If you’re craving a comforting dinner that’s low on carbs but big on flavor, this keto chicken casserole hits the spot. It’s rich, cheesy, and packed with juicy chicken and tender vegetables. Best of all, it’s a one-pan bake that feels special enough for guests yet simple enough for a Tuesday night.
The prep is straightforward, the ingredients are familiar, and the result is the kind of cozy meal that makes leftovers exciting. Make it once, and it might become a regular in your meal rotation.
What Makes This Recipe So Good
- Creamy and satisfying: A luscious sauce made with cream cheese, heavy cream, and cheddar gives you that comfort-food feel without extra carbs.
- Hearty protein: Shredded or cubed chicken makes it filling and balanced, so you stay full and energized.
- One-pan convenience: Everything bakes in one dish, making cleanup easy and stress-free.
- Flexible veggies: Broccoli, cauliflower, or zucchini work well and keep the carb count in check.
- Great for meal prep: It reheats beautifully and tastes just as good the next day.
What You’ll Need
- Chicken: 3 cups cooked, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works great)
- Broccoli: 3 cups small florets (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- Cream cheese: 6 ounces, softened
- Heavy cream: 1/2 cup
- Chicken broth: 1/2 cup (low-sodium preferred)
- Shredded cheddar: 1 1/2 cups, divided
- Parmesan: 1/4 cup, grated
- Butter or olive oil: 1 tablespoon
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Onion: 1/4 cup finely diced (optional for extra flavor)
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 teaspoon
- Dried Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon
- Salt and pepper: To taste
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Pinch (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and prep: Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or olive oil.
- Par-cook the broccoli: Steam or microwave broccoli until just tender-crisp, about 3–4 minutes. Drain well and pat dry to avoid a watery casserole.
- Sauté aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon butter or oil. Sauté onion for 2–3 minutes until soft, then add garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat.
- Make the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk softened cream cheese with heavy cream and chicken broth until smooth. Stir in smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using.
- Combine the filling: In a large bowl, mix cooked chicken, broccoli, sautéed onion and garlic, 1 cup shredded cheddar, and Parmesan. Pour the sauce over and toss until everything is coated.
- Assemble: Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly around the edges and hot in the center. If you want extra color, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
- Rest and serve: Let it rest for 5–10 minutes so the sauce thickens. Garnish with chopped parsley if you like, then serve warm.
Keeping It Fresh
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for 12–15 minutes or microwave in short bursts, stirring halfway. Add a splash of broth or cream if it seems dry.
- Freezing: Freeze tightly wrapped portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently. Avoid overcooking to keep the sauce creamy.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Keto-friendly: Low in carbs and high in healthy fats, this casserole fits easily into a ketogenic lifestyle.
- Balanced and filling: Protein from chicken plus fats from cheese and cream keep you satisfied without snacking.
- Budget-smart: Uses simple ingredients and stretches cooked chicken into multiple servings.
- Customizable: Works with the veggies and cheeses you already have on hand.
- Family-approved: Comforting flavors and a melty cheese topping make it a crowd-pleaser.
What Not to Do
- Don’t skip drying the broccoli: Extra moisture will thin the sauce and make the casserole watery.
- Don’t use cold cream cheese: It won’t blend smoothly. Soften it first for a silky sauce.
- Don’t overbake: Overcooking dries out the chicken and makes the cheese greasy. Bake just until bubbly.
- Don’t overload with veggies high in water: Zucchini and mushrooms are fine, but sauté them first and drain well.
- Don’t forget seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper before baking.
Recipe Variations
- Buffalo chicken: Add 2–3 tablespoons buffalo sauce to the cream mixture and top with blue cheese crumbles.
- Bacon ranch: Mix in 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning and 4 slices cooked, crumbled bacon. Use Monterey Jack instead of cheddar.
- Spinach artichoke: Stir in 2 cups chopped spinach and 1/2 cup chopped artichoke hearts. Swap cheddar for mozzarella.
- Mushroom and thyme: Sauté 1 cup sliced mushrooms until browned and add fresh thyme. Great with Gruyère.
- Cajun kick: Replace Italian seasoning with 1–1 1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning and add bell pepper for color.
- Cauliflower swap: Use riced cauliflower or florets in place of broccoli for a different texture.
FAQ
Can I use raw chicken?
Yes, but cook it first. Dice or slice chicken and sauté until fully cooked before adding to the casserole. Using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken keeps things faster and more consistent.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, as written it’s naturally gluten-free since the sauce uses cream cheese and cream instead of flour.
Always double-check labels on broth and seasonings.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic, but mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheddar and Gruyère melt beautifully. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded.
How do I keep the sauce from separating?
Use softened cream cheese, whisk the sauce well, and don’t overbake. Letting the casserole rest after baking also helps the sauce set.
Can I make it ahead?
Absolutely.
Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake covered for the first 10 minutes, then uncover and continue until bubbly.
What can I serve with it?
Try a simple green salad, roasted asparagus, or sautéed green beans. If you’re not strictly keto, a side of mashed cauliflower or a low-carb biscuit works well.
Final Thoughts
This Keto Low Carb Chicken Casserole dinner delivers comfort, flavor, and convenience in one pan.
It’s rich without being heavy and easy to tailor to your tastes. Keep a few staples on hand—cream cheese, cheddar, and cooked chicken—and you can have a cozy, satisfying meal on the table any night of the week. It’s the kind of recipe that makes eating low carb feel easy and enjoyable.
