How to Make Creamy Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Casserole
This creamy low carb chicken broccoli casserole is the perfect from-scratch weeknight dinner. Cheesy, hearty, and great for using up leftover chicken.
If you’re looking for a hearty, from-scratch dinner that’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and perfect for using up leftover chicken, this Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Casserole will quickly become a family favorite. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, but without all the carbs you’d find in a traditional pasta or rice-based casserole.
I’ve made this casserole countless times for my own family, and it’s one of those recipes that works just as well for a busy weeknight as it does for Sunday dinner. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to turn leftover chicken (like from my How to Roast a Whole Chicken) into a whole new meal.
Jump to RecipeWhy You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to make – just 15 minutes of prep and into the oven it goes.
- Great for meal prep – reheats beautifully for lunches during the week.
- Crowd-pleaser – cheesy, creamy, and full of flavor without being heavy.
- Low carb & gluten-free – a delicious option for those avoiding grains.
Ingredients
- 3–4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (about 2–3 chicken breasts)
- 1 large head fresh broccoli, chopped & lightly steamed (or 1–2 bags frozen, thawed & drained)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese blend)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup mayonnaise (or more sour cream if preferred)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional: ¼ tsp smoked paprika or chili powder for a little kick
- Optional topping: extra shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Add the cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, and half of the shredded cheese. Mix well.
- Spread mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 baking dish.
- Top with the remaining cheese (and a sprinkle of paprika if you’d like).
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Use leftover chicken – rotisserie chicken works in a pinch, but homemade roasted chicken has unbeatable flavor.
- Fresh or frozen broccoli? Both work well, just make sure it’s not too watery. Drain frozen broccoli thoroughly before adding.
- Make it ahead – prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Cheese choices – try a blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
How to Serve
This casserole stands alone as a full meal, but you can serve it with:
- A crisp side salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Homemade sourdough bread or rolls
Storing & Reheating Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Casserole
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Bake at 350°F until warmed through, or reheat single portions in the microwave.
More From-Scratch Comfort Food Recipes:
Homemade meals don’t have to be complicated to be special. Even something as simple as a casserole can bring comfort, nourishment, and that sense of togetherness that turns a house into a home.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty dish to take to a family gathering, this creamy chicken broccoli casserole is one of those meals that everyone loves. It’s simple, filling, and a great way to use up leftover chicken. I hope it becomes one of your go-to recipes for busy nights when you still want something homemade and comforting.
Ingredients
- 3 –4 cups cooked chicken shredded or chopped (about 2–3 chicken breasts)
- 1 large head fresh broccoli chopped & lightly steamed (or 1–2 bags frozen, thawed & drained)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese or cheese blend
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup mayonnaise or more sour cream if preferred
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional: ¼ tsp smoked paprika or chili powder for a little kick
- Optional topping: extra shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Add the cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, and half of the shredded cheese. Mix well.
- Spread mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 baking dish.
- Top with the remaining cheese (and a sprinkle of paprika if you’d like).
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
