This creamy and rich Chicken and Broccoli Casserole will make everyone at the table ask for seconds. This recipe is best when using leftover rotisserie chicken, as it is tender and juicy, making the casserole much more delicious. Let’s take a look at just how easily this dish comes together for your next weeknight meal.
This recipe is: Low Carb, Keto and Gluten Free
Table of Contents
7 Reasons to Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to make this chicken and broccoli casserole your new favorite dish:
- It’s a fantastic way to use leftover rotisserie chicken.
- Super versatile comfort food—feel free to toss in extra ingredients you love.
- Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or to share at a potluck.
- Easy to make and packed with delicious flavors.
- Low carb and keto-friendly, so it fits right into your lifestyle.
- Perfect for meal prep—stores wonderfully for easy reheating.
- A hit with the whole family, even the picky eaters!
Is Chicken And Broccoli Casserole Low Carb?
Yes, chicken and broccoli casserole is low carb. This recipe has only 5 grams net carbs per serving. Surprising, right? For a hearty dinner portion, it’s impressively low carb. That’s because this recipe is designed specifically for a low carb lifestyle—and it’s absolutely delicious, too! Who needs rice to make a casserole tasty? Not me.
Also, rotisserie chicken and broccoli both are incredibly low carb food items. You can dig deeper into their nutritional info and carb content in these articles:
Chicken And Broccoli Casserole Ingredient List
Below is the list of ingredients you'll need to make chicken broccoli casserole:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, cooked (steamed or roasted)
- 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken, cooked (rotisserie or broiled)
- 1.5 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Ingredient Substitutions
If you need to swap out some ingredients, here are a few tasty alternatives you can use for this broccoli chicken casserole:
- Shredded rotisserie chicken: No rotisserie chicken on hand? Try my shredded chicken recipe, or you can broil, boil, grill, or bake skinless chicken breasts and then shred or cube them.
- Cheddar cheese: Monterey Jack, Colby, or even Colby Jack can be shredded and used in place of cheddar. I’ve also tried mozzarella, and it turned out cheesy and delicious.
- Cream cheese: There’s no real substitute here—we need cream cheese to thicken the creamy sauce and make this dish as delectable as it is.
- Heavy cream: You can use half and half, but the consistency might be thinner. Some people suggested coconut cream to me, but I refused because I knew the flavor won’t complement the dish. Full-fat heavy cream is the best choice.
- Butter: Ghee, clarified butter, rendered bacon fat, duck fat, or even lard can work, but I personally love the flavor that butter brings to this dish.
- Garlic powder: Granulated garlic or roasted garlic are great substitutes. If using roasted garlic, mash 2-3 cloves with a fork before adding. Fresh garlic can also work—use 1 clove, minced, and cook it off in the pan before adding the cream cheese.
- Onion powder: Granulated onion or dehydrated onion flakes can be used in the same amount as the recipe calls for.
Additional Ingredients
Looking to add a little extra flair to your broccoli chicken cheese casserole? Here are some delicious and simple ingredients that pair perfectly with the main flavors:
- Heat: This recipe loves a bit of spice. Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, fresh or pickled jalapeño peppers, or hot Hungarian paprika. The list of options is long, so feel free to add as much as your taste buds can handle.
- Cheese: I love adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top as it brings a nice depth of flavor that complements the cheddar.
- Marinated artichokes: Dice up some jarred artichoke hearts or quarters and toss in about ½ cup. They add a fantastic flavor and a bit of crunch to chicken broccoli cheese casserole.
- Bacon: Yes, please! Slice 3-4 strips of crispy, cooked bacon into pieces and place them on top of the cheddar before baking. It adds a lot of complementary flavor.
- Toppings: I love adding chives or chopped green onions after the casserole has finished cooking. The fresh flavor contrasts nicely with the rich casserole dish. Surprisingly, a dollop of sour cream on top is a tasty addition, too.
Note: These ingredients are not part of the original recipe- use them to enhance or customize the broccoli chicken casserole to your liking.
