Are you craving comfort food without the carbs? Look no further! Today, I’m sharing my absolute favorite keto chicken casserole recipes that will satisfy your comfort food cravings while keeping you on track with your low-carb lifestyle. These dishes are perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you simply need a hearty, satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Creamy Cheesy Keto Chicken Casserole – The Ultimate Comfort Food
Oh my goodness, friends! The smell when this creamy keto chicken casserole is baking in the oven is simply incredible!! I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it never disappoints. The combination of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a decadent cheese sauce creates a dish that’s anything but boring!!
What makes this keto chicken casserole so special is how versatile it is. You can enjoy it as a complete meal on its own or pair it with a simple side salad for extra greens. I promised you versatile, and here’s proof! This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or busy weeknight dinners when you need something quick and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s packed with protein and healthy fats to keep you satisfied
- The creamy cheese sauce is absolutely divine
- Perfect for meal prep – it tastes even better the next day
- Kid-friendly while still being keto-compliant
- Easy to customize with your favorite low-carb vegetables
The taste is rich and comforting, with the perfect balance of savory chicken, tender broccoli, and a velvety cheese sauce that will make you forget you’re eating healthy! Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and fits perfectly into your keto meal plan.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 chicken breasts, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced mushrooms
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Kitchen Tools Required
- 9×13 baking dish
- Large skillet
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Cheese grater (if using block cheese)
Possible Substitutions
- Protein options: Use rotisserie chicken or turkey for a time-saving shortcut
- Cheese varieties: Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend
- Veggie alternatives: Try cauliflower, asparagus, or spinach instead of broccoli
- Dairy substitutions: Full-fat coconut cream can replace heavy cream for a dairy-free option
- Seasoning variations: Add red pepper flakes for heat or ranch seasoning for a flavor twist
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Pre-Cooking Prep
First, preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease your 9×13 baking dish. Season your diced chicken generously with salt and pepper. This simple step ensures each bite of chicken is flavorful, not bland. If you have time, bringing the chicken to room temperature for about 20 minutes before cooking will help it cook more evenly.
Cooking Method
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your seasoned chicken pieces and cook until they’re no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same skillet (hello, extra flavor!), add your diced onions, garlic, and mushrooms. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
Now for the creamy goodness! Reduce the heat to medium-low and add your cream cheese and heavy cream to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. This will create the base for your incredible cheese sauce.
Stir in half of your shredded cheddar cheese and the Italian seasoning until the cheese is melted and incorporated. Then gently fold in your cooked chicken and fresh broccoli florets, ensuring everything is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
Assembling and Baking
Transfer this heavenly mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and sprinkle with Parmesan for that perfect golden crust. Bake in your preheated oven for 25 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the cheese on top is melted and starting to brown.
Resting Period
This is crucial! Let your keto chicken casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and helps lock in all those amazing flavors. Trust me, it’s worth the short wait!
What to Serve with Your Keto Chicken Casserole
While this dish is completely satisfying on its own, I love pairing it with:
- A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted asparagus with garlic
- Cauliflower “rice” for extra volume
- Keto-friendly garlic bread made with almond flour
- My coconut basil chicken curry for an incredible feast when you’re hosting guests
Tips for Making the Perfect Keto Chicken Casserole
Use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded for better melting. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.
Don’t overcook your broccoli before adding it to the casserole. It will continue cooking in the oven, and you want it to maintain some texture.
Adjust the consistency of your sauce if needed. If it seems too thick, add a splash more heavy cream. Too thin? Let it simmer a bit longer before adding to the baking dish.
Try different proteins like leftover turkey after holidays or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a time-saving hack.
Looking for more decadence? Try my lobster garlic cream sauce technique to elevate this dish for special occasions!
Storage Instructions
This keto chicken casserole is perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to store it:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Portion into individual servings and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Microwave works too, but the oven helps maintain the texture.
More Keto-Friendly Casserole Variations
Don’t stop with just one keto chicken casserole recipe! Here are six more variations to keep your low-carb menu exciting:
- Buffalo Chicken Casserole – Add hot sauce to the cheese mixture and top with blue cheese crumbles
- Mexican Fiesta Casserole – Use taco seasoning, green chilies, and top with avocado
- Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake – Mix in spinach and artichoke hearts for a dip-inspired casserole
- Pesto Chicken Casserole – Add basil pesto to the cream sauce for an Italian twist
- Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole – Include diced ham and Swiss cheese for a classic flavor combo
- Greek-Style Casserole – Mix in feta, olives, and spinach for Mediterranean flavors
After enjoying this savory dish, you might be craving something sweet! Check out my strawberry crepes recipes for a special treat on your next cheat day.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (1/8 of casserole):
- Calories: 385
- Fat: 30g
- Protein: 25g
- Total Carbs: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Net Carbs: 5g
These nutrition facts make this keto chicken casserole perfect for maintaining ketosis while enjoying a satisfying meal!
Share Your Creations!
I’d absolutely love to see your version of this keto chicken casserole! Snap a photo and share it on Pinterest or tag me on social media. Your creative twists and family reactions always make my day!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed, adding about 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
Is this recipe truly keto-friendly?
Yes! With only 5g net carbs per serving, this recipe fits perfectly into a ketogenic diet plan while providing ample protein and healthy fats.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
You can, but I recommend thawing and draining it well first to prevent excess water from diluting your creamy sauce.
How can I make this dairy-free?
Replace the cream cheese and heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream, and use your favorite dairy-free cheese alternatives.
What’s the best cheese to use for maximum flavor?
Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor punch, but a mixture of cheeses like cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan creates amazing depth of flavor!
The Perfect Keto Comfort Food
This creamy, cheesy keto chicken casserole proves that comfort food can absolutely be part of a healthy, low-carb lifestyle. It’s the dish I turn to when I need something satisfying, simple to prepare, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table. The combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and that incredible cheese sauce creates a meal that feels indulgent while supporting your health goals.
Whether you’re new to keto or a seasoned low-carb enthusiast, this recipe deserves a regular spot in your meal rotation. I’m kicking myself for not having shot more photos of it the last time I made it because it disappears so quickly in my house!
Give this keto chicken casserole a try this week, and I promise it will become one of your go-to recipes for busy weeknights and special occasions alike!