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Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole

Easy low carb chicken casserole with cheese broccoli and tender chicken

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This creamy, cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole is the ultimate comforting weeknight dinner. It’s low in carbs, high in protein, and ready in under an hour, making it a family-friendly meal that feels indulgent but keeps you on track.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
  • 4 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Optional: 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until they brighten and begin to soften. Transfer the veggie mix to a large mixing bowl.
  3. In the same skillet, combine heavy cream, softened cream cheese, and chicken broth. Whisk over medium-low heat until smooth and unified.
  4. Stir in dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
  5. To the bowl with veggies, add the shredded chicken and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Pour the warm sauce over everything and fold gently to combine.
  6. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and the Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
  8. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. If using, sprinkle with crumbled bacon after baking.

Notes

For best results, do not skip sautéing the broccoli as it prevents a watery casserole. Letting the casserole rest after baking allows the sauce to set for cleaner servings. This dish freezes well; assemble without the final cheese topping, freeze, then thaw and bake with cheese added.

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