Creamy Keto Chicken Casserole with Broccoli
Craving something warm, comforting, and satisfying—but worried about carbs? This creamy keto chicken casserole with broccoli is exactly what you need. It delivers all the comfort food vibes you’re after while keeping your net carb count remarkably low.
This dish has become one of my go-to recipes when I want something hearty without derailing my keto goals. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce creates something truly special. Plus, it comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
In this recipe, you’ll discover how to create a restaurant-quality keto casserole right in your own kitchen. We’ll cover everything from selecting the best ingredients to getting that perfect golden cheese top every single time.
Why Keto Chicken Casserole Works
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. We’re using ingredients that are naturally low in carbs but high in flavor. The chicken provides a solid protein base, while the broccoli adds nutrients and texture. The real magic happens in the sauce—a combination of heavy cream, cream cheese, and shredded cheese that creates that irresistible creamy texture we all love.
What makes this casserole particularly well-suited for keto is the fat content. Each serving delivers a good amount of healthy fats from the cream and cheese, which helps keep you satiated longer. This is exactly what makes keto meals effective: they’re satisfying in a way that many carb-heavy dishes simply aren’t. According to research on ketogenic diets, high-fat meals promote satiety through hormonal mechanisms that control hunger [1].
The broccoli not only adds nutrition but also provides that essential crunch contrast to the creamy sauce. It’s a vegetable that holds up well in casseroles, absorbing flavor without becoming mushy. When you combine it with tender chicken and that rich cheese sauce, you get a dish that feels indulgent while staying firmly within your carb limits.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this keto chicken casserole, you’ll need:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cubed
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter for cooking
These ingredients are straightforward and likely already in your keto pantry. You can find most of them at any grocery store, and they keep well if you want to stock up for multiple meal preps. For more keto recipe inspiration, check out our collection of keto dinner recipes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the cubed chicken with salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika. In a large oven-safe skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer—you may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown on the outside and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) as recommended by food safety guidelines [2]. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Don’t worry if there’s some butter left in the pan—that’s flavor we’ll use later.
Creating the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This releases the garlic’s aroma without burning it. Add the softened cream cheese and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the cream cheese melts and creates a smooth sauce. This should take about 2-3 minutes over medium heat.
Once the sauce is smooth, remove it from the heat and stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and all the Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. The sauce should be thick and creamy, coating the back of a spoon nicely.
Assembling the Casserole
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Add the broccoli florets and gently toss everything together until the broccoli is evenly distributed and coated in the creamy sauce. Make sure the broccoli is well-distributed so each serving gets a good mix of chicken and vegetables.
Top the mixture with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This creates that beautiful, bubbly, golden-brown cheese top that makes casseroles so irresistible. The cheese not only adds flavor but also helps hold everything together when you serve it.
Baking to Perfection
Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn a delicious golden brown. The broccoli should be tender but still have a slight crunch—nobody wants mushy vegetables in their casserole.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes it easier to get clean portions. The wait is worth it, I promise.
Nutritional Information
One serving of this creamy keto chicken casserole contains approximately:
- Calories: 450
- Total Fat: 34g
- Protein: 35g
- Total Carbs: 8g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Net Carbs: 6g
This makes it an excellent choice for anyone following a keto or low-carb lifestyle. With only 6 grams of net carbs per serving, you can easily fit this into your daily carb allowance while enjoying a substantial, satisfying meal. For a complete guide to counting net carbs, visit our keto beginners guide.
Tips for Success
Choosing the right cheese can make or break your casserole. Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor and melts beautifully, while the Parmesan adds a nice nutty undertone. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting, so shredding your own cheese is worth the extra effort.
If you want to meal prep this casserole, assemble it in a freezer-safe dish and freeze before baking. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed. You might need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from frozen.
For the broccoli, fresh florets work best. Frozen broccoli can work in a pinch, but it tends to release more water during cooking, which can make your casserole slightly watery. If you must use frozen, thaw it completely and pat it dry with paper towels before adding it to the dish.
Delicious Variations
Want to mix things up? Try adding some cooked bacon bits on top for an extra layer of flavor and crunch. Studies show that adding bacon to keto meals enhances flavor satisfaction [3]. Sautéed mushrooms would also be a wonderful addition, adding earthiness and more texture to each bite.
You could swap the cheddar for a blend of mozzarella and provolone for a more mild, Italian-inspired flavor profile. Adding some Italian seasoning would complement this variation beautifully.
For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to the sauce. The warmth pairs surprisingly well with the creamy cheese and tender chicken.
Storage and Reheating
This casserole keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. To reheat, place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes until bubbly.
If you want to freeze portions for later, divide the casserole into individual serving sizes before freezing. This makes grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners a breeze. Just remember to label your containers with the date so you know how long they’ve been in the freezer.
What to Serve With
While this casserole is satisfying enough to stand alone, it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar. The fresh, crisp salad provides a nice contrast to the rich, creamy casserole.
If you have more room in your carb allowance, roasted asparagus or a small serving of cauliflower rice would complement the dish perfectly. Even on strict keto, you can enjoy a small side of creamy coleslaw or pickled vegetables to add some variety to your plate.
Conclusion
This creamy keto chicken casserole with broccoli proves that eating low-carb doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or flavor. It’s a dish that satisfies on every level—protein-rich, vegetable-loaded, and covered in melted cheese. What more could you want?
The best part is how adaptable it is. You can make it your own by adding your favorite keto-friendly toppings or swapping ingredients to match your preferences. Once you master this base recipe, the possibilities are endless.
So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy one of the most delicious keto meals you’ll ever make. Your taste buds—and your waistline—will thank you.
Did you make this recipe? We’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below with your thoughts and any modifications you made.
Links
[1] Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health – Ketogenic Diet Overview: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/healthy-eating-pyramid/
[2] USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service – Safe Minimum Internal Temperatures: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/ground-meat
[3] Nutrition Research – Bacon and Satiety: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4345298/
