Creamy Keto Chicken & Broccoli Bake (Low-Carb & Comforting!)
Indulge in a rich and satisfying meal with this Creamy Keto Chicken & Broccoli Bake! Tender pan-fried chicken and crisp-tender broccoli are smothered in a luscious, cheesy cream sauce, topped with crispy bacon bits, and baked until bubbly. It’s an easy, comforting, and perfectly keto-friendly one-dish dinner!
Yields: 4-6 servings Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes (plus sauce simmer time)
Ingredients:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1-1.5 lbs total), chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying chicken)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 (12-16 ounce) bag frozen broccoli florets, steamed and chopped into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup real bacon bits (from cooked bacon or a low-carb store-bought brand)
For the Creamy Cheese Sauce:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- ½ stick (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping, if desired)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Equipment:
- Large skillet (for chicken)
- Saucepan (for sauce)
- Whisk
- 9×13 inch (or similar 2-quart) baking dish
- Non-stick cooking spray or olive oil for greasing
Instructions:
- Prepare Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped chicken breast pieces and season with salt and pepper. Pan-fry until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Broccoli: Steam the frozen broccoli florets according to package directions until crisp-tender. Drain very well, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Assemble Base: Lightly spray your casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray or olive oil. Add the chopped broccoli, cooked chicken, and bacon bits to the casserole dish. Toss gently to distribute evenly.
- Make Creamy Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant (do not brown).
- Whisk in the heavy whipping cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine & Bake: Pour the hot, creamy cheese sauce evenly over the chicken, broccoli, and bacon mixture in the casserole dish, ensuring everything is well coated.
- If desired, sprinkle an additional ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top for an extra cheesy crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Serve & Enjoy! Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification
This Chicken & Broccoli Bake recipe is a fantastic, comforting, and highly compliant option for your app!
- High Protein: Yes, this recipe is very high in protein. Chicken, heavy cream (dairy protein), Parmesan, and cheddar cheese all contribute significantly to the protein content, making it very satisfying.
- Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is low-carb. Chicken, broccoli, heavy cream, butter, garlic, Parmesan, and cheddar cheese are all naturally low in carbohydrates.
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly. All listed ingredients are suitable for a ketogenic diet.
- Bacon Bits: If using pre-packaged bacon bits, advise users to check labels for hidden sugars or starches, as some brands may contain them. Real bacon bits made from cooking actual bacon are always best.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
