In the quest for delicious, satisfying, and health-conscious meals, the **Easy Keto Low-Carb Chicken Broccoli Cheese Casserole** stands out as a true culinary champion. This exceptional recipe is not only quick to prepare, making it a perfect solution for busy weeknights, but also boasts incredible versatility for **meal prep** and **leftovers**. Its **freezer-friendly** nature means you can enjoy a hearty, homemade meal with minimal effort whenever hunger strikes. Bursting with flavor, this casserole is generously loaded with **cream cheese**, creating an irresistibly **cheesy** and **creamy** texture that will delight your taste buds. If you’re a fan of comforting classics like **chicken divan**, you’re guaranteed to fall in love with this rich and savory dinner dish. Plus, for those looking to switch things up, you can easily substitute broccoli with **cauliflower** for a different twist on this low-carb favorite.
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Mastering the Art of Low-Carb Cooking with Keto Casseroles
For many, the ketogenic diet can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. My philosophy revolves around quick and easy cooking, especially when it comes to preparing meals in advance for effective **meal prep**. Casseroles, in particular, are an absolute game-changer in this regard. They represent the ultimate cooking hack, allowing you to combine a delightful array of wholesome, yummy foods into a single, cohesive dish. Beyond their convenience, casseroles excel in their ability to be frozen and reheated, providing a practical solution for nourishing **leftovers** that taste just as good the second time around.
Why This Chicken Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a Keto Must-Have
This **Keto Chicken Broccoli Cheese Casserole** isn’t just another low-carb meal; it’s a celebration of flavor and efficiency. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a luscious, cheesy sauce creates a harmonious blend that satisfies both the palate and the body. Its inherent richness and savory depth make it an ideal choice for anyone adhering to a keto or low-carb lifestyle, offering a comforting alternative to high-carb dishes without compromising on taste. Whether you’re a seasoned keto veteran or just starting your low-carb journey, this casserole promises to be a staple in your culinary repertoire.
The Perfect Blend: Chicken and Broccoli for Keto Success
Chicken, a lean protein powerhouse, provides the foundational substance for this casserole, keeping you full and energized. Broccoli, on the other hand, is a superstar vegetable for the keto diet. It’s low in net carbs and packed with essential nutrients, making it an excellent choice for adding fiber, vitamins, and a pop of color and texture to your meals. Together, they form a nutritious base that beautifully complements the rich, cheesy sauce.
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Is Broccoli Keto Friendly? Can You Have Broccoli on Keto?
Absolutely! Broccoli is a fantastic addition to any **keto diet** or low-carb lifestyle. A single cup of broccoli contains approximately 3.5 net carbs, making it one of the most carb-efficient vegetables available. Beyond its low carb count, broccoli is an excellent source of fiber, which is crucial for digestive health, especially when following a ketogenic eating plan. It also provides a wealth of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C and K, ensuring you get vital nutrients while maintaining ketosis. Its mild flavor and versatile texture make it a perfect companion for rich, cheesy casseroles, absorbing the creamy goodness beautifully.
How to Make Chicken Broccoli Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Crafting this savory **Keto Low-Carb Chicken Broccoli Cheese Casserole** is simpler than you might imagine. Follow these clear steps to achieve a perfectly creamy and cheesy dish:
- **Prepare the Chicken:** Begin by cutting 1 ½ pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into uniform 1-inch cubes. In a large skillet, cook the chicken until lightly browned and cooked through, alongside chopped onions and minced garlic. This initial step builds a flavorful base. Once cooked, remove the chicken mixture from the skillet and set it aside.
- **Craft the Creamy Roux:** In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Gradually whisk in about ½ tablespoon of xanthan gum. This creates a quick, low-carb roux that will be the backbone of your thick and creamy sauce. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
- **Develop the Sauce:** Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to ensure a smooth consistency. Add the softened cream cheese and heavy whipping cream, continuing to whisk until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated, and the sauce achieves a rich, creamy texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- **Combine and Assemble:** Gently fold the steamed broccoli into the luscious cheese sauce. Then, combine the cooked chicken, onions, and garlic back into the skillet with the sauce and broccoli. Ensure all ingredients are well coated.
- **Bake to Perfection:** Transfer the entire mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar and parmesan cheese over the top. Bake in a preheated oven until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
- **Cool and Serve:** Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. This brief resting period helps the sauce set, making it easier to portion and ensuring every bite is perfectly creamy.
What is Xanthan Gum and Why Is it Used in This Recipe?
Xanthan gum is a remarkable ingredient often utilized in **keto cooking** as a gluten-free thickening agent and stabilizer. Unlike traditional thickeners like flour or cornstarch, which are high in carbohydrates, xanthan gum offers a carb-friendly alternative, making it ideal for low-carb recipes like this **Chicken Broccoli Cheese Casserole**. It helps bind ingredients together and, more importantly, prevents the casserole from becoming soupy, ensuring a luxuriously thick, rich, and creamy texture that defines a perfect casserole.
You only need a small amount—typically about half a tablespoon for most recipes—to achieve the desired consistency. When purchasing, always look for gluten-free xanthan gum to avoid any potential wheat-based ingredients. Xanthan gum is produced through a fermentation process where sugars are digested by bacteria, which then excrete the gum. Despite being made by fermentation, the gum itself does not ferment, ensuring its stability and effectiveness in cooking.
