Keto Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe

In the world of low-carb, high-fat diets, also known as the ketogenic diet, finding flavorful and satisfying meals can sometimes feel like a challenge. However, the keto diet is all about enjoying delicious, comforting foods that promote fat burning while keeping carbohydrates low. One dish that checks all the boxes for a satisfying keto meal is the Keto Chicken Broccoli Casserole. This casserole is rich in protein and healthy fats, while being packed with the goodness of broccoli and chicken. The creamy texture, savory flavors, and hearty ingredients make it an ideal choice for anyone following a keto lifestyle, looking to indulge in a satisfying, filling meal.

The beauty of the Keto Chicken Broccoli Casserole lies in its simplicity. It’s an easy-to-make, one-pan dish that’s low in carbs but high in nutrients. Loaded with protein from the chicken, fiber from the broccoli, and a delicious creamy sauce, this dish delivers both comfort and nutrition. Whether you are preparing dinner for the family or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is sure to become a favorite.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken:

   • Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. These simple spices will enhance the natural flavors of the chicken without overpowering the other ingredients in the casserole.

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2. Cook the Chicken:

   • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

   • Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and helps keep the chicken moist.

3. Shred the Chicken:

   • Once the chicken has rested, shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks or by cutting it into small cubes. Set aside. This shredded chicken will be the protein base for the casserole.

Step 2: Cook the Broccoli

1. Prepare the Broccoli:

   • While the chicken is cooking, prepare the broccoli. Cut the broccoli into small florets. If you want a more even texture, you can steam the broccoli or blanch it in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes until tender but still firm. Drain and set aside.

2. Steam or Blanch the Broccoli:

   • If you prefer to steam your broccoli, simply place the florets in a steamer basket over boiling water for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Be careful not to overcook the broccoli; you want it to maintain some texture for the casserole.

3. Alternative – Roasting the Broccoli (Optional):

   • For a slightly charred and more flavorful broccoli, you can roast the broccoli florets in the oven. Toss the florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. This step will give the casserole a nice roasted flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Casserole Sauce

1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:

   • In the same skillet used for cooking the chicken, add 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.

   • Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. The garlic will release a wonderful aroma and create the flavor base for the sauce.

2. Make the Creamy Sauce:

   • Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Stir until the cream cheese begins to melt and combine with the onions and garlic.

   • Gradually add the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring constantly until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.

   • Season the sauce with dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Continue to cook and stir for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

3. Add the Cheese:

   • Lower the heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes thick and creamy. You may need to add a little more chicken broth if the sauce becomes too thick.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Combine Chicken, Broccoli, and Sauce:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and steamed or roasted broccoli. Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the chicken and broccoli mixture, stirring gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.

2. Transfer to the Casserole Dish:

   • Transfer the chicken, broccoli, and sauce mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish to ensure it bakes uniformly.

3. Top with Extra Cheese (Optional):

   • If you’re a cheese lover, sprinkle extra shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top of the casserole for a cheesy, golden finish. This step is optional, but it adds an extra layer of richness.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

1. Bake the Casserole:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the oven is ready, place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden and slightly crispy.

   • If you like a more browned top, you can broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of the baking time. Just be sure to keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.

2. Rest and Serve:

   • Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set, making it easier to cut into portions.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish:

   • Garnish the casserole with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and freshness. You can also sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top before serving.

2. Serve:

   • Serve the Keto Chicken Broccoli Casserole hot as a main dish, or pair it with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. This casserole is filling on its own, but it also works well with other low-carb side dishes.

Tips and Variations

• Add More Vegetables: You can customize this casserole by adding other low-carb vegetables like cauliflower, spinach, or zucchini. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if you’re adding more vegetables, especially if they need to be cooked before being added to the casserole.

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker version of this casserole, you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the casserole. This saves you time and effort while still giving you a flavorful dish.

• Make it Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of chili powder to the sauce. You can also drizzle hot sauce over the top before serving for an extra kick.

• Dairy-Free Version: To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the cream cheese and heavy cream with coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese. You can also use dairy-free cheese, such as those made from cashews or almonds, although the texture may vary.

• Meal Prep: This casserole is perfect for meal prepping. You can make a big batch, portion it out into individual servings, and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of chicken broth to keep the casserole moist.

Conclusion

The Keto Chicken Broccoli Casserole is a perfect dish for anyone following a ketogenic diet or simply looking to enjoy a healthy, delicious, and filling meal. The combination of tender chicken, nutrient-dense broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce creates a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. Not only is it quick and easy to make, but it’s also versatile enough to be adapted to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb dinner for the whole family or prepping meals for the week, this casserole is a wonderful choice. It’s flavorful, nutritious, and a surefire hit on the keto diet.

Yield: 6

Keto Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Print

In the world of low-carb, high-fat diets, also known as the ketogenic diet, finding flavorful and satisfying meals can sometimes feel like a challenge. However, the keto diet is all about enjoying delicious, comforting foods that promote fat burning while keeping carbohydrates low. One dish that checks all the boxes for a satisfying keto meal is the Keto Chicken Broccoli Casserole. This casserole is rich in protein and healthy fats, while being packed with the goodness of broccoli and chicken. The creamy texture, savory flavors, and hearty ingredients make it an ideal choice for anyone following a keto lifestyle, looking to indulge in a satisfying, filling meal.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Casserole:
• 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (about 2 medium chicken breasts)
• 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
   
2. Cook the Broccoli:
   Steam or blanch the broccoli florets until they are tender but still bright green. If using frozen broccoli, simply thaw it and drain excess water. Set aside.
   
3. Make the Casserole Mixture:
   In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, heavy cream, cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   
4. Assemble the Casserole:
   Add the cooked broccoli to the chicken mixture and stir to combine. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Optionally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top for added flavor and a crispy finish.
   
5. Bake the Casserole:
   Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden. If you prefer a crispier top, you can broil the casserole for an additional 1-2 minutes, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
   
6. Serve:
   Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

Chicken: You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or cook your chicken breasts in advance. For added flavor, you can also use cooked chicken thighs.

Broccoli: Fresh or frozen broccoli both work well for this recipe. Just make sure to drain any excess water from frozen broccoli to avoid a watery casserole.

Cheese: If you're not a fan of cheddar, you can swap it for other cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for a different flavor.