A rich and cheesy low-carb casserole featuring tender shredded chicken and vibrant broccoli florets in a silky cream cheese sauce. A family-friendly dinner designed for easy preparation and excellent reheating stability without the use of starch-based thickeners.
About This Recipe
Keto Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Bake focuses on the structural and flavor synergy of the classic broccoli-cheese pairing while maintaining a strict low-carb profile. Instead of relying on flour-based roux or processed canned soups, this version utilizes a reduction of heavy cream and full-fat cream cheese to achieve a thick, stable sauce. This method ensures that the dairy components emulsify properly with the shredded cheese, creating a velvety coating that adheres to the ingredients without becoming watery during the baking process.
The preparation relies on the strategic use of precooked chicken and lightly steamed broccoli to manage moisture levels within the casserole. By using chicken that has already been prepared, the recipe prevents excess liquid from leaching into the sauce, while pre-steaming the broccoli florets ensures they reach the ideal crisp-tender texture without becoming mushy. The addition of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika provides a foundational savory profile that enhances the natural flavors of the protein and vegetables, while the dual-cheese topping of cheddar and mozzarella creates a functional golden crust.
This dish is specifically designed for thermal stability and practical meal prep, as the fats in the cream cheese sauce set as they cool, allowing for clean portioning. The high fat and protein content make it a nutritionally dense option that remains satisfying and holds its texture well when reheated. By utilizing simple, pantry-stable keto ingredients, the recipe delivers a repeatable and reliable dinner solution that achieves a professional comfort-food consistency while fitting within a ketogenic framework.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- You’ll love this recipe because it’s creamy, filling, and incredibly easy to prepare with everyday keto ingredients. It’s perfect for weeknights, reheats beautifully, and delivers real comfort-food flavor without carbs.
What You’ll Need for This Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Bake
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Steam or microwave broccoli until slightly tender but not mushy.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in cream cheese until smooth.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir until creamy.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in ½ cup cheddar and ½ cup mozzarella until melted.
- Combine chicken, broccoli, and the sauce in a large bowl.
- Spread mixture into a baking dish and top with remaining cheese.
- Bake 20–25 minutes until golden, bubbling, and slightly browned on top.
- Rest 5 minutes before serving.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, but thaw and drain it well to prevent excess water. - Can I use raw chicken?
No, chicken must be cooked first. - Does this freeze well?
Yes — freeze before baking for best texture.
Variations & Substitutions
- Swap cheddar for pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Add bacon for smokiness.
- Use cauliflower instead of broccoli.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a simple side salad, roasted greens, or garlic butter zucchini.

Keto Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Bake
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Steam or microwave broccoli until slightly tender but not mushy.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in cream cheese until smooth.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir until creamy.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in ½ cup cheddar and ½ cup mozzarella until melted.
- Combine chicken, broccoli, and the sauce in a large bowl.
- Spread mixture into a baking dish and top with remaining cheese.
- Bake 20–25 minutes until golden, bubbling, and slightly browned on top.
- Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Did you make this recipe?
I’d love to hear from you — leave a comment below and tell me how it turned out, what you liked, or if you made any tweaks!
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