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Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Bake - A Cozy, Weeknight Favorite

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 1.5 to 2 pounds cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie or poached works great)
  • Broccoli: 5 to 6 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 medium heads), or 1.5 pounds frozen florets
  • Cream cheese: 8 ounces, softened
  • Heavy cream: 3/4 cup
  • Chicken broth: 1/2 cup, low sodium
  • Cheese blend: 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
  • Parmesan: 1/2 cup grated, for extra flavor
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • Onion powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Dijon mustard: 1 teaspoon (optional, adds depth)
  • Smoked paprika: 1/2 teaspoon (optional, for warmth)
  • Salt and pepper: To taste
  • Olive oil or butter: 1 tablespoon, for greasing and sautéing if needed
  • Crushed pork rinds or almond flour: 1/3 cup, optional for a crunchy topping

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or butter.
  2. Blanch the broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add broccoli and cook 2 to 3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Drain well and pat dry. If using frozen broccoli, thaw and squeeze out excess moisture.
  3. Prepare the chicken: Shred or cube your cooked chicken. If starting from raw, season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, pan-sear until cooked through, then chop. Rotisserie chicken is the fastest option.
  4. Make the sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together cream cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth until smooth and slightly thickened, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, onion powder, Dijon, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Remove from heat and fold in half of the shredded cheese and all the Parmesan until melted.
  5. Combine in the dish: Add chicken and broccoli to the baking dish. Pour the warm cheese sauce over the top and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  6. Add the topping: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the casserole. For crunch, mix crushed pork rinds or almond flour with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt, then scatter over the cheese.
  7. Bake: Place the dish on the center rack and bake 18 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the edges are bubbling. If you want extra color, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  8. Rest and serve: Let the bake sit 5 to 10 minutes so the sauce sets. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives if you like. Serve warm.