Keto Chicken and Broccoli Bake : This creamy, cheesy, and comforting low carb chicken and broccoli bake is a simple, one-pan dish that’s both hearty and healthy, perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping.
Why You’ll Love This Keto Chicken and Broccoli Bake
- Low-carb and keto-friendly: With only a few grams of net carbs per serving, this dish fits perfectly into your keto meal plan.
- High in protein and healthy fats: Thanks to the chicken and cheese, this bake offers a satisfying macronutrient profile, ideal for those on a ketogenic diet.
- Quick and easy: With minimal prep and just one pan, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
- Family-friendly: Even if your family isn’t on keto, they’ll love the cheesy, rich flavors of this dish.
- Perfect for meal prep: This recipe stores well and is great for making ahead.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Keto Chicken and Broccoli Bake
- Don’t overcook the broccoli: When blanching the broccoli, be sure to keep it crisp-tender. It will continue to cook in the oven, and you don’t want it to turn mushy.
- Customize the cheese: While cheddar is a classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or even blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Add some crunch: For extra texture, sprinkle crushed pork rinds or almond flour on top of the bake before putting it in the oven. This adds a delicious, low-carb crunch!
Variations to Try
Keto Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake : Swap the cheddar cheese for parmesan and mozzarella, and add a dash of nutmeg to the sauce for a keto-friendly take on chicken Alfredo.
Spicy Chicken and Broccoli Bake : If you like a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for an extra kick.
Bacon Chicken Broccoli Bake : Everything is better with bacon! Add crumbled, crispy bacon to the casserole before baking for a smoky, savory twist.
Mushroom and Broccoli Bake : Add sautéed mushrooms to the mix for extra umami and earthiness. Mushrooms pair wonderfully with the creamy cheese sauce.
How to Serve Low Carb Chicken and Broccoli Bake
This dish is rich and filling, so it pairs beautifully with lighter sides. Here are a few keto-friendly serving ideas:
- Cauliflower Rice: For an extra hit of veggies, serve this bake over a bed of cauliflower rice.
- Zoodles: Spiralized zucchini makes a great low-carb “pasta” alternative to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Keto Garlic Bread: Pair the bake with keto-friendly garlic bread made from almond flour to add a bit of crunch.
How to Store and Reheat
Storing:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
To freeze, allow the bake to cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.
Reheating:
Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or reheat the entire bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through (about 15-20 minutes).
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! If you’re using frozen broccoli, be sure to thaw it completely and drain off any excess water. This prevents the bake from becoming too watery.
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked chicken, like rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken, is a great time-saver. Just shred or chop it and add it directly to the baking dish.
Can I make this bake dairy-free?
You can try substituting the cream cheese, heavy cream, and cheddar with dairy-free alternatives, but keep in mind that it may affect the flavor and texture slightly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this low carb chicken and broccoli bake is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.
Keto Chicken and Broccoli Bake
Keto Chicken and Broccoli Bake : This creamy, cheesy, and comforting low carb chicken and broccoli bake is a simple, one-pan dish that’s both hearty and healthy, perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chopped chicken (about 1 ¼ lbs)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup butter, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 12 ounces broccoli, coarsely chopped
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella, divided
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a 10-inch ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add the broccoli and sauté for about 4 minutes, until it's bright green and just tender. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Melt the remaining butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer, allowing it to reduce by half (about 3-5 minutes).
- Stir in ½ cup of shredded mozzarella and all of the parmesan until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir the broccoli and chopped chicken into the sauce. Top the entire dish with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Preheat your broiler and set the skillet about 6 inches from the heat source. Broil for 2-5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Keep an eye on it, as broilers can vary in intensity!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 473Total Fat: 38gSaturated Fat: 20gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 489mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 2gSugar: 2gProtein: 26g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
This Keto Chicken and Broccoli Bake is a must-try for anyone on a low-carb or keto diet. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, all while being super simple to make. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize based on your favorite ingredients or what you have on hand. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a quick, family-friendly dinner, this bake has you covered. So, grab your skillet and baking dish and get ready to enjoy a delicious, guilt-free meal!
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