Ah, the beauty of a warm, bubbling casserole! Today, I’m excited to share one of my absolute favorites: Keto Chicken and Broccoli Casserole. This dish is a delightful meld of wholesome ingredients that tick all the boxes for comfort food but without the carbs. I stumbled across this recipe during one of my attempts to eat a bit cleaner and less carb-heavy, and let me tell you – it has been a family hero ever since!
What I love most about this casserole is that it has a little bit of everything. You’ve got the lean protein from the chicken, the vibrant veggies from the broccoli, and enough creamy goodness to make your taste buds sing! Plus, this dish offers up some serious nostalgia; it reminds me of the family dinners my mom used to prepare when everyone was gathered around the table. Each bite takes me back! So, let’s dive into what makes this delicious dish a staple in my kitchen.
What’s in Keto Chicken and Broccoli Casserole?
Broccoli Florets: These vibrant green veggies are the star of the show! They’re not only full of fiber but also rich in vitamins C and K. Plus, they add a beautiful color that makes the dish pop.
Cooked Chicken Breast: I usually use leftover chicken breast for convenience, but you can poach or grill fresh chicken—whatever works for you! It’s a great source of lean protein, helping to keep you full.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Who doesn’t love cheese? This creamy goodness melts beautifully on top and adds a fantastic flavor that binds everything together.
Heavy Cream & Cream Cheese: These two create the luscious base for the creamy sauce and contribute those indulgent textures. You can’t resist a good cream sauce, right?
Chicken Broth: I lean towards low-sodium chicken broth. It adds depth to the flavor without overwhelming it.
Garlic: Because garlic makes everything better! It adds a punch of flavor and that aromatic kiss to every bite.
Spices (Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning): These simple spices bring a lovely depth of flavor, making it taste like you spent hours in the kitchen (but really, you spent just 30 minutes!).
Salt and Pepper: The fundamental duo that enhances and balances all the flavors.
Olive Oil: Just a drizzle to sauté the garlic and broccoli—it adds healthy fat and flavor!
Fresh Parsley: A pop of green on top! It’s all about presentation, and parsley gives it a fresh touch.
Is Keto Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Good for You?
Absolutely! This casserole is packed full of nutrients thanks to the broccoli and lean chicken.
Broccoli: As I mentioned earlier, it’s a nutritional powerhouse, rich in vitamins and fiber, supporting digestion and overall health.
Chicken: Provides a great protein source, which is essential for muscle development and repair.
Heavy Cream and Cream Cheese: While these can be high in calories and fat, they are also sources of healthy fats that can keep you satiated and help absorb fat-soluble vitamins. Just keep the portions in check if you’re watching your caloric intake.
Now, remember to enjoy it in moderation since while it’s keto-friendly, it’s still calorie-dense with all that cheese and cream!
Ingredients
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
This recipe serves 4, making it perfect for a family dinner or leftovers for the week!
How to Make Keto Chicken and Broccoli Casserole?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large casserole dish, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant—this will fill your kitchen with heavenly aromas!
3. Toss in the broccoli florets and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they are slightly tender. Then, remove it from the heat and let it chill for a second.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, chicken broth, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until it’s smooth and creamy like a dream!
5. Add the diced chicken to the broccoli in the casserole dish, and pour that luscious cream mixture over the top. Gently stir to combine. Don’t go rough here; we want it to be beautifully coated.
6. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole. Trust me, that melted cheese on top is the best part!
7. Pop it in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown—this is where the magic happens!
8. Once it’s out of the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley because… it just looks fancy!
Delicious Variations and Tips to Enjoy!
This casserole is oh-so adaptable! If you’re feeling adventurous, why not switch things up? You can substitute the chicken with cooked ground turkey or even sausage for a different flavor profile. Every time, it feels like a brand new dish!
This casserole is also fantastic for meal prep—makes life so much easier during the busy week ahead. Just pop it in the fridge, and it’ll keep well for up to three days. Pair it with a simple side salad, and you’ve got a complete meal that’ll leave you satisfied without the carbs!
So, there you have it—my comforting Keto Chicken and Broccoli Casserole. I hope you give this recipe a shot because I can guarantee it’ll quickly become a go-to in your household too. Don’t forget to let me know how it turns out for you! Happy cooking!
