Creamy Keto Chicken Broccoli Casserole (Easy, Cheesy & Comforting!)
Whip up a satisfying and deliciously low-carb dinner with this Creamy Keto Chicken Broccoli Casserole! Tender chicken strips and vibrant broccoli florets are baked in a rich, savory Parmesan-mayonnaise sauce, creating a comforting and cheesy meal that’s incredibly easy to make. This high-protein, naturally gluten-free dish is a delightful addition to your health journey!
Yields: 4-6 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 45-50 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1.5 – 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch strips or bite-sized cubes
- 1 cup mayonnaise (full-fat, check for no added sugar)
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided (freshly shredded recommended)
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 (12-ounce) bags frozen broccoli florets (no need to thaw)
- Optional: 1-2 tablespoons olive oil (for greasing dish)
Equipment:
- 9×13 inch casserole dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Spatula or spoon
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven & Prep Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Prepare Creamy Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ½ cup of the shredded Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and thoroughly combined.
- Layer Casserole:
- Spread the frozen broccoli florets evenly in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
- Take about half of the prepared creamy sauce mixture and gently spread it over the broccoli. This helps ensure the broccoli is coated in flavor.
- Arrange the chicken strips or cubes in an even layer on top of the sauced broccoli.
- Dollop the remaining creamy sauce mixture over the chicken, then carefully spread it out to cover the chicken completely.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C), the broccoli is tender, and the top is golden brown and bubbly. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken.
- Rest & Serve: Remove from the oven. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly. Enjoy!
Tips for Success:
- Mayonnaise Quality: Use full-fat mayonnaise and always check the label to ensure it has no added sugar.
- Frozen Broccoli: No need to thaw the broccoli beforehand; it will cook perfectly in the casserole.
- Don’t Overcook Chicken: Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure the chicken is cooked through (165°F / 74°C) without becoming dry.
- Even Coating: Make sure both the chicken and broccoli are well coated with the creamy sauce for maximum flavor in every bite.
- Customization: For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of onion powder to the sauce mixture.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification:
This Creamy Keto Chicken Broccoli Casserole is a delicious addition to your health journey!
- High Protein: Yes, from the chicken and Parmesan cheese.
- Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is very low-carb, primarily featuring chicken, broccoli, and a mayo-based sauce.
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly. All listed ingredients are suitable for a ketogenic diet.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
