Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole – A Comfort Classic Reborn (Keto & Low-Carb Friendly!)

Your New Favorite Comfort Food is Here!

Hey there, friend! Isla here, from my cozy kitchen to yours. Let’s talk about one of life’s greatest pleasures: a bubbling, golden-brown casserole dish straight from the oven. You know the one I mean. It’s the kind of meal that fills your whole house with the most incredible, cheesy, savory aroma. The kind that promises a hug in every single bite.

But what if I told you we could capture all that cozy, soul-warming magic without the heavy, carb-loaded feeling that often follows? What if we could take that classic cheesy broccoli chicken casserole and give it a glow-up so brilliant, it’s not just comforting, but also nourishing and totally keto-friendly? That’s exactly what we’re doing today.

This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole is my weeknight superhero. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with tender chicken and vibrant broccoli, all swathed in a velvety, three-cheese sauce that’s so good, you’ll forget all about the noodles. It’s protein-packed, low in carbs, and comes together in a flash. I’m talking about real, delicious food that fits your life, whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal-prepping for the week, or just treating yourself to something special. So, preheat that oven, grab your favorite baking dish, and let’s make some kitchen magic happen!

A Tale of Two Casseroles

This recipe takes me right back to my grandma’s linoleum-floored kitchen. She was the undisputed Queen of Casseroles. Every Sunday, without fail, a massive, steaming dish of something cheesy and wonderful would emerge from her avocado-green oven. It was a ritual. The whole family would crowd around her little formica table, passing plates and fighting over the crispiest corner bits.

Her version, God love her, was a glorious 1970s masterpiece—canned soup, tender noodles, and those crunchy fried onions on top. It was pure, unadulterated comfort. But as I grew up and my own food journey evolved, I started playing with her blueprint. I wanted to keep that soul-satisfying essence—the creamy sauce, the communal joy, the pure comfort—but make it a little lighter, a little brighter, and packed with even more real-food flavor. This cheesy broccoli chicken casserole is my love letter to her. It’s that same warm hug, just wearing a different, slightly more modern sweater. And I think she’d absolutely approve.

Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole : A Comfort Classic Reborn (Keto & Low-Carb Friendly)

Author: islamerrick
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole is a comforting, low‑carb dish featuring tender chicken, crisp broccoli florets, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Perfect for a one‑dish dinner that’s both satisfying and keto‑friendly.

Ingredients

Scale

2 lb cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
4 cups broccoli florets (fresh preferred)
2 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup heavy cream
4 oz cream cheese, cubed
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C).
In a large skillet or oven‑safe pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Add the heavy cream and cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese melts and the mixture becomes smooth.
Stir in 1 cup of the cheddar and the Parmesan until melted and combined. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder and Dijon mustard (if using).
Add the cooked chicken and the broccoli florets into the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly.
Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13″ baking dish (or use the oven‑safe skillet). Spread it evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining ½‑cup cheddar evenly over the top.
Bake for about 20‑25 minutes until bubbling and the top cheese is lightly browned.
Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Using fresh broccoli gives the best texture—frozen may release more water. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken are perfect shortcuts. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
For a thicker sauce, reduce cream slightly or add ½ tsp xanthan gum when heating the sauce. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4‑5 days; reheat gently. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking / Casserole
Cuisine: American / Low‑Carb

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (1/6 of dish)
Calories: 400 kcal (approx.)
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 750 mg (approx.)
Fat: 27 g
Saturated Fat: 15 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 5 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 33 g
Cholesterol: 140 mg

Keywords: cheesy broccoli chicken casserole, keto chicken broccoli casserole, low carb casserole, comfort food low carb

Gathering Your Flavor Crew

This is where the fun begins! Let’s break down our all-star cast of ingredients. I’ve included my favorite chef insights and swaps so you can make this dish your own.

