This keto chicken broccoli casserole is an incredibly cheesy and satisfying dish that the whole family will love. It’s a creamy, cheesy mixture of tender broccoli and juicy chicken, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal. If you love broccoli, this recipe is a must-try!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Low Carb & Keto-Friendly: Naturally low in carbs, this casserole fits perfectly into a ketogenic lifestyle.
- Easy Peasy: Using leftover chicken or pre-chopped broccoli florets makes this recipe incredibly simple.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap ingredients or add your own twist to make it your own.
- Family-Friendly: Even those who aren't following a keto diet will enjoy this cheesy and flavorful casserole.
- Make-Ahead Meal: Prepare it in advance and refrigerate until you're ready to bake.
- Great for Meal Prep: Leftovers reheat wonderfully, making it perfect for meal prepping.
- One-Pan Meal: Cook everything in a single dish for easy cleanup!
Ingredients
The key ingredients for this cheesy casserole include:
- Chicken: Leftover cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken, or thawed frozen grilled chicken chunks all work well.
- Broccoli: Freshly chopped florets or a bag of pre-chopped broccoli from the store.
- Cheese: A combination of freshly grated cheddar, grated Parmesan, cream cheese, and mozzarella.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and richness to the casserole.
- Seasoning: Salt, pepper, and garlic powder provide the perfect flavor base, but you can add other herbs and spices as desired.
- Optional Ingredients: Sour cream, egg, bouillon.
Making the Keto Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this delicious casserole:
1. Prepare the Chicken and Broccoli
- Chicken: If starting with raw chicken breasts, place them in a large pot, cover with salted water, bring to a boil, then simmer until cooked through (about 40 minutes). Allow to cool and shred into small pieces. Alternatively, use leftover cooked chicken or a rotisserie chicken.
- Broccoli: Steam fresh broccoli florets until crisp-tender. You can use your preferred method, such as steaming on the stove or microwaving. To microwave, add broccoli florets and 2 tablespoons of water to a large microwave-safe bowl. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and microwave for 2 minutes. Let stand for 2 minutes before carefully removing the plastic wrap and draining the liquid.
2. Create the Cheese Sauce
- Traditional Method: In a large bowl, using a hand mixer, blend sour cream, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, egg, spices (salt, pepper, garlic powder), and dissolved bouillon until thoroughly combined. Mix in 1 1/2 cups each of cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
3. Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a baking dish.
- Spread about 1/4 of the chicken mixture into an even layer on the bottom of the dish.
- Make a second layer using the steamed broccoli, followed by the rest of the chicken mixture.
4. Bake
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle shredded Parmesan cheese over the top before baking to add a little salty crunch factor.
Alternative One-Pan Method
- Sauté the Broccoli: Melt some butter in an oven-safe skillet and sauté the broccoli until bright green and just tender. Remove the broccoli to a bowl.
- Make the Sauce: Melt more butter in the pan, then sauté the garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream and cook until reduced and thickened.
- Add the Cheese: Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine: Stir in the broccoli and cooked chicken. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Preheat the broiler. Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips and Variations
- Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes, but it may add more moisture to the casserole. Thaw it completely before adding it to the skillet.
- What kind of chicken should I use? Any cooked chicken works! Leftover chicken, a rotisserie chicken, or frozen cooked chicken are all great options.
- Cheese Variations: Use any combination of cheese you like!
- Vegetable Variations: Swap the broccoli for cauliflower, or use both.
- Protein Variations: Substitute the chicken with leftover turkey, ground chicken, turkey, pork, or beef.
- Add Riced Cauliflower: Bulk up the casserole by adding riced cauliflower to the mixture.
- Seasoning: Feel free to add other herbs and spices to customize the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with:
- A side salad
- Non-keto sides for family members who aren't on keto
Storing and Reheating
- Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This casserole is freezer-friendly. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to a few months. Thaw before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Nutritional Information
- Servings: 10
- Net Carbs: Approximately 4.5g per serving (depending on ingredients used)
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