If you’re searching for a hearty, comforting dish that perfectly fits a low-carb lifestyle, this Keto Chicken Broccoli Casserole is your new best friend. Packed with tender chunks of chicken, vibrant broccoli, and gooey melted cheese, it’s a dish that feels indulgent without any of the guilt. The creamy sauce, infused with garlic and parmesan, ties everything together beautifully, making each bite bursting with flavor and satisfying texture. I promise, once you try this casserole, it’ll become a staple in your keto meal rotation.

Keto Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Keto Chicken Broccoli Casserole keeps things wonderfully simple but relies on a handful of key ingredients that bring the perfect balance of creaminess, cheesiness, and freshness. Each ingredient plays an important role, from the bright green broccoli to the rich, melted cheese topping that adds a golden finish.

2 tbsp butter, divided: Butter adds richness and helps sauté the broccoli and garlic to enhance their flavors.
16 ounces broccoli, coarsely chopped: Fresh broccoli brings vibrant color and a slight crunch that balances the creamy chicken and cheese.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth and depth.
3/4 cup heavy whipping cream: This creates a luscious base for the sauce, adding indulgent creaminess without carbs.
1 1/3 cups shredded mozzarella, divided: Mozzarella melts beautifully, giving you that irresistible gooey texture.
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese: Parmesan delivers a sharp, savory punch that elevates the casserole’s flavor complexity.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance every component.
1 1/2 lb cooked, chopped chicken (about 4 cups): Tender chicken provides protein and makes the casserole satisfying and filling.

How to Make Keto Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Step 1: Sauté the Broccoli

Start by setting a 10-inch ovenproof skillet over medium heat and melting 1 tablespoon of butter. Once it’s melted, toss in the broccoli and sauté until it turns that beautiful bright green and becomes just tender — usually about 4 minutes. This quick sauté helps the broccoli keep a slight crunch and vibrant color. Then, transfer the broccoli to a bowl and set it aside for the next step.

Step 2: Build the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook just until it’s fragrant, no more than a minute. Pour in the heavy whipping cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Keep cooking for 3 to 5 minutes to let the cream reduce and thicken slightly — this is where the sauce develops its rich texture and flavor.

Step 3: Melt in the Cheeses

Stir in one-third cup of shredded mozzarella alongside all the parmesan cheese into your creamy sauce. Let the cheese melt fully, melding into a smooth, velvety mixture. Season generously with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. This step transforms the sauce into a tantalizingly cheesy cloak for the chicken and broccoli.

Step 4: Combine and Top

Return the broccoli to the skillet and add the cooked chopped chicken. Toss everything gently to coat it well with the cheese sauce. Sprinkle the remaining one cup of mozzarella evenly on top. This final cheesy layer will brown beautifully under the broiler, creating a golden, bubbling crust that makes this Keto Chicken Broccoli Casserole so irresistible.

Step 5: Broil to Perfection

Preheat your oven’s broiler and place the skillet about 6 inches from the heat source. Broil the casserole just until the cheese on top begins to brown, which typically takes 2 to 5 minutes depending on your broiler’s intensity. Keep a close eye to avoid burning while you wait for that perfect crust to form. Once golden and bubbly, your casserole is ready to serve!

How to Serve Keto Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Garnishes

Adding fresh garnishes is a lovely way to brighten this rich casserole. Consider sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and freshness. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a stylish twist and layered flavor. These little touches make the meal feel special and inviting.

Side Dishes

Although the Keto Chicken Broccoli Casserole is quite filling on its own, it pairs wonderfully with crisp, simple sides. A fresh leafy green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the creamy casserole perfectly, offering a refreshing contrast. Alternatively, roasted Brussels sprouts or cauliflower rice keep the meal keto-friendly and balanced while adding varied textures.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, serve the casserole in individual ovenproof ramekins or small skillets — perfect for dinners with friends or family. You can also scoop portions into lettuce cups for a low-carb handheld option. If you’re hosting a gathering, portion the casserole into mini muffin tins before baking for cute, bite-sized servings that guests will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Keto Chicken Broccoli Casserole keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors meld even more with time, making it a delicious next-day meal. Simply cover the casserole or transfer leftovers to a container to maintain freshness.

