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There are certain meals that feel like pure comfort from the moment they come out of the oven. The kind of dishes where the cheese is bubbling, the aroma fills the entire kitchen, and everyone suddenly wanders in asking, “What are you making?”
For me, casseroles have always been one of those meals.
Growing up, casseroles meant family dinners, leftovers that somehow tasted even better the next day, and simple meals that could feed everyone without complicated cooking. When I started eating keto, though, many classic casseroles suddenly felt off-limits because they relied on pasta, rice, or flour-based sauces.
That’s what inspired this Keto Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Bake.
This dish keeps everything we love about a comforting casserole — creamy sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy goodness — while replacing carb-heavy ingredients with keto-friendly alternatives. The broccoli adds freshness and texture, the chicken brings protein and heartiness, and the creamy sauce ties everything together into a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying.
The result is a dinner that feels indulgent, yet fits perfectly into a keto lifestyle.
Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping lunches, or just craving something warm and satisfying, this casserole quickly becomes one of those recipes you return to again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy chicken broccoli bake is the kind of recipe that checks every box.
- 🧀 Ultra creamy and cheesy texture
- 🥦 Fresh broccoli adds color and nutrition
- 🍗 High-protein chicken keeps you full
- ⏱ Simple weeknight dinner ready in under an hour
- 🥑 Perfectly keto-friendly and low carb
- 🍽 Great for meal prep and leftovers
It’s comfort food that doesn’t feel like a compromise.
My Personal Experience
The first time I made this casserole, I was trying to recreate the creamy chicken broccoli dishes I used to order at restaurants. Those meals were always satisfying but often came with hidden carbs in sauces or starch-heavy sides.
So I decided to try building the flavor myself.
I remember pulling the casserole out of the oven and seeing the top perfectly golden with melted cheese. When I scooped out the first portion, the creamy sauce wrapped around the chicken and broccoli beautifully.
The first bite surprised me.
It had everything I wanted — creamy richness, savory chicken, and the slight bite of broccoli — without feeling heavy or overly rich. Since then, this recipe has become one of my favorite keto comfort dinners.
Required Equipment
Baking Dish
A medium casserole or baking dish helps the bake cook evenly and allows the cheese to melt beautifully on top.
Large Skillet
Used to cook the chicken and develop flavor before assembling the casserole.
Knife & Cutting Board
Essential for chopping broccoli and preparing chicken pieces.
Mixing Bowl
Used for combining the creamy sauce ingredients.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Main Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
Cooked chicken provides the protein base for the casserole.
Substitutions:
- rotisserie chicken
- leftover grilled chicken
- turkey
3 cups broccoli florets
Broccoli adds texture and freshness while keeping the dish low carb.
Substitution:
- cauliflower florets
Creamy Sauce
1 cup heavy cream
Creates the rich base of the casserole.
4 oz cream cheese
Adds thickness and tangy richness.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Provides the classic cheesy casserole flavor.
Substitution:
- Monterey Jack
- mozzarella
Seasonings
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Keto Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Bake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a casserole dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli
Steam or blanch broccoli florets for about 2–3 minutes until slightly tender but still bright green.
Drain well.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
If using raw chicken, cook diced chicken pieces in a skillet with a little oil until fully cooked and lightly browned.
Season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream, cream cheese, garlic, paprika, and onion powder.
Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Place chicken and broccoli in the baking dish.
Pour the creamy sauce over the mixture and stir gently.
Step 6: Add Cheese
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top.
Step 7: Bake
Bake the casserole for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using watery broccoli
Excess moisture can thin the sauce.
Overcooking the chicken
Cook chicken just until done.
Skipping the resting time
The casserole thickens as it cools slightly.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Use rotisserie chicken for extra flavor
- Steam broccoli lightly to keep texture
- Add cheese during the last few minutes for a golden top
- Let the casserole rest before slicing
Keto Benefits of Chicken
Chicken is one of the most versatile keto proteins. It’s naturally low in carbs, high in protein, and pairs beautifully with healthy fats like cream, cheese, and butter. This makes it ideal for keto meals that keep you satisfied and energized.
Variations You Can Try
Spicy Version
Add chili flakes or jalapeños.
Garlic Parmesan Version
Use parmesan cheese and extra garlic.
Buffalo Chicken Version
Add buffalo sauce and ranch dressing.
Extra Veggie Version
Add mushrooms or zucchini.
Tips for This Recipe
This casserole tastes even better the next day because the flavors continue to develop.
Optional Additions
- bacon substitute such as turkey bacon
- sliced mushrooms
- diced bell peppers
- fresh parsley
Serving Ideas
Serve this casserole with:
- cauliflower rice
- keto garlic bread
- fresh salad
- roasted vegetables
Storage Recommendations
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze portions for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat in oven at 350°F or microwave until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, just thaw and drain it first.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely — it saves time and adds flavor.
Is this casserole good for meal prep?
Yes, it reheats very well.
Can I make it dairy-free?
You can use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, mushrooms and zucchini work well.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it and refrigerate before baking.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
Calories: 420
Protein: 34g
Fat: 30g
Total Carbs: 6g
Fiber: 2g
Net Carbs: 4g
Recipe Snapshot
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Calories: 420
Keto Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Bake Recipe
Ingredients
- chicken – 2 cups
- broccoli – 3 cups
- heavy cream – 1 cup
- cream cheese – 4 oz
- cheddar cheese – 1 cup
- garlic – 2 cloves
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s fully heated before the casserole goes in. Lightly grease a medium baking dish with a little butter or cooking oil. This helps prevent the casserole from sticking and makes serving much easier later.
- Bring a pot of water to a gentle boil and add the broccoli florets. Let them cook for 2–3 minutes, just until they turn bright green and slightly tender. The broccoli should still have a little firmness since it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain the broccoli well and set it aside.
- If you’re using raw chicken, heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Add the diced or sliced chicken and cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and lightly golden. Season with a little salt and pepper while it cooks. Once done, remove the chicken from the heat.
- In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the heavy cream and cream cheese. Stir slowly as the cream cheese melts into the cream. Continue stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Add minced garlic, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, and mix well so the sauce becomes rich and flavorful.
- Place the cooked chicken and the drained broccoli into the prepared baking dish. Spread them out evenly so every bite will contain both chicken and broccoli.
- Pour the warm creamy sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli mixture. Use a spoon or spatula to gently stir everything together so the sauce coats the ingredients evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly across the top of the casserole. Make sure the cheese covers most of the surface so it melts into a delicious golden layer while baking.
- Place the baking dish into the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors settle.
