Cheesy Low-Carb Chicken & Broccoli Casserole
This cheesy low-carb chicken casserole is creamy, comforting, and simple enough for a busy weeknight. Made with tender chicken, broccoli, and a rich homemade cheese sauce, it bakes into a hearty keto dinner the whole family will actually eat.
Everything comes together in one casserole dish, and you can have it in the oven super fast. Serve it on its own or with a simple salad for an easy, satisfying low-carb meal, or pair it with a keto-friendly side.
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Why This Low-Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe Works
Here is why this recipe works and is on repeat in our home:
- Creamy cheese sauce that stays smooth when baked
- Family-friendly flavors with no unusual keto ingredients
- Easy to prep ahead or make with rotisserie chicken
- Naturally low-carb and keto-friendly
Personal Note:
This recipe has been on our dinner rotation for years because it actually works for real life. It’s one of those family-friendly keto meals I can throw together on a busy afternoon and know everyone will eat without complaints. That’s a win!!
Over time, I’ve tweaked the cheese sauce and shortcuts to make it easier and more reliable. This version is the one that comes out perfect every time, and I come back to it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Keto Chicken Broccoli Casserole
I am all about simple. Our home is busy with two kids in college and two younger ones. I need quick and easy ingredients that are in my fridge and pantry, which are super important. This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients:
- Cooked chicken: Shredded chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken both work well
- Broccoli: Fresh florets or steam-in-bag broccoli
- Cheese: A combination of shredded cheeses for flavor and melt
- Cream cheese: Creates an extra smooth, creamy sauce
- Simple pantry items
The exact measurements are listed on the recipe card below.
How to Prep the Chicken for this Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole
There are a few different ways you can prepare the chicken for this recipe. Meal prepping works for me, so I like to make big batches of slow-cooked chicken. I store it in individual zippered bags, so I always have pre-cooked protein in the freezer.
Slow cooker: Cook the chicken breasts with broth, salt, and pepper until tender, then shred.
Shortcut option: Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
Expert quick tip: Either fresh broccoli or frozen steam-in-bag broccoli works great in this casserole.
Easy Keto Chicken Casserole Variations
Vegetable swaps: Cauliflower rice, green beans, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts
Cheese options: Cheddar, Mozzarella, Colby Jack, Gouda, or a mixed blend
Crunchy topping: Add crushed pork rinds or homemade cheese crisps before baking
About the Cheese Sauce
The cheese sauce is made with cream cheese so it stays extra smooth and creamy while it bakes. It coats the chicken and broccoli perfectly without separating and makes this casserole rich every time.
Step-by-Step: How to Make This Keto Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Prep the chicken.
Use shredded cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
Step 2: Prepare the broccoli.
Fresh florets or steam-in-bag broccoli both work well.
Step 3: Make the cheese sauce.
Warm the cheese sauce ingredients just until smooth, then remove from the heat.
Step 4: Assemble.
Layer the shredded chicken and steamed broccoli in a casserole dish. Then pour the cheese sauce over the top.
Step 5: Bake.
Bake until hot and bubbly. Make sure to let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the flavors to come together.
Optional expert tip: Add crushed pork rinds or cheese crisps for a crunchy topping before baking.
How to Store and Reheat this Chicken & Broccoli Casserole
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–5 days.
- Freeze for up to 6 months.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to maintain the creamy texture. Try short warming bursts. This will keep the sauce from separating while reheating.
Other Low-Carb Chicken Casserole Recipes:
- Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole
- Keto Pizza Casserole
- Low Chicken Pot Pie
- Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
- Chicken Cordon Bleu
Low Carb Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless/skinless chicken breasts
- 2 10 oz Steam bag of broccoli (you may also use fresh)
- 2 tb butter
- 6 oz Philadelphia Cream Cheese
- 1 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 12 oz sharp shredded cheese
- 4 oz mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 tb garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp parsley
- salt/pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken:Cook chicken breasts in a slow cooker with a little broth, salt, and pepper for 3 hours on high or 6 hours on low. Shred once cooked.Shortcut: You may also use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Prepare the broccoli:Steam fresh broccoli or microwave steam-in-bag broccoli according to package directions. Drain well.
