Cheesy High-Protein Chicken Broccoli Keto Casserole is the kind of weeknight dinner that checks every box: easy prep, one pan, family-friendly, and macro-friendly for a low-carb lifestyle. Tender pieces of chicken and bright green broccoli are baked in a rich, creamy cheese sauce until everything is hot, bubbly, and lightly golden on top. With a strong protein base and plenty of satisfying fats, this dish keeps you full while staying within keto carb limits.
Casseroles continue to trend on Pinterest and food blogs because they are practical and photogenic. From above, a cheesy casserole looks inviting and “save-worthy,” and from a nutrition standpoint, it can pack a lot of protein and veggies into each portion. This chicken broccoli version in particular is a top performer because it combines familiar flavors—chicken, broccoli, and cheese—that appeal to both keto eaters and non-keto family members.
Why this chicken broccoli casserole works so well
One of the biggest challenges on keto is finding dinners that feel like “normal” comfort food without complicated substitutions. Chicken broccoli casserole solves that problem by using naturally low-carb ingredients and a sauce thickened with cream and cheese instead of flour or starchy soups. You still get the creamy, cozy texture of a traditional casserole, just with a better macro profile.
This recipe is also great for meal prep. The casserole can be assembled ahead, refrigerated, and baked when you are ready, or baked and reheated for easy lunches and dinners over a couple of days. Because it holds up well in the fridge and reheats nicely, it fits perfectly into a Sunday meal prep routine for your KetoKitchenPro audience.
Ingredients you’ll need
The ingredient list stays simple with everyday staples that are easy to find and work well in keto casseroles.
- Cooked chicken, chopped or shredded (about 4 cups)
- Fresh broccoli florets, coarsely chopped
- Butter
- Garlic, minced
- Heavy cream
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper
You can use leftover roasted chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even poached chicken for convenience. Fresh broccoli works best for a slightly crisp-tender texture, but you can also use frozen florets that have been thawed and drained well.
Heavy cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan come together to create a rich cheese sauce without flour. This keeps carbs low while delivering a silky coating that clings to every piece of broccoli and chicken.
Step-by-step instructions
1. Prepare the broccoli and chicken
Set an ovenproof skillet or casserole dish over medium heat and melt some of the butter. Add chopped broccoli and sauté just until bright green and slightly tender; this step helps the broccoli cook through in the oven without turning mushy. Transfer the broccoli to a bowl and set aside.
In the same pan, you can warm the chopped or shredded chicken briefly or simply have it ready to stir into the sauce later. Using cooked chicken keeps the recipe fast and lets the oven time focus on melding flavors rather than cooking raw meat through.
2. Build the creamy cheese sauce
Melt the remaining butter in the skillet and add minced garlic, cooking just until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, allowing it to reduce and thicken slightly. Once the cream has thickened, stir in most of the shredded mozzarella and the Parmesan until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Season the sauce with salt and black pepper, tasting and adjusting as needed. The cheese and Parmesan are naturally salty, so start with less salt and add more to taste.
3. Combine chicken, broccoli, and sauce
Add the cooked chicken and sautéed broccoli back into the skillet with the cheese sauce. Gently fold everything together so the sauce coats the chicken and broccoli evenly. At this point, the mixture should be thick, creamy, and studded with chicken and bright green broccoli pieces.
If your skillet is ovenproof, you can bake directly in it; otherwise, transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish. Spread into an even layer and smooth the top.
4. Top with cheese and bake
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the top of the casserole to create a cheesy, bubbly lid. Bake in a preheated oven until the casserole is hot all the way through, the sauce is bubbling around the edges, and the top cheese layer is melted and starting to turn golden brown.
This usually takes around 20–25 minutes depending on your oven and the depth of your dish. Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving so it can set slightly, making it easier to portion.
Variations and add-ins
One of the reasons casseroles perform so well for recipe blogs is their flexibility. You can offer readers simple tweaks to keep the recipe fresh and adaptable to what they have on hand. A few ideas:
- Add bacon: Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon for added smoky flavor and fat.
- Swap cheeses: Use a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for a sharper flavor profile, or add a bit of cream cheese for extra richness.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a little hot sauce to the cream sauce for gentle heat.
- More veggies: Fold in some spinach or a small amount of cauliflower florets to increase vegetable content while keeping carbs low.
These small changes also give you room for spinoff pins later (e.g., “Bacon Chicken Broccoli Casserole,” “Extra Cheesy 4-Cheese Chicken Broccoli Bake”).
Meal prep and storage
Cheesy High-Protein Chicken Broccoli Keto Casserole is excellent for making ahead.
- Fridge: Store leftover portions in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot.
- Freezer (optional): Many casseroles with cream and cheese can be frozen, though the texture may change slightly. If you choose to freeze, cool the baked casserole completely, portion, wrap tightly, and freeze; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Because each serving is high in protein and contains both a vegetable and a fat source, it works well as a standalone meal or paired with a simple side salad.
How to serve for maximum appeal
For your KetoKitchenPro brand, plating and serving ideas matter for both user experience and Pinterest performance.
- Serve squares of casserole on a white plate with a small garnish of fresh herbs (parsley or chives) and a few extra broccoli florets for color contrast.
- Mention serving over a small bed of shredded lettuce or with a crisp side salad to appeal to balanced-diet readers.
- Highlight that it is kid-approved and good for picky eaters in the copy, which often boosts clickthrough and saves.