Cooking Tools
You'll need the following cooking tools to make easy chicken broccoli casserole:
How to Make Chicken And Broccoli Casserole: Complete Cooking Guide
Making this loaded broccoli and chicken casserole in your kitchen is a breeze. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a perfectly delicious dish in no time.
Cooking Method
- Baking
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the oven to 375F (190C)
- Ensure your chicken is cooked and shredded or cubed. If your broccoli is not cooked, so so now.
- Add the chicken and broccoli to a large mixing bowl and set aside.
- Grease your 9x13 baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Cooking Steps
- Place a sauce pan over medium heat. Melt the butter and add the cream cheese. Stir until it is fully melted and smooth.
- Slowly whisk in the heavy cream until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add 1 cup of the cheddar cheese and mix until melted and smooth. If the heat is too high, the cheese will become granular with a strange texture.
- Remove the sauce pan from the heat and pour the cheese mixture over the tender chicken and broccoli. Ensure everything is well coated with the cheese sauce.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to make into an even layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top and place in the oven for 18-20 minutes or until bubbling. Turn on the broiler to golden brown the top for a minute or two.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. This is a critical step to allow the casserole to thicken.
- Serve and enjoy.
Step 1: Melt the cream cheese in a pot on medium heat, stirring occasionally until smooth.
Step 2: Add onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the melted cream cheese, and stir until combined.
Step 3: Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture.
Step 4: Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 5: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked broccoli and shredded chicken.
Step 6: Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the broccoli and chicken mixture.
Step 7: Spread the chicken and broccoli mixture evenly in a glass baking dish, ensuring that the ingredients are well-distributed for even baking.
Step 8: Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the chicken and broccoli mixture, ensuring it is evenly covered.
Step 9: After baking, the casserole is golden and bubbly, with the cheddar cheese melted and slightly browned on top, indicating it’s fully cooked and ready to be served.
💡 My Pro Tip
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how simple it is, but there’s one spot where a little extra care goes a long way—melting the cheddar cheese into the cream cheese. Keeping the heat low is key here; the cheddar can separate and turn grainy if the pan gets too hot. And once it does, there's no way to fix it. So, remember: slow and low is the way to go when melting cheddar on the stovetop.
⏲️ Time-Saving Tips
- Use rotisserie chicken: To save time, skip the cooking step and simply cube or shred the rotisserie chicken. Check out my post on how to quickly shred rotisserie chicken.
- Use leftover broccoli: When meal planning, I often cook extra broccoli because it disappears quickly in my house. For this recipe, using pre-cooked broccoli keeps prep time short, making this a speedy dish overall.
- Buy shredded cheese: While some low carb folks avoid pre-shredded cheese due to the added starch, I find that the convenience and speed of store-bought shredded cheese are worth it. Plus, I usually stay well within my carb limits, so a little starch doesn’t bother me.
Storage, Freezing, And Reheating Instruction
One of the best things about this keto chicken broccoli casserole is how simple it is to store and reheat, making it perfect for meal planning or a quick meal during the week. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
Storage Tips
Once the casserole has cooled to room temperature, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to a week.
Freezing Tips
Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully. Once it’s cooled to room temperature or after refrigerating, place it in a freezer-safe container, leaving minimal headspace to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for 3-6 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat using the tips above.
Reheating Tips
I often enjoy this dish cold, straight from the fridge, but if you prefer it warm, here’s how to reheat it:
- On the stovetop: Place the leftovers in a non-stick pan with a tight-fitting lid. Heat over low until warmed through.
- In the oven: Transfer the leftovers to an oven-safe dish and heat at 350°F until warmed.
- In the microwave: Heat in a microwave safe dish until warmed through.
What Goes With Chicken And Broccoli Casserole?
This cheesy chicken broccoli casserole recipe is versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Whether you’re craving something light and fresh or a bit more indulgent, there’s a perfect pairing for every occasion. I’ve tried this recipe with the following foods:
- Haricot Verts: These tender, slim green beans add a delicate crunch and a touch of elegance to your meal. Simply sauté with garlic and butter for a delicious side.