- Preheat oven:Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Make the cheese sauce:In a saucepan over low–medium heat, melt butter with heavy cream, garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning. Whisk in softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add cheeses:Stir in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, reserving ¼ cup cheddar and ⅛ cup of the other cheeses for topping. Stir until fully melted and smooth.
- Assemble:Layer shredded chicken in the casserole dish, followed by broccoli. Pour cheese sauce evenly over the top.
- Top and bake:Sprinkle reserved cheese over the casserole, then add paprika, parsley, and remaining Italian seasoning.
- Bake:Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
- Serve:Let rest a few minutes before serving.
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Notes
- Slow cooker chicken: This recipe uses baked assembly, but the chicken can be cooked ahead of time in a slow cooker. Cook chicken breasts with a little broth, salt, and pepper for 3 hours on high or 6 hours on low, then shred before assembling the casserole.
- Shortcut option: Rotisserie chicken works well and saves time.
Do not cook fully in the slow cooker: The cheese sauce is best baked in the oven to maintain a creamy texture and prevent separation.
Nutrition
What are the instructions if you want to freeze it?
Hey, Susanne, I have a big family so we never freeze leftovers. We rarely have any leftovers.
I know this sounds silly but what would be the exact serving size 1 cup? Sorry for the silly question
I just divide it evenly into the number of servings on the recipe card.
I noticed the the recipe says it makes 12 servings? Is the nutritional info based off of that serving size? Dividing into 12 servings seems impossible as it is so delicious!
Hey Valerie, yes the recipe card is correct. Glad you enjoyed!
Kasey,
I fixed this recipe last Monday with a slight change. I grilled chicken breast with a rub of salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. I then cut the breasts into 1″ cubes. It turned out great!
Also, last night I had an idea of the same recipe except chicken using 15 thin cut boneless pork chops. I used the same seasoning as noted above with the chicken and cook the pork chops in butter and olive oil. Instead of the broccoli, I sauteed 2 large Vidalia onions and then a large container of sliced baby Bella mushrooms. Doubled the sauce mixture ingredients and wow what a bang!
Thanks,
Darren Melching
Hey, Darren, glad you enjoyed! Sounds good!!
That Sounds Like A Hit!!!! Thats How I Season My Chicken. Omg. I Have To Try It With The Grilled Meat
I Cant Do The Pork Chops, But I Was Thinking Crab Meat & Shrimp Combo.
Is it only 1lb of chicken for 12 servings?
Yes, but you will be adding quite a bit of broccoli to your casserole.
Okay So This Is A Great Recipe. I Didn’t Have Time To Use The Slow Cooker, So I Boiled It .. Let It Cool Down, Shredded It. Then Seasoned It A Little & Cooked It Like 3 Mins More With Avocado Oil. I Did Two Layers Of The Casserole. Soooo Good. Thanks.
Glad you liked it!
Soooooo good
Glad you enjoyed, Megan!
We’re POSITIVE only 3g of carb per serving?
The nutritional info is included on the recipe card. Feel free to use whatever app you choose to calculate your own carbs if you prefer.
Fantastic! Will be making again soon!
Awesome, Lisa! Glad you liked it!
Planning on making this for dinner tomorrow night…any thoughts on just throwing everything into a slow cooker instead?
Haven’t tried that. Let me know how it turns out.
Tami, How did it turn out in the slow cooker? I’m going to try it, too. I already cooked the chicken yesterday, but want to put it all together today in a slow cooker. How long, what temperature? Thanks!
Really yummy! I tummy is actually full! That has been an issue with trying to stay low carb. This is the first “dish” I have made. Will make again! Only question would be how many servings is this supposed to be so I know how much for the cab count given:)
Glad you liked it!!
Just wish it was healthier for you fat wise
Keto is a high fat, moderate protein, and low carb way of eating. You’ll find lots of fat in keto recipes.
I am planning to make this ahead for a week day meal. Should it be cooked fully before refrigerating or freezing?
I usually cook mine first.
Favorite Keto dish so far!!! It’s flavorful and amazing. ❤️
I’m so glad it’s your favorite!
Oh lawdy. Can I just put that sauce in a bowl and call it cheese soup. It is so Yummy just on it’s own! Such a delicious recipe. Followed to the letter and Family loved it!
So delish.. thanks so much!!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!