Keto Chicken Broccoli Casserole – Cozy, Low-Carb Comfort Food

If you’re craving classic comfort food without the carbs, this Keto Chicken Broccoli Casserole hits the spot. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of protein and fiber, with a satisfying texture that feels indulgent. Best of all, it’s easy to throw together on a weeknight and reheats like a dream.

Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding a hungry family, this casserole makes healthy eating feel simple and doable.

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Why This Recipe Works

Close-up detail: Golden, bubbly keto chicken broccoli casserole just out of the oven, edges sizzling

This casserole brings together everyday ingredients that deliver big flavor with minimal effort. The combination of tender chicken, roasted or lightly steamed broccoli, and a rich, cheesy sauce checks all the boxes for comfort and satisfaction. Using a cream cheese and heavy cream base keeps it low-carb while creating a silky texture that clings to every bite.

A quick bake in the oven binds everything together and gives it a golden, bubbly top.

It’s also versatile. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or cook fresh chicken thighs or breasts. The sauce is forgiving, and the whole dish is easy to adapt based on what you have on hand.

What You’ll Need

Chicken: 3 cups cooked, shredded or cubed (rotisserie works great)
Broccoli: 4 cups florets (fresh or frozen, cut into bite-size pieces)
Cream cheese: 8 oz, softened
Heavy cream: 3/4 cup
Cheddar cheese: 1 1/2 cups, shredded (plus extra for topping)
Parmesan: 1/4 cup, grated
Butter: 2 tablespoons
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
Onion powder: 1/2 teaspoon
Smoked paprika: 1/2 teaspoon (optional but recommended)
Salt and pepper: To taste
Crushed red pepper flakes: Pinch (optional for heat)
Fresh lemon juice: 1 teaspoon (optional, brightens the sauce)
Olive oil or avocado oil: 1 tablespoon (for cooking the broccoli if sautéing)

How to Make It

Cooking process: Overhead shot of the creamy cheese sauce being whisked smooth in a saucepan—silky

Preheat and prep: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar casserole dish.
Cook the broccoli: Steam for 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender, or sauté in a skillet with a little oil and salt until bright green. Don’t overcook; it will bake more in the oven.
Make the sauce base: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
Whisk in the dairy: Add cream cheese and heavy cream, whisking until smooth and creamy. Lower the heat if it starts to simmer too hard.
Season and cheese it up: Stir in cheddar, Parmesan, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add lemon juice if using. Cook until the cheese melts and the sauce is glossy.
Combine: In a large bowl, mix the chicken and broccoli. Pour the sauce over and toss to coat evenly.
Assemble the casserole: Spread the mixture in the prepared dish.
Top with a small handful of extra cheddar and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Bake: Bake for 18–22 minutes, until the edges bubble and the top is lightly golden. If you want more color, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end. Watch closely.
Rest and serve: Let it sit for 5 minutes to set slightly.
Garnish with chopped parsley or chives if you like. Serve warm.

Keeping It Fresh

Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen by day two, and the texture stays creamy.

Reheat in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until warmed through, or use the microwave in short intervals, stirring halfway. If the sauce tightens, add a splash of cream to loosen it.

To freeze, cool completely and portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles to maintain the best texture.

Final plated dish: Restaurant-quality presentation of a generous square of keto chicken broccoli cas

Benefits of This Recipe

Keto-friendly: Low in carbs, high in fat and protein to support ketosis.
Balanced and filling: Chicken adds protein, while broccoli brings fiber and micronutrients.
Simple ingredients: Everything is easy to find and budget-friendly.
Great for meal prep: Holds up well in the fridge and freezer, making weekday meals painless.
Family-approved: Creamy and cheesy, it appeals to picky eaters too.

Pitfalls to Watch Out For

Watery casserole: Overcooked or wet broccoli can release water. Pat it dry after steaming and avoid overcooking.
Grainy sauce: Boiling dairy can cause separation. Keep heat moderate and whisk until just melted and smooth.
Bland results: Don’t skimp on salt, pepper, and seasonings.
Taste the sauce before combining.
Rubbery chicken: Use cooked chicken that’s still tender. Rotisserie or poached chicken works beautifully.
Too heavy: A squeeze of lemon or a pinch of red pepper flakes brightens the dish without adding carbs.

Recipe Variations

Bacon bomb: Add 4–6 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon for smoky crunch.
Ranch twist: Stir 1–2 teaspoons dry ranch seasoning into the sauce for a zesty flavor.
Buffalo style: Add 2–3 tablespoons buffalo sauce to the cheese sauce and top with blue cheese crumbles.
Mushroom upgrade: Sauté sliced mushrooms in butter and fold them in for umami depth.
Spinach and artichoke: Add 1 cup chopped spinach and 1/2 cup chopped artichoke hearts for a creamy dip vibe.
Dairy adjustments: Swap cheddar for Gruyère or Monterey Jack, and add a little mozzarella for extra stretch.
Herb lift: Fresh thyme or parsley stirred into the sauce adds brightness.

FAQ

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes. Thaw it first and pat it very dry, or give it a quick sauté to evaporate moisture.

This prevents a watery casserole.

What kind of chicken works best?

Shredded rotisserie chicken is quick and flavorful. Otherwise, poach or bake chicken breasts or thighs and shred. Thighs stay especially juicy.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

For keto, heavy cream is ideal.

If needed, use half and half and reduce the amount slightly, but the sauce will be thinner. Avoid milk-only swaps to keep carbs low and the texture creamy.

How can I make it spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or smoked paprika with cayenne. Start small and adjust to taste.

Can I cook the chicken in the casserole instead of pre-cooking?

It’s better to use pre-cooked chicken for even texture and timing.

If starting with raw chicken, dice it small, sauté until just cooked, then proceed with the recipe.

How many carbs are in a serving?

Exact macros vary by brand and portion size, but a typical serving lands around 5–7g net carbs. Use your preferred nutrition calculator for precise numbers based on your ingredients.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes. Assemble up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate.

Add 5–10 minutes to the bake time and watch for bubbling edges and a hot center.

In Conclusion

This Keto Chicken Broccoli Casserole delivers everything you want from comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying—without piling on the carbs. It’s easy to customize, easy to store, and easy to love. Keep it in your weeknight rotation, and you’ll always have a dependable, crowd-pleasing dinner ready to go.