Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty: Easy
This Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Low-Carb Casserole is the ultimate weeknight comfort food without the carb crash. Creamy, cheesy, packed with protein and fiber, and absolutely no rice, pasta, or breadcrumbs needed. It’s perfect for keto, gluten-free, or simply healthier eating.
Recipe Intensities (At a Glance)
| Intensity | Level |
|---|---|
| Skill Level | Easy (chopping + mixing + baking) |
| Cost Intensity | $ – $$ (Moderate – chicken and cheese are the main costs) |
| Flavor Intensity | High (rich, savory, cheesy, garlicky) |
| Prep Intensity | Medium (requires cooking chicken + steaming broccoli) |
| Cleanup Intensity | Low (one skillet + one baking dish) |
| Spice Level | Mild (kid-friendly; adjustable) |
Why You’ll Love This Casserole
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Only 8g net carbs per serving
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One-pan meal – protein + veg + sauce all in one dish
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Great for meal prep – reheats beautifully
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No cream-of-anything soup – we make a real, clean creamy sauce
Ingredients
For the casserole:
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2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (about 2 small breasts)
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3 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed and drained)
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1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
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½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the low-carb cream sauce:
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4 oz (½ block) full-fat cream cheese, softened
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½ cup heavy cream
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½ cup chicken broth (low sodium)
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2 tbsp unsalted butter
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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½ tsp onion powder
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½ tsp salt (or to taste)
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¼ tsp black pepper
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¼ tsp paprika (optional, for color)
Instructions
Step 1 – Preheat & Prep (5 minutes)
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch or 2-quart baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Step 2 – Cook the Chicken (10 minutes)
If not using leftovers: season two chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Pan-sear in 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through. Let rest for 5 minutes, then dice. Intensity: Medium heat – sizzling but not smoking.
Step 3 – Steam the Broccoli (5 minutes)
Steam fresh broccoli florets until bright green and tender-crisp (about 4 minutes). Do not overcook – it will finish in the oven. Drain well. Intensity: Low – just steam or microwave.
Step 4 – Make the Cream Sauce (8 minutes)
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Reduce heat to low-medium. Add cream cheese, breaking it up with a spatula. Stir constantly until melted and smooth (about 2 minutes). Slowly pour in heavy cream and chicken broth while whisking. Add onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Intensity: Medium – whisking required.
Step 5 – Assemble (5 minutes)
Remove sauce from heat. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar and all of the mozzarella until melted. Add the diced chicken and steamed broccoli. Mix well. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining ½ cup cheddar and the Parmesan cheese.
Step 6 – Bake (15 minutes)
Bake uncovered for 15 minutes until hot and bubbly. For a golden top, switch to broil for the final 2 minutes – watch carefully. Intensity: Low – just waiting.
Step 7 – Rest & Serve (5 minutes)
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set for clean slices.
Nutrition Information (per serving, 1/6 of recipe)
Calculated using standard ingredients. Values are estimates.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 485 kcal |
| Total Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Net Carbs | 8g |
| Protein | 34g |
| Total Fat | 34g |
| Saturated Fat | 19g |
| Cholesterol | 145mg |
| Sodium | 620mg |
| Potassium | 420mg |
| Vitamin A | 28% DV |
| Vitamin C | 45% DV |
| Calcium | 32% DV |
| Iron | 8% DV |