Save Finding a meal that satisfies both comfort food cravings and a ketogenic lifestyle can be a challenge, but this Keto Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole delivers on every front. Imagine tender pieces of chicken and vibrant broccoli florets enveloped in a rich, velvety cheese sauce, all baked until bubbly and golden. It is the ultimate one-dish wonder for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying without the extra carbohydrates.
Save This recipe is a staple for meal prepping or simply cleaning out the fridge. By using pre-cooked chicken and steamed broccoli, the assembly process is lightning fast. The combination of cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese creates a multi-layered flavor profile that rivals any traditional pasta-based casserole, making it a favorite for the whole family.
Ingredients
- Proteins: 500 g (1.1 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cooked and diced
- Vegetables: 300 g (10 oz) broccoli florets, steamed; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Dairy: 120 ml (½ cup) heavy cream; 120 g (1 cup) shredded cheddar cheese; 60 g (½ cup) shredded mozzarella cheese; 60 g (¼ cup) cream cheese, softened
- Pantry: 2 tbsp olive oil; ½ tsp paprika; ½ tsp dried thyme; ½ tsp ground black pepper; ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Step 2
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Step 3
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, sautéed onion and garlic, heavy cream, cream cheese, half of the cheddar, half of the mozzarella, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Step 4
- Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 20x20 cm (8x8-inch) casserole dish.
- Step 5
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the top.
- Step 6
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and golden on top.
- Step 7
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the best texture, make sure the cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature before mixing. This ensures a silky smooth sauce without any lumps. Additionally, resting the casserole for 5 minutes after it leaves the oven is crucial as it allows the cheese sauce to set slightly.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This dish is highly versatile. If you want to change the vegetable profile, you can substitute cauliflower for part or all of the broccoli. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture provides a subtle kick that complements the creamy base.
Serviervorschläge
Pair this rich and comforting casserole with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to provide a crisp contrast to the cheesy sauce. It also pairs beautifully with roasted asparagus or a side of cauliflower rice if you want an even more substantial keto meal.
Save Once that golden crust emerges from the oven, you'll have a dinner that feels like a total indulgence but fits perfectly within your goals. Whether you are cooking for guests or preparing a quiet weeknight meal, this creamy casserole is sure to become a frequent addition to your keto rotation. Enjoy every cheesy, protein-packed bite!
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and actually saves time. Simply shred or dice the meat and add it directly to the mixture. The seasoning from rotisserie chicken adds extra flavor depth.
- → How do I make this casserole dairy-free?
Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream or almond milk thickened with nutritional yeast. Use vegan cheese shreds for the cheesy topping, though the texture will be slightly different.
- → Can I freeze this keto casserole?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, wrap tightly with plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
- → What vegetables work well as broccoli substitutes?
Cauliflower florets are the closest match in texture and carb count. You can also use sliced zucchini, spinach, or a mix of low-carb vegetables like green beans and bell peppers.
- → How can I increase the protein content?
Add crumbled bacon, diced ham, or mix in some ricotta cheese. You can also increase the chicken portion to 750g while adjusting seasonings slightly to maintain flavor balance.
- → Why did my sauce separate during baking?
This usually happens if the oven temperature is too high or the casserole bakes too long. Stick to 190°C and check at 25 minutes. Adding the cream cheese at room temperature helps prevent separation.