Creamy Keto Broccoli Chicken Casserole the Ultimate Comfort Food Makeover
Table of Contents
- Recipe Introduction: Comfort Food, Keto Style!
- What Makes This Casserole So Special?
- Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Creamy Keto Broccoli Chicken Casserole:
- Cooking Up Some Creamy Keto Broccoli Chicken Casserole Magic
- Recipe Notes: Elevating Your Chicken Broccoli Casserole Game
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Recipe Introduction: Comfort Food, Keto Style!
Ever get that craving for something warm, comforting, and cheesy? You know, proper comfort food that hugs you from the inside out? But then reality hits and you're trying to keep things low carb ? Well, buckle up, buttercup, because this Creamy Keto Broccoli Chicken Casserole is about to become your new best mate.
I promise! It’s the ultimate hug in a bowl.
Quick Hook
This Creamy Keto Broccoli Chicken Casserole will have you saying "cheerio" to carb guilt. Think luscious, cheesy, chicken and broccoli goodness. Its taste great, I promise.
Brief Overview
The humble Chicken Broccoli Casserole has been a staple in many households, evolving over the years. This Keto Chicken Casserole Recipe is the modern, health conscious version that doesn't compromise on flavour.
It's easy to make, taking about 50 minutes from start to finish, and yields 6 servings, perfect for family dinners or meal prepping.
Main Benefits
One of the best things about this Cheesy Keto Casserole is that it's packed with protein and healthy fats. This recipe is perfect for a chilly evening when you crave Keto Comfort Food Recipes .
It’s not just another Chicken Broccoli dish; it’s a flavorful and satisfying meal that fits perfectly into a ketogenic lifestyle.
What Makes This Casserole So Special?
Okay, so there are loads of casserole recipes out there, right? But honestly, I reckon this one hits different. I remember when I first tried making a low carb chicken broccoli bake .
The first few times were a total disaster. The sauce was either too runny or too thick, and the broccoli was always soggy.
But then, I cracked the code. The secret? Softened cream cheese! It makes the sauce so smooth and velvety. Trust me on this one, you don't want any lumpy sauces! And don't overcook the broccoli! You want it tender crisp, not mushy.
Nobody likes mushy broccoli!
This Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Keto casserole is proper tasty and will become a family favourite in no time!
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Creamy Keto Broccoli Chicken Casserole:
Right then, let’s talk about what you'll need to whip up this Creamy Keto Broccoli Chicken Casserole . It's a belter of a dish, proper comfort food , but keeping it Keto .
Here's the lowdown.
Main Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: You'll want 1.5 lbs (680g) of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Chop them into bite sized pieces, about 1 inch. Aim for plump, firm chicken with a healthy pink colour. Nobody wants rubbery chicken!
- Broccoli: Get yourself 1 large head (about 1.5 lbs or 680g) . Fresh is best. You are looking for tight, green florets with no yellowing. Cut into florets.
- Olive Oil: Just 1 tablespoon (15 ml) will do. Nothing fancy, just your standard olive oil for sautéing.
Creamy Sauce Ingredients
- Butter: 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter. It has to be proper butter, not some spreadable imposter!
- Cream Cheese: 4 ounces (113g) , and this is crucial: softened . If it is not softened it is just be a nightmare to mix!
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240 ml) of proper heavy cream. Not single, not half and-half; heavy .
- Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup (120 ml) . Use low-sodium.
- Seasonings: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) salt, 1/8 teaspoon (0.625 ml) black pepper.
- Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup (113g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided. Save half for the top.
Seasoning Notes
Honestly, this Chicken Broccoli Casserole is all about that cheesy flavour. Don't skimp on the cheddar! The garlic and onion powder enhance the cheesy flavour without being overpowering.
Want to spice things up? A pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce adds a nice kick. If you're out of onion powder, a little bit of finely diced onion, sauteed first, will do the trick.
Essential Equipment
- Large Skillet: For sautéing the chicken and broccoli. A Dutch oven works great, too.
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish: This is the standard size for casseroles. ( 23x33 cm ).
- Mixing Bowls: For tossing the chicken and broccoli, and mixing the sauce.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Gotta be precise, innit?
You do not need anything else fancy. If you do not have a 9x13 dish, a slightly smaller one will do; just adjust the baking time a bit.
This Keto Chicken Casserole Recipe is about comfort, not complications. You are going to love this Cheesy Keto Casserole . It's proper Keto Comfort Food Recipes !
Cooking Up Some Creamy Keto Broccoli Chicken Casserole Magic
Right, gather 'round, mate! Let's have a crack at this Creamy Keto Broccoli Chicken Casserole: . Forget those bland, boring diets.
This is Keto Comfort Food Recipes done right. Honestly, it's so good, you won't even miss the carbs. I promise you, you won't be able to stop after one spoon.
It’s the perfect Comfort Food to enjoy after a long day.
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission
Alright, listen up! Mise en place is key, yeah? It's just a fancy way of saying "get your stuff together before you start".
Chop your 680g chicken into 1 inch pieces and your 680g broccoli into florets. Soften that 113g cream cheese. Get all your spices measured out.
Trust me, it'll save you a right headache later. For safety, remember to wash your hands after handling raw chicken, alright?
step-by-step: Let's Get This Show on the Road!
- Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) .
- Toss chicken and broccoli with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2.5 ml salt, and 1.25 ml pepper.
- Sauté in a large skillet until chicken reaches 165° F ( 74° C) and broccoli is slightly tender.