4 cups cooked chicken breast or thighs, shredded or cubed: This is your fantastic protein base! I’m a thigh girl myself—they’re a bit more forgiving and stay extra juicy. But breast works beautifully too! This is a perfect way to use up last night’s rotisserie chicken or any leftover grilled chicken. No chicken? Canned, drained tuna works in a pinch for a fun twist!
4 cups broccoli florets, steamed until just tender: Our green powerhouse! Steaming them just until bright green and fork-tender is key. We want a little bite, not mushy broccoli. No steamer basket? No problem! A quick 2-minute blanch in boiling salted water does the trick. You can even swap in cauliflower florets for a different vibe.
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter: The foundation of our sauce. Butter gives that classic, rich flavor, while olive oil is a great dairy-sensitive option. Your choice!
¾ cup cream cheese, softened: This is the secret to our luxuriously thick and creamy sauce without any flour. Pro-tip: Let it sit on the counter for 30 minutes before you start. A soft cream cheese blends into a silky dream; a cold brick will leave you with little lumps (still tasty, but not as smooth!).
¾ cup sour cream & ½ cup heavy cream: The dynamic duo of creaminess! The sour cream adds a subtle tang that balances the richness, and the heavy cream brings it all together into a pourable, dreamy consistency.
2 teaspoons garlic powder & 1 teaspoon onion powder: Our flavor workhorses! They distribute evenly throughout the sauce, giving you that savory, aromatic base in every bite. So much easier than mincing and sautéing fresh for a quick casserole, but if you have the time, a clove of minced fresh garlic sautéed in the butter first is *chef’s kiss*.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Don’t be shy here! Season as you go. Taste your sauce before you add the chicken and broccoli. It should taste a little saltier than you think, as the other ingredients will mellow it out.
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese: The star of the show! I always recommend shredding your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded bags contain anti-caking agents that can make your sauce a bit grainy. Freshly shredded melts like a dream.
½ cup shredded mozzarella & ¼ cup grated Parmesan: The supporting cast that brings the magic. Mozzarella gives us that epic, stretchy pull, and Parmesan adds a salty, nutty depth. This trio of cheeses is absolutely unbeatable.
Optional: pinch of paprika or crushed red pepper flakes & crushed pork rinds/almond flour for crunch: This is where you make it yours! A pinch of heat from the pepper flakes or a smoky hint from the paprika is amazing. And that crunchy topping? It’s a game-changer for mimicking that baked pasta texture.

Let’s Build Some Deliciousness!

Okay, team! Aprons on, let’s get cooking. This comes together so quickly, you’ll be amazed.

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. This is our first step to a non-stick, easy-cleanup dream. I just swipe a little butter or a spritz of avocado oil around the dish. While that’s heating, let’s get saucy.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium-low heat. Add the cream cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream. Keep the heat low and gentle, my friends! We are melting and coaxing these ingredients into a smooth union, not scrambling them. Use a whisk here—it’s your best friend for breaking up the cream cheese and creating a velvety texture. Whisk continuously until it’s one homogenous, creamy pool of goodness.
Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and half the cheddar. Let melt into a thick, creamy sauce. See? We’re building flavor in layers. Adding half the cheddar right into the sauce makes it extra cheesy from the inside out. Stir until it’s fully melted and your kitchen smells like heaven.
In a large bowl, combine the chicken, steamed broccoli, and your gorgeous cheese sauce. Mix well. I like to use a big rubber spatula for this. Be gentle but thorough—you want every nook and cranny of chicken and broccoli to be coated in that luscious sauce. This is the big embrace!
Pour the mixture into your prepared casserole dish and spread it into an even layer. No fancy techniques here, just get it nice and even so everything bakes uniformly.
Top with the remaining cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. This is the crowning glory! Be generous. Cover every inch. This is what’s going to bubble and brown into that irresistible golden crust. If you’re using a crunchy topping like pork rinds or almond flour, sprinkle it over the cheese now.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the edges are bubbly and the top is beautifully golden. You’re looking for active, lazy bubbles around the edges and a top that makes you want to dive right in. For that final pizzazz, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes. WATCH IT CLOSELY! Broilers can go from perfectly browned to perfectly burnt in seconds. It’s worth it for that bubbly, speckled perfection.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. I know, I know, this is the hardest part. But trust me! This allows the sauce to set just a little, so you get perfect, clean slices instead of a cheesy lava flow. It’s a crucial step for the best texture.