Freezing

To freeze your casserole, let it cool completely then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It stores well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Freezing is a great way to have a grab-and-go low-carb meal ready whenever you need it.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a preheated 350°F oven until warmed through, usually 15 to 20 minutes, to keep the crispy cheese topping intact. If you’re in a hurry, microwaving works too, but the cheese may lose some of its texture. Adding a few extra minutes under the broiler after microwaving can help revive that golden crust and give you that fresh-from-the-oven feel.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this Keto Chicken Broccoli Casserole?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess water from the frozen broccoli before sautéing to prevent the casserole from becoming watery. Fresh broccoli is preferred for the best texture, but frozen works in a pinch.

Is this casserole suitable for meal prepping?

Yes! This Keto Chicken Broccoli Casserole is fantastic for meal prepping since you can make it in advance and store portions for several days. It keeps well in the fridge and freezes beautifully, making your weekly meals super convenient and tasty.

Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Definitely. You can use cooked turkey, shredded pork, or even cooked sausage if you want to mix things up. Just be sure the protein is cooked before adding to the casserole, so everything heats evenly and tastes perfect.

What can I do if I don’t have heavy cream?

If heavy cream isn’t on hand, you can substitute it with full-fat coconut milk or a combination of cream cheese and milk. Keep in mind these alternatives may slightly change the flavor and thickness of your sauce, but the casserole will still be delicious.

How can I make this casserole spicier?

For a kick of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter while cooking or sprinkle diced jalapeños on top before broiling. You could also mix in a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce. These tweaks add excitement without overwhelming the dish.

Final Thoughts

The Keto Chicken Broccoli Casserole is truly a crowd-pleaser that transforms simple, wholesome ingredients into a comforting and flavorful meal. Its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and melty cheese topping make for a satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and see just how effortlessly delicious keto cooking can be!

Keto Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 24 reviews

Author: Isabella
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Carb

Print Recipe

Description

A creamy and cheesy keto-friendly chicken broccoli casserole that’s quick to prepare and perfect for a low-carb dinner. The tender broccoli and cooked chicken are enveloped in a rich garlic-infused cream sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then broiled to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

2 tbsp (28.4 g) butter, divided
16 ounces (453.59 g) broccoli, coarsely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 cup (177.44 ml) heavy whipping cream
1 1/3 cups (149.33 g) shredded mozzarella, divided
1/3 cup (33.33 g) grated parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 lb (680.39 g) cooked, chopped chicken (about 4 cups)

Instructions

Sauté Broccoli: Set a 10-inch ovenproof skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of the butter. Once melted, add the broccoli and sauté until bright green and just tender, about 4 minutes. Remove the broccoli to a bowl.
Cook Garlic and Cream: Melt the remaining butter in the pan and add the minced garlic, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the heavy whipping cream and bring it to a simmer, then cook until the sauce is reduced and thickened, about 3 to 5 minutes.
Add Cheese and Season: Stir in 1/3 cup of shredded mozzarella and all the Parmesan cheese into the cream mixture until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine and Top: Stir the sautéed broccoli and cooked chicken into the cheese sauce. Spread the mixture evenly in the skillet and top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella.
Broil: Preheat your oven’s broiler. Place the skillet about 6 inches from the heat source and broil until the cheese is bubbly and beginning to brown, about 2 to 5 minutes depending on your broiler’s intensity. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Notes

Use cooked chicken from leftovers or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Ensure broccoli is not overcooked during sautéing to maintain a slight crunch.
Adjust seasoning to your taste; consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
For a dairy-free version, substitute cream and cheeses with coconut cream and vegan cheeses respectively, though this will alter the flavor profile.
Serving sizes can be adjusted depending on appetite and whether served with a side dish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing and Broiling
Cuisine: American