- Melt 56g butter in the same skillet. Add 113g softened cream cheese. Stir until smooth.
- Whisk in 240 ml heavy cream and 120 ml chicken broth. Add 2.5 ml garlic powder, 1.25 ml onion powder, 1.25 ml salt, and 0.625 ml pepper.
- Remove from heat. Stir in 56.5g shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- Combine chicken and broccoli with the sauce. Pour into a 23x33 cm baking dish.
- Top with remaining 56.5g cheddar and 28g Parmesan (optional). Bake for 20- 25 minutes , or until golden brown.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Casserole Game
Want to make your Chicken Broccoli Casserole extra special? Here's the goss. First, don't overcook that broccoli! Soggy Broccoli is a total buzzkill. Aim for tender crisp, yeah?
Common mistake alert : Using cold cream cheese! Make sure it's properly softened, or you'll end up with a lumpy sauce.
Also, make it ahead of time! Assemble the casserole earlier in the day and bake it just before dinner. Saves loads of time! It's totally one of those Keto Chicken Casserole Recipe hacks everyone needs.
Listen, this Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Bake is proper tasty. It's the perfect way to get your Chicken Broccoli fix without the guilt.
Get stuck in! Enjoy your delicious cheesy Chicken Casserole . I am telling you its one of the best Cheesy Keto Casserole ever.
Alright, let's chat about making this Creamy Keto Broccoli Chicken Casserole even more awesome. Honestly, sometimes it's the little things that make all the difference.
Recipe Notes: Elevating Your Chicken Broccoli Casserole Game
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro!
This Chicken Broccoli Casserole is proper comfort food , so presentation matters. Think about it. Why not serve individual portions in ramekins? Makes it look extra fancy.
Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of colour. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness.
Or, if you're going full keto, some sliced avocado adds healthy fats. You know, a little somethin' somethin' .
Storage Tips: Keeping the Cheesy Keto Casserole Fresh
Leftover Chicken Casserole ? Lucky you! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
To freeze, portion it out first. This is key! Wrap each portion tightly in cling film, then foil. It will last for about 2-3 months.
Reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C ) until warmed through, or microwave it if you're in a hurry.
Honestly, I sometimes eat it cold straight from the fridge. Don't judge!
Variations: Remixing Your Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Bake
Fancy a change? For a dairy-free version, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream. It changes the flavour a bit, but still delicious.
Want a spicier Chicken Broccoli ? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. For a vegetarian option, use cauliflower instead of chicken.
Easy peasy. It really doesn’t matter, I like to add some mushrooms. Gives it a bit more depth.
Nutrition Basics: Guilt Free Indulgence
Each serving of this Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Keto casserole clocks in around 450 calories. You get a whopping 40g of protein, 30g of fat, and only about 5g of net carbs.
This is the beauty of Keto Comfort Food Recipes ! It's packed with protein and healthy fats. Plus, broccoli is full of vitamins.
So you’re basically doing your body a favour while enjoying some seriously delicious Comfort Food .
So there you have it, some extra tips and tricks to make your Creamy Keto Broccoli Chicken Casserole a smash. Now, go forth and casserole!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Creamy Keto Broccoli Chicken Casserole actually keto friendly? I'm a bit of a newbie to all this!
Absolutely! This recipe is designed with keto principles in mind. We've swapped out high carb ingredients like traditional casserole noodles for healthy fats and low-carb veggies like broccoli. Just be sure to double check the labels on your ingredients (especially cheese!) to ensure they fit your macros.
No need to be nervous, it's easier than putting the kettle on!
Can I prepare the Creamy Keto Broccoli Chicken Casserole ahead of time? I'm thinking of making it on Sunday for a mid-week dinner.
Good thinking! You can definitely assemble the casserole ahead of time. Just prepare it as instructed, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's going straight from the fridge to the oven.
Think of it like prepping for your favourite TV show, all the hard work is done so you can sit back and enjoy it later!
Help! I don't have heavy cream. Is there anything else I can use in this Creamy Keto Broccoli Chicken Casserole?
No worries, we've all been there! You can substitute the heavy cream with full fat coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative, just be aware that it will impart a slight coconut flavour.
Another option, although it will slightly increase the carbs, is to use half and-half, but you might want to add a thickening agent like a tiny bit of xanthan gum to ensure the sauce is still creamy. Think of it as DIY baking, a little improvising never hurt anyone!
How long does Creamy Keto Broccoli Chicken Casserole last in the fridge, and can I freeze it?
Leftover casserole will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. To freeze it, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil, or place it in a freezer safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven or microwave. Just like freezing time waiting for the next episode!
What are some variations I can make to this Creamy Keto Broccoli Chicken Casserole? I'm looking to spice things up a bit!
Fancy a bit of a twist? Add some cooked bacon bits for extra flavour. Alternatively, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños to the sauce for a spicy kick. You could also experiment with different cheeses a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack is always a winner!
It's like customising your favourite car, make it your own!
Is there anything I should avoid when making this Creamy Keto Broccoli Chicken Casserole to keep it truly keto?
Watch out for sneaky sources of carbs! Some pre-shredded cheeses contain potato starch as an anti caking agent, so it's always best to shred your own. Also, be mindful of the chicken broth you use make sure it doesn't have added sugars or starches.
A homemade chicken broth is always a safe bet and tastes banging. Just like making sure your cuppa is perfect, it's all in the details!
Creamy Keto Broccoli Chicken Casserole The Ultim
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 30g |
| Fiber | 8g |