- Green Beans: Classic and comforting, green beans are a great choice. Steam them and toss with a bit of olive oil and salt for a simple, complete meal.
- Italian Salad: A refreshing mix of crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and zesty vinaigrette complements the rich, cheesy casserole perfectly.
- Frisee Salad: Light and slightly bitter, frisée salad brings a lovely contrast to the casserole. Add some sliced radishes and a tangy mustard dressing for extra flavor.
- Caesar Salad: Creamy Caesar dressing, crunchy croutons, and parmesan cheese make this salad a hearty, flavorful match for the cheesy goodness of the casserole.
Leftover Chicken Recipes
Looking for ways to turn leftover chicken into something delicious? Here are some tasty rotisserie chicken recipes:
- Shredded Chicken Paprikash: This keto shredded chicken recipe transforms leftover chicken into a savory paprikash with a creamy paprika sauce. It’s a perfect way to enjoy a rich, comforting meal.
- Rotisserie Chicken Tacos: Using rotisserie chicken recipes, make quick and easy tacos. Shred the chicken, season it, and load up your tacos with fresh toppings for a speedy, satisfying dinner.
- Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Soup: Make the most of your rotisserie chicken recipes by turning it into a hearty soup. This recipe combines cooked chicken with vegetables for a warm, low-carb cream of chicken soup.
Final Thoughts
As the seasons change, my thoughts naturally turn to comforting soups and hearty casseroles. Growing up in the Midwest, this is a tradition I cherish. I love creating meals that are both wholesome and satisfying, like this chicken and broccoli casserole.
Since embracing a low-carb lifestyle in 2017, I've focused on transforming classic recipes like this one into low-carb versions without sacrificing any of the rich flavors of the original. This recipe is a great example—no canned soups, no thickeners, just a super cheesy, delicious dish that everyone can enjoy.
I always make sure to have leftovers in the fridge. They're perfect for when my teenagers are in the mood to devour everything in sight, or when I need a quick, filling lunch. Plus, if you’re looking for more ideas, check out some leftover chicken casserole recipes below to make the most of your leftovers.
Feel free to leave any questions or suggestions in the comments or connect with us on Facebook or Instagram!
Other Casserole Recipes
If you're in the mood for more comforting casseroles, check out these healthy chicken casserole recipes to satisfy your cravings:
FAQs
Traditional casseroles use canned condensed soups as the base. Some recipes create a roux from flour and butter. A low carb or keto chicken and broccoli sauce is made from cream cheese, butter, cream and shredded cheese.
Yes, chicken and broccoli casserole are made with healthy fats, and no flour or processed foods are considered healthy.
Move away from using canned soups and into using more flavorings like herbs, spices, homemade chicken broth, and additional ingredients like jalapenos, artichoke hearts and sharp cheddar cheese or other variety of cheese.
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli florets for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the casserole to avoid excess moisture.
Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
Ingredients
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets cooked (steamed or roasted)
- 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken cooked (rotisserie or broiled)
- 1.5 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the oven to 375F (190C)
- Ensure your chicken is cooked and shredded or cubed. If your broccoli is not cooked, so so now.
- Add the chicken and broccoli to a large mixing bowl and set aside.
- Grease your 9x13 baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Cooking Steps
- Place a sauce pan over medium heat. Melt the butter and add the cream cheese. Stir until it is fully melted and smooth.
- Slowly whisk in the heavy cream until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add 1 cup of the cheddar cheese and mix until melted and smooth. If the heat is too high, the cheese will become granular with a strange texture.
- Remove the sauce pan from the heat and pour the cheese mixture over the tender chicken and broccoli. Ensure everything is well coated with the cheese sauce.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to make into an even layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top and place in the oven for 18-20 minutes or until bubbling. Turn on the broiler to golden brown the top for a minute or two.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. This is a critical step to allow the casserole to thicken.
- Serve and enjoy.
Notes
Nutrition
“This website provides approximate nutrition data and information for convenience and as a courtesy only.”
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