Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Casserole

This Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and healthy dinner option that comes together quickly. Packed with broccoli, shredded chicken, and cauliflower rice, it’s perfect for low-carb and keto-friendly meals. The combination of cream cheese, cheddar, and Italian seasoning creates a comforting and flavorful casserole that’s ideal for weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients

• 5 cups broccoli
• 2 cups shredded chicken
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ onion, finely diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 cups cauliflower rice, thawed if frozen
• 8 oz cream cheese
• ¼ cup light cream
• ¾ cup chicken broth
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, divided

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• Add 1 cup of water to the bottom of a large skillet with a lid. Add broccoli and bring to a simmer. Cook 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and let cool.
• Cook onion, garlic, and Italian seasoning in butter until onion is tender.
• Stir in cream cheese and cook on medium heat until smooth.
• Add light cream and chicken broth, simmer 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese.
• Combine chicken, broccoli, cauliflower rice, and sauce. Spread into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
• Top with remaining cheese and bake 20-25 minutes until heated through.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve the Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Casserole hot as a main dish. It pairs well with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete low-carb meal. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. For meal prep, divide into individual portions for quick, grab-and-go lunches.

Variations

• 1. Mediterranean Style: Add sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of feta cheese. This gives the casserole a tangy, savory Mediterranean flavor while keeping it low-carb.
• 2. Pesto Chicken Broccoli Casserole: Stir 2-3 tablespoons of basil pesto into the cheese sauce before combining with chicken and broccoli. This adds a fresh, herby flavor and extra richness.
• 3. Buffalo Chicken Broccoli Casserole: Mix ½ cup of buffalo sauce into the cheese sauce and top with crumbled blue cheese instead of cheddar for a spicy, tangy twist.
• 4. Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Casserole: Add 2-3 cloves of extra minced garlic to the sauce and top with a mixture of Parmesan and mozzarella for a deeply savory, cheesy dish.
• 5. Mushroom & Spinach Casserole: Add 1 cup of sautéed mushrooms and 1 cup of fresh spinach to the casserole. The mushrooms add an earthy flavor, and the spinach adds extra nutrition.
• 6. Herb & Lemon Casserole: Stir in 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest into the cheese sauce. This brightens the flavor and pairs beautifully with chicken and broccoli.
• 7. Cheesy Cauliflower Chicken Bake: Increase the cauliflower rice to 3 cups and add an extra ½ cup of cheese for a heavier, ultra-cheesy variation that still keeps it low-carb.
• 8. Italian Sausage Chicken Casserole: Replace 1 cup of chicken with cooked, crumbled Italian sausage for a spicier, Italian-inspired twist.
• 9. Creamy Mushroom & Bacon: Add ½ cup sautéed mushrooms and 4 strips of crumbled cooked bacon to the mix. This gives the casserole a smoky, hearty flavor.
• 10. Sun-Dried Tomato & Artichoke: Fold in ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes and ½ cup chopped artichoke hearts for a Mediterranean-inspired, flavorful low-carb meal.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
   Yes, just thaw and drain it before cooking. Fresh broccoli works too if you prefer.
2. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
   Yes, it’s low in carbs and fits perfectly into a keto or low-carb diet.
3. Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
   Absolutely! Shredded pre-cooked chicken saves time and works well in this casserole.
4. Can I make this dairy-free?
   Yes, use dairy-free cream cheese, non-dairy milk, and dairy-free shredded cheese alternatives.
5. Can I use regular rice instead of cauliflower rice?
   Yes, but it will increase the carb count. Cauliflower rice keeps it low-carb.
6. Can I prep this casserole ahead of time?
   Yes, assemble it and store in the fridge for up to a day before baking.
7. Can I freeze this casserole?
   Yes, you can freeze it unbaked. Bake it from frozen or thaw in the fridge before baking.
8. Can I add other vegetables?
   Yes, mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach are all great additions.
9. How long will leftovers keep?
   Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
10. Can I make it spicier?
    Yes, add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or swap some cheese for pepper jack for extra heat.

This Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Casserole is a simple, flavorful dish that is both healthy and satisfying. With minimal preparation and easy ingredients, it’s perfect for busy nights or meal prepping for the week. Enjoy a creamy, cheesy, low-carb meal the whole family will love.

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