Plating Up the Perfect Bite

How you serve this beauty is half the fun! I love scooping a generous portion into a shallow bowl. The contrast of the creamy interior with that crispy, cheesy top is everything. For a full meal, I like to keep it low-carb with a simple side of zesty arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. If you’re not watching carbs, this casserole is divine spooned over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa to soak up every last drop of that cheese sauce. And don’t forget a final sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or parsley for a pop of color and freshness!

Ride Your Own Flavor Wave!

This recipe is a fantastic canvas. Get creative and make it your own!

Buffalo Blue Cheese: Swap the sour cream for ranch dressing and stir in ¼ cup of buffalo sauce to the cheese mixture. Use a blue cheese crumble for the topping instead of mozzarella. Game day perfection!
Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach: Add ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed and drained) and 2 cups of fresh spinach when you mix the chicken and broccoli. The spinach wilts perfectly as it bakes.
Mushroom Lovers’: Sauté 8 oz of sliced cremini mushrooms until golden and add them to the mix. Their earthy flavor is incredible with the cheese.
Dairy-Free Delight: Use dairy-free cream cheese, sour cream, and shreds. My favorite brands melt surprisingly well! Use avocado oil instead of butter.
Spicy Fiesta: Use a Pepper Jack cheese blend and add a can of diced green chiles. Top with sliced jalapeños before baking for an extra kick!

Isla’s Insider Tips & Stories

This recipe has seen a few iterations in my kitchen. The first time I made it, I was so excited I forgot to steam the broccoli first. Let’s just say we had a very, *very* al dente vegetable situation. A valuable lesson was learned! Now I always keep a bag of frozen steamed broccoli in the freezer for ultimate desperation dinners.

Another fun evolution? The crunchy topping. My husband, the ultimate texture lover, missed the crunch of a traditional casserole. One day, in a moment of keto-inspired genius, I crushed up some plain pork rinds and mixed them with a little Parmesan. It was a revelation! Now, it’s a non-negotiable in our house. This recipe is truly a living, breathing thing in my home, and I encourage you to let it evolve in yours, too.

Your Questions, Answered!

I’ve gotten so many wonderful questions about this casserole over the years. Here are the ones I see most often!

My sauce turned out a bit grainy. What happened? This is almost always because the cream cheese was too cold when it hit the pan, or the heat was too high. Remember, low and slow is the way to go for a silky sauce. If it happens, don’t panic! It will still taste amazing. Just be sure to let your cream cheese soften fully next time.
Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! Assemble the entire casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, just pop it in the oven. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the bake time since it’s going in cold. It’s a meal-prep superstar!
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any!) keep beautifully in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or for the best texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm. The air fryer is also fantastic for crisping up a single serving!
My casserole is a little watery. How can I fix it? The most common culprit is the broccoli releasing water. Make sure you steam it just until tender and don’t overcook it. Also, letting the casserole rest for a full 5-10 minutes after baking allows everything to set up. If it’s still a bit loose, try adding an extra tablespoon of cream cheese to the sauce next time to thicken it up.

Nourishment that Feels Good

Here’s a rough breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings). Remember, values can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use!

Calories: ~430
Protein: 35g
Fat: 30g
Net Carbs: 5g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 540mg

And there you have it! My ultimate, go-to, never-fail Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a warm, delicious promise of a meal made with joy. I hope it becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen, just like it is in mine. If you make it (and I really hope you do!), tag me on social @BiteTide so I can see your beautiful creations! Now, go forth and bake something awesome.

With love and a full casserole dish,

Isla 💛