Easy Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole
“Comfort food dreams come true – cheesy, creamy & keto-friendly!”
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prep: Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. This prevents sticking and helps cleanup.
- Season the chicken: In a large bowl, toss cubed chicken with olive oil, garlic, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Ensure all pieces are evenly coated.
- Sauté the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and just cooked through. It finishes cooking in the oven.
- Prepare the creamy sauce: In a saucepan over low heat, combine softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Stir continuously until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
- Layer the casserole: In the prepared dish, layer half the broccoli on bottom. Top with cooked chicken, then remaining broccoli. Pour creamy sauce evenly over everything.
- Add the cheese topping: Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. The cheese melts and creates a delicious golden crust during baking.
- Bake to perfection: Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley and red pepper flakes!
Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Casserole
- Cube chicken evenly – ensures all pieces cook at the same rate
- Soften cream cheese – easier to melt and creates smoother sauce
- Don’t overcook chicken in the skillet – it continues cooking in the oven
- Let it rest before serving – allows flavors to settle and makes slicing easier
- Use fresh broccoli – frozen works but fresh has better texture
Delicious Variations
- Veggie Boost: Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños and hot sauce to the cheese topping
- Bacon Lover: Top with crumbled bacon before baking
- Different Protein: Swap chicken for turkey or ground beef
- Extra Cheesy: Add cream cheese inside and more cheese on top
Serving Suggestions
Keto/Low Carb: Serve with a side of cauliflower mash or steamed greens.
Meal Prep: Divide into individual portions in airtight containers – keeps up to 4 days.
Freezer Friendly: Bake, cool completely, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat at 350°F.
Low-Carb Sides: Pairs well with a simple green salad or roasted asparagus.