Healthy Low Carb Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken Casserole Recipe

I love a good casserole, especially when it’s quick, healthy, and packed with flavor. This Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken Casserole is one of my go-to dishes for lunch or even a light dinner.

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The combination of tender shredded chicken, lightly steamed broccoli, creamy sour cream, and melty cheddar cheese is pure comfort.

I love how the golden, buttery bread cubes on top add the perfect crunch to every bite.

Whether I’m meal-prepping for the week or just making a quick lunch for myself, this casserole always hits the spot.

You can enjoy it as a wholesome lunch, a hearty dinner, or even serve it at a family gathering—it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Quick Recipe Info Table:

Info	Details
Calories	320 per serving (approx.)
Protein	28g
Carbs	12g
Fat	18g
Gluten-Free	Can be, if gluten-free bread cubes are used
Vegan	No
Servings	6–8
Cuisine	American
Course	Lunch / Dinner

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

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• Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, perfect for busy weekdays.
• Healthy and Low Carb: Packed with protein and veggies, ideal for a balanced meal.
• Creamy and Cheesy: Rich flavor with melty cheddar cheese in every bite.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family lunches, potlucks, or meal prep.
• Customizable: Swap chicken for turkey or add extra veggies for more nutrition.
• Golden Crunch: Buttery bread cubes on top give a perfect crispy texture.

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Ingredients to Make low carb Broccoli and Chicken Casserole

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This Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken Casserole is made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Each ingredient adds flavor, texture, and nutrition to make this dish comforting yet healthy. Here’s everything you’ll need, along with a little about why each one matters:

3 cups cooked, shredded chicken – Chicken is the protein powerhouse in this dish, making it filling and healthy. Using shredded chicken ensures every bite is tender and flavorful.

4 cups broccoli florets, lightly steamed – Broccoli adds color, crunch, and nutrients like fiber and vitamins. Light steaming keeps it vibrant and slightly crisp.

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or homemade white sauce) – This gives the casserole its creamy base and binds all the ingredients together. Homemade sauce is a lighter alternative.

1 cup sour cream – Adds creaminess and a slight tang that balances the cheese perfectly.

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup mixed in, 1 cup on top) – Cheddar cheese brings the gooey, melty goodness that makes this dish irresistible. Mixing some in and sprinkling some on top gives flavor inside and a cheesy crust.

2 cups bread cubes / croutons – The crunchy topping adds texture and makes the casserole feel indulgent without adding complicated steps.

2 tbsp melted butter – Tossed with the bread cubes for a golden, crispy finish.

Salt, pepper, garlic powder to taste – Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors in the casserole.

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Steps to Make Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken Casserole

Making this casserole is straightforward, and each step brings the dish closer to that warm, cheesy perfection. Follow these steps carefully for the best results:

Step 1 – Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly from the moment it goes in. Preheating is key for getting that perfectly melted cheese and golden bread topping.

Step 2 – Combine the Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, lightly steamed broccoli, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1 cup of shredded cheddar, and seasonings. Make sure everything is evenly coated so that each bite is creamy and flavorful. I usually stir gently to avoid breaking up the broccoli too much.

Step 3 – Transfer to Casserole Dish

Grease your casserole dish lightly to prevent sticking. Pour the mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly. This ensures that the casserole cooks uniformly and every portion has a balance of chicken, broccoli, and creamy sauce.

Step 4 – Add Cheese and Bread Topping

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top for that cheesy crust. Then, toss the bread cubes with melted butter and scatter them evenly over the cheese. This gives the casserole a beautiful, golden crunch after baking.

Step 5 – Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Place the casserole in the oven uncovered and bake for 25–30 minutes. You want the cheese to be fully melted and bubbly and the bread cubes to turn a golden brown. I usually keep an eye on it after 20 minutes to ensure the topping doesn’t burn.

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Serving Suggestions

This Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken Casserole is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides.

I like serving it with a fresh green salad or a simple cucumber and tomato salad for a lighter lunch option.

