Keto Chicken Cheese Broccoli Casserole Bake Recipe

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The ketogenic (keto) diet has become incredibly popular due to its focus on high-fat, low-carbohydrate foods that promote weight loss and improve overall health. One of the best things about keto is that it doesn’t require you to give up flavor, especially when it comes to comfort food. One perfect example is a Keto Chicken Cheese Broccoli Casserole Bake.

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This dish is a hearty, flavorful casserole packed with healthy fats, protein, and low-carb vegetables, making it a perfect meal for anyone on a keto diet. It’s creamy, cheesy, and bursting with savory goodness. Plus, it’s a one-pan dish that can be made ahead of time and is perfect for meal prepping!

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Why This Recipe Works for Keto

On a keto diet, one of the main goals is to keep your carbohydrate intake low (usually under 20-50 grams of net carbs per day) while increasing your intake of healthy fats and moderate protein. This casserole fits perfectly into those guidelines:

• Chicken provides a lean source of protein.
• Broccoli is a low-carb vegetable full of vitamins and fiber.
• Cheese and heavy cream offer healthy fats while adding that creamy, cheesy texture that makes the dish so comforting.
• Almond flour is used to create a thick, low-carb base for the casserole without using traditional flour.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

If you’re using raw chicken, you can start by cooking the chicken breasts. Here’s how:

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1. Heat a pan over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter or olive oil.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and any other preferred seasonings (like garlic powder or paprika).
3. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
4. Once cooked, shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

If you’re using rotisserie chicken, simply shred the meat and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli

While the chicken is cooking, you can prepare the broccoli:

1. Steam or blanch the broccoli florets until they are bright green and tender. If using fresh broccoli, you can steam it in a pot or microwave it. If using frozen broccoli, thaw it and drain any excess water.
2. Chop the broccoli into smaller, bite-sized pieces and set them aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. Melt the butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the cream cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and continue stirring, allowing the mixture to simmer for a couple of minutes until it thickens slightly.
4. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Adjust the seasonings to taste.
5. Add the almond flour slowly to the mixture and stir constantly to prevent clumping. The almond flour will help thicken the sauce and make it creamy. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is thickened.
6. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese, stirring until they melt and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
7. Stir in the Parmesan cheese to add a bit of tang and saltiness.

At this point, you should have a thick, creamy cheese sauce that will coat the chicken and broccoli beautifully.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, broccoli, and cheese sauce. Stir everything together so that the chicken and broccoli are well-coated in the creamy sauce.
3. Transfer the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

1. Top the casserole with an extra 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, if desired. This will create a nice golden, crispy top layer.
2. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
3. Optional: For an even crispier top, place the casserole under the broiler for an additional 1-2 minutes, but be sure to watch it closely to avoid burning.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, for a burst of color and freshness.
3. Serve this keto chicken cheese broccoli casserole bake as a main dish with a side of keto-friendly salad or roasted vegetables.

Tips for Customizing

• Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other keto-friendly vegetables to the casserole, like cauliflower, spinach, or zucchini. These veggies will add more fiber and nutrients without increasing the carbs too much.
• Use different cheeses: While cheddar and mozzarella are the most common choices, you can experiment with other cheeses like gouda, provolone, or even cream cheese for a different flavor.
• Make it dairy-free: If you’re dairy-sensitive, you can swap the cheese for dairy-free alternatives and use coconut milk or almond milk instead of heavy cream.
• Boost the flavor: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil for extra flavor.

Conclusion

This Keto Chicken Cheese Broccoli Casserole Bake is an incredibly delicious and satisfying meal that fits perfectly into a keto lifestyle. It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with wholesome ingredients that provide the right balance of fats, protein, and low-carb veggies. Whether you’re following a keto diet or just looking for a healthy, comfort food-inspired meal, this casserole is sure to be a winner in your home.

Prep Time
15 minutes

Cook Time
30 minutes

Total Time
45 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (about 2 medium chicken breasts)
• 4 cups broccoli florets (steamed or blanched)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for greasing)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or butter.
2. Steam or blanch the broccoli florets until tender (about 5 minutes). Drain well and set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
4. Add in the cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese and stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
5. In the greased baking dish, combine the shredded chicken and steamed broccoli.
6. Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the chicken and broccoli mixture. Stir to combine everything evenly.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option. Just shred it before adding to the casserole.

Broccoli: If you prefer a softer texture, you can sauté the broccoli for a few minutes instead of steaming it.

Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses (such as provolone or Parmesan) to suit your tastes.

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