I have thoroughly tested this specific **Keto Chicken Broccoli Casserole** recipe using xanthan gum to achieve its signature creamy consistency. If you need a substitute, I highly recommend researching other low-carb thickening alternatives to ensure they yield similar results without compromising the dish’s texture or carb count.
Can Fresh Broccoli Be Used in this Recipe?
Absolutely! While frozen broccoli offers convenience, fresh broccoli florets can certainly be used in this **Keto Chicken Broccoli Casserole**. For best results and to ensure even cooking, I highly recommend steaming the fresh broccoli first. Steaming it beforehand helps to tenderize the florets, allowing them to fully incorporate into the creamy sauce without becoming overly soft or crunchy during the baking process. Check out our guide on 3 Easy Ways to Steam Broccoli for quick tips!
Can Cauliflower Be Substituted in this Recipe?
Yes, cauliflower makes an excellent low-carb substitute for broccoli in this casserole, offering a slightly different flavor profile and texture. You can use steamed cauliflower florets in a similar manner to steamed broccoli. For an even more inventive twist, consider mashing the cauliflower and using it as a topping, transforming this dish into a delightful **Keto Chicken Shepherd’s Pie**. This variation provides a rich, comforting experience while keeping the meal perfectly aligned with your low-carb goals.
Is Chicken Broccoli Casserole Freezer Friendly?
This **Keto Chicken Broccoli Casserole** is exceptionally freezer-friendly, making it a dream for **meal prep** and ensuring you always have a healthy, delicious option ready to go. When freezing casseroles, I find that foil pans are incredibly convenient for both storage and reheating. To defrost, I recommend transferring the frozen casserole to the refrigerator a day or two before you plan to eat it. This slow thawing process helps maintain the casserole’s texture and prevents it from becoming watery, ensuring a perfectly creamy dish when reheated. Avoid reheating directly from frozen, as this can affect the consistency of the sauce.
How Many Carbs are in Chicken Broccoli Casserole?
One of the most appealing aspects of this **Easy Keto Low-Carb Chicken Broccoli Cheese Casserole** is its impressive carb count. Each serving contains approximately **4 net carbs**, making it an ideal choice for anyone strictly adhering to a ketogenic diet. This low carb count, combined with its high fat and protein content, ensures that you stay in ketosis while enjoying a deeply satisfying and flavorful meal that supports your health and weight management goals.
Explore More Keto Casseroles
If you’ve enjoyed the simplicity and deliciousness of this **Keto Chicken Broccoli Cheese Casserole**, you’ll be thrilled to discover a world of other **keto-friendly casseroles** perfect for your low-carb journey:
- Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole: All the flavors of your favorite burger, without the bun, in a comforting baked dish.
- Keto Bacon, Egg, Cheese Breakfast Casserole: A perfect make-ahead breakfast or brunch option packed with protein and healthy fats.
- Keto Philly Cheesesteak Casserole: Savory beef, peppers, and onions smothered in cheese, delivering classic Philly flavors in a low-carb format.
- Keto Chicken Enchilada Casserole: Spice up your meal routine with this flavorful Mexican-inspired dish, reimagined for keto.
You may also enjoy my Keto Broccoli Salad for a refreshing side, and my comforting Keto Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipes for other delicious ways to enjoy this versatile vegetable.
Easy Keto Low-Carb Chicken Broccoli Cheese Casserole
By Brandi Crawford
Easy, Keto Low-Carb Chicken Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a quick recipe that is perfect for meal prep and leftovers! This freezer-friendly dish is loaded with cream cheese to provide a large dose of cheesy, creamy goodness. You can even substitute with cauliflower. Are you a fan of chicken divan? You will love this dinner dish.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Servings: 5
Calories: 353 kcal
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ pounds skinless chicken breasts (Cut into 1 inch cubes.)
- McCormick’s Montreal Chicken Seasoning (to taste)
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ tablespoon xanthan gum
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream (I used a brand that has zero carbs.)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 15 oz frozen broccoli (I used the packaged steamable kind to save time.)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C).
- Spray a 9×13 casserole dish with cooking spray.
- Heat a skillet on medium-high heat. When hot, add the olive oil, onions and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the chicken cubes to the skillet and season with the chicken seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes, stirring and flipping the chicken until it is no longer pink on each side.
- Remove the chicken, onions, and garlic and set aside on a plate.
- Add the butter to the skillet on medium-high heat. Allow the butter to melt and then add the xanthan gum. Use a whisk and stir until combined. This will create a roux and the sauce should thicken.
- Pour in the chicken broth. Whisk to combine. Then add the cream cheese and heavy whipping cream. Whisk. Lower the heat to medium and allow it to cook for 3-4 minutes until thick.
- When thickened, add the cooked, steamed broccoli and stir. Then pour the mixture into the casserole dish with the chicken mixture.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese throughout the top.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes until the cheese begins to bubble and is golden.
- Cool before serving.
Notes
I do not use pre-shredded cheese in this recipe. Pre-shredded cheese is loaded with chemicals to keep it intact and sometimes carbs. I purchase block-style cheese and grate it myself for best results.
I have only tested this recipe using xanthan gum. If you require a substitute, I recommend that you research other possible alternatives to ensure consistency and texture.
Nutrition
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information for a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 353 kcal | Carbohydrates: 4 g | Protein: 25 g | Fat: 25 g
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