For a heartier meal, roasted vegetables, mashed cauliflower, Cauliflower Fried Rice or garlic butter rice make excellent companions.

You can also enjoy it as a standalone dish since it’s already packed with protein, veggies, and healthy fats.

For a fun twist, I sometimes serve it with a drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top.

Leftovers can even be portioned into meal prep containers for a grab-and-go lunch during the week.

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Meal Prep Tips: Can We Make Broccoli and Chicken Casserole in Advance?

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Absolutely! This casserole is great for meal prep, and making it in advance can save you time during a busy week. Here’s how I do it:

1. Prepare the casserole mixture ahead of time – Combine the shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and seasonings in a bowl. You can also mix in the first cup of cheddar cheese. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
2. Add toppings just before baking – To keep the bread cubes crispy, I recommend waiting to toss them with melted butter and sprinkle them over the casserole along with the remaining cheddar cheese right before putting it in the oven.
3. Freezing for later – You can also assemble the casserole entirely (without baking) and freeze it in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and golden.

This makes it a perfect make-ahead lunch or dinner option. I love having a ready-to-bake casserole in the fridge for nights when I want something warm, cheesy, and healthy with minimal effort.

Tips and Tricks

Making the perfect Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken Casserole is easier when you keep a few simple tips in mind:

• Don’t overcook the broccoli – Lightly steaming the broccoli keeps it vibrant and slightly crisp. Overcooking can make it mushy and watery.
• Use cooked chicken – Pre-cooked shredded chicken saves time and ensures the casserole is ready quickly. Rotisserie chicken works great.
• Season generously – Salt, pepper, and garlic powder bring out all the flavors. Taste the mixture before adding to the casserole dish if possible.
• Mix gently – When combining ingredients, stir gently to avoid breaking up the broccoli or making the mixture too mushy.
• Watch the topping – Bread cubes can brown quickly. If they start to darken too soon, loosely cover the casserole with foil for the remaining bake time.
• Cheese options – Cheddar is classic, but you can mix in Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a milder, creamier flavor.

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Variations of Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken Casserole

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This casserole is versatile, and you can tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs:

Low Carb / Keto Version – Replace bread cubes with crushed pork rinds or almond flour topping for a crunchy low-carb alternative.

Extra Veggie Boost – Add cauliflower, zucchini, or bell peppers to increase fiber and nutrients.

Spicy Twist – Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for a little heat.

Different Protein – Swap chicken for turkey, cooked sausage, or even cooked shrimp for a unique twist.

Dairy-Free Option – Use dairy-free cheese and a coconut milk-based sauce instead of cream soup and sour cream.

Storage Instructions

Storing your Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken Casserole properly keeps it fresh and tasty for later meals:

• Refrigerator: Cover the casserole with foil or an airtight lid and store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. This is perfect for quick weekday lunches.
• Freezer: You can freeze the fully assembled casserole (without baking) for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. For baked leftovers, freeze in portions for easy grab-and-go meals.
• Tips: Make sure the casserole has cooled to room temperature before covering and refrigerating or freezing to prevent sogginess.

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Can We Reheat Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken Casserole?

Yes! Reheating is simple and keeps the casserole delicious:

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil to prevent the topping from burning and bake for 15–20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Portion out the casserole and microwave on high for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
• Tip: If the bread topping loses its crispiness, sprinkle a few extra bread cubes on top or broil for 1–2 minutes for crunch.

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Recipe FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and refrigerate. Add the topping right before baking for best results.

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely. Just thaw and lightly steam it before mixing into the casserole to avoid excess water.

Is this casserole low carb?
It can be! Using minimal bread cubes or replacing them with a low-carb alternative like almond flour or pork rinds keeps it low carb.

Can I substitute the chicken?
Yes, turkey, sausage, or even shrimp can be used instead of chicken.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free bread cubes or skip them entirely.

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Conclusion

This Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken Casserole is a perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and crunchy goodness that’s healthy, low carb, and quick to make.

I love how it works for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep during a busy week. Also check out 13 Healthy Keto Lunch Ideas for Work.