): 6 points per serving
  • SmartPoints (WW Purple): 4 points per serving

These SmartPoints are based on using the ingredients listed in this recipe. The dish is well-balanced, with plenty of protein and healthy fats to keep you satisfied while still staying within your daily points range.

Why This Recipe Works for Keto Diets

This Keto Chicken Cheese Broccoli Casserole is a fantastic meal choice for anyone following a ketogenic lifestyle. With its focus on healthy fats (from the cheese, cream, and butter) and protein (from the chicken), it keeps you in a state of ketosis while still satisfying your cravings for comfort food. The dish is also naturally low in carbs, with only 3g of net carbs per serving, making it a great option for anyone looking to maintain or lose weight on a low-carb diet.

This casserole is made with common keto staples—cheese, heavy cream, and chicken—that fit seamlessly into your daily macros. It’s also gluten-free, grain-free, and sugar-free, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions or sensitivities.

Tips for Success

  1. Use Leftover Chicken: This casserole is a perfect use for leftover chicken from a previous meal. Simply shred the chicken and you’re ready to assemble the casserole.
  2. Customizable Vegetables: If you want to add more veggies, you can mix in cauliflower florets, spinach, or even mushrooms for added texture and flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose.
  3. Make It Ahead of Time: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. Simply cover the casserole dish with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed.
  4. Dairy-Free Version: If you’re following a dairy-free keto diet, substitute the dairy ingredients with coconut milk, dairy-free cheese, and plant-based butter. The flavor and texture will still be delicious.
  5. Meal Prep Friendly: This casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can make it in bulk, divide it into individual servings, and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

This Keto Chicken Cheese Broccoli Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet. With its creamy, cheesy goodness, tender chicken, and healthy broccoli, it’s an all-in-one meal that is as satisfying as it is delicious. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, meal prep, or a gathering with friends, this casserole will definitely be a hit.

By using simple, wholesome ingredients, you can enjoy a filling, nutrient-dense meal that helps you stay on track with your keto or low-carb goals. With its low net carbs and high protein content, this dish keeps you full and satisfied while supporting your healthy lifestyle.