Cheese-Topped Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
A simple baked casserole combining tender chicken and broccoli florets under a golden layer of melted cheese, perfect for a keto weeknight dinner. This american-inspired keto (low carb) ready in about 40 minutes pairs chicken breast, diced 1-inch, broccoli florets, softened cream cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 460 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced 1-inch
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 4 oz, softened cream cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Toss 1 lb diced chicken breast and 3 cups broccoli florets in 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Spread the chicken and broccoli evenly in a greased 9x9 inch baking dish.
- Step 3: In a small saucepan over low heat, whisk together 4 oz softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup heavy cream until smooth and slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.
- Step 4: Pour the cream cheese sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli, then sprinkle 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Step 5: Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden. Let cool 5 minutes before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cheese-Topped Chicken and Broccoli Casserole take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Cheese-Topped Chicken and Broccoli Casserole?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken breast, diced 1-inch from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cheese-Topped Chicken and Broccoli Casserole?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cheese-Topped Chicken and Broccoli Casserole for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Cheese-Topped Chicken and Broccoli Casserole low carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.