You know those nights when you want something creamy, cheesy, and downright comforting—but still keto-friendly? That’s exactly how this chicken alfredo broccoli bake was born in my kitchen. I was craving the rich flavors of fettuccine alfredo but needed a low-carb version that wouldn’t wreck my macros. One desperate fridge raid later (hello, leftover rotisserie chicken and a bag of broccoli), and voilà—this bake became our family’s go-to weeknight hero.
What I love most is how effortlessly it comes together. The alfredo sauce? Just butter, garlic, and a dreamy mix of cream cheese and Parmesan. The broccoli stays perfectly crisp-tender, and the chicken soaks up all that creamy goodness. Even my picky kid goes back for seconds—and that’s saying something! Whether you’re keto-curious or fully committed, this bake delivers all the comfort without the carb crash.
Why You’ll Love This Keto Chicken Alfredo Broccoli Bake
This isn’t just another casserole—it’s your new secret weapon for busy nights when you want something indulgent but still keto-friendly. Here’s why it’s a total game-changer:
- Creamy without the carbs: That rich alfredo sauce? Made with heavy cream and Parmesan, so it’s luxuriously thick without a speck of flour.
- Weeknight magic: Throw it together in 10 minutes flat (rotisserie chicken for the win!) and let the oven do the rest.
- Broccoli that actually tastes good: No soggy veggies here—the florets stay crisp-tender under that golden cheese blanket.
- Leftovers that improve: The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making lunch the next day even better.
- Customizable spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like it with a kick, or keep it mellow for the kids.
Trust me, after one bite of that bubbly, cheesy top layer, you’ll forget it’s low-carb.
Why You’ll Love This Keto Chicken Alfredo Broccoli Bake
Listen, I’m not exaggerating when I say this bake checks all the boxes. Here’s why it’s become my weeknight MVP:
- Crazy creamy without the carbs: That alfredo sauce? Pure magic with heavy cream and Parmesan—no flour needed. It’s so rich, you won’t miss the pasta one bit.
- Broccoli that actually tastes good: Even veggie skepters (like my husband) gobble it up because the florets soak up all that cheesy goodness.
- Rotisserie chicken shortcut: I always grab a pre-cooked bird to shred—dinner’s ready before the oven finishes preheating.
- One-pan wonder: Mix, dump, bake. The only dish you’ll scrub is the baking pan (and maybe the spoon you licked clean).
- Leftovers that reheat like a dream: It’s even better the next day when the flavors meld. Just broil it for a minute to revive that crispy top.
Ingredients for Keto Chicken Alfredo Broccoli Bake
This dish comes together with simple, real ingredients – nothing fancy, just pantry staples that make magic together. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded (I swear by rotisserie chicken – the juices make it extra flavorful)
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen – just squeeze out excess water if using frozen)
- 2 tbsp butter (the real deal – it makes the sauce velvety)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (more if you’re a garlic fiend like me)
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (don’t skimp – this is what makes it luscious)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan (the good stuff from the refrigerated section, not the shaker bottle)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella, divided (1 cup for mixing, 1/2 cup for that golden top)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened (leave it on the counter while you prep other ingredients)
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt (plus more to taste – I always add a pinch extra)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly cracked if you’ve got it)
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (the little jar in your spice rack works perfectly)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, but gives it a nice warmth)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for that bright pop of color at the end)
How to Make Keto Chicken Alfredo Broccoli Bake
Alright, let’s get cooking! This comes together faster than you’d think – just follow these simple steps for creamy, cheesy perfection.
Preparing the Broccoli and Chicken
First things first – preheat that oven to 375°F and grab your 9×13 baking dish. Give it a quick grease so nothing sticks (I just rub some butter around with a paper towel).
For the broccoli: If you’re using fresh florets, give them a quick 2-3 minute steam or microwave until they’re just tender-crisp. Frozen? No problem! Just thaw and squeeze out any extra water in a clean kitchen towel – soggy broccoli is the enemy here. As for the chicken, this is where rotisserie shines – just shred that baby up (I use two forks to make it easy). About 2 cups should do it.
Making the Alfredo Sauce
Now for the good stuff! In a saucepan over medium heat, melt your butter and toss in the minced garlic. Cook just until fragrant – about 30 seconds (don’t let it brown!). Pour in the heavy cream and add your softened cream cheese. Whisk like crazy until it’s smooth and starts to gently simmer – this takes about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the Parmesan, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and those optional red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy. Keep whisking until it’s velvety smooth. Taste it! This is when I usually add another pinch of salt – the cheese needs it.
Assembling and Baking
In a big bowl, toss your chicken and broccoli with that glorious alfredo sauce. Stir in 1 cup of the mozzarella (save the rest!). Spread it all into your prepared baking dish and top with that remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella – be generous, this is the golden crown!
Bake for 18-22 minutes until it’s bubbling at the edges. For that perfect browned top, I always do a quick 1-2 minute broil at the end (watch it like a hawk though – it goes from golden to burnt fast!). Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and maybe another pinch of red pepper flakes for color. Let it cool just a minute before diving in – that sauce is molten lava hot!
Tips for the Best Keto Chicken Alfredo Broccoli Bake
After making this dish more times than I can count, I’ve learned a few tricks to take it from good to knock-your-socks-off amazing:
- Broil for that golden crust: Don’t skip the final 1-2 minutes under the broiler – it transforms the top into a crispy, bubbly masterpiece (but set a timer – I’ve burned more than one batch daydreaming).
- Squeeze your broccoli dry: Whether fresh or frozen, pat those florets with paper towels or wring them in a clean dishcloth. Extra moisture = watery sauce.
- Let it rest before serving: 5 minutes out of the oven lets the sauce thicken up perfectly instead of running everywhere.
- Spice to your taste: Start with 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, then add more to the sauce if you love heat. I usually double it for adults!
- Use room temp cream cheese: Cold cream cheese makes lumpy sauce – 30 minutes on the counter saves you frantic whisking.
Ingredient Substitutions
Ran out of something? No worries—this bake is super adaptable! Swap broccoli for cauliflower florets if that’s what’s in your fridge (just roast them first to remove extra moisture). Dairy-free? Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, nutritional yeast for Parmesan, and your favorite plant-based cheeses. No mozzarella? Any melty cheese works—I’ve used provolone in a pinch! For the chicken, leftover turkey or even canned chicken (drained well) can sub in a hurry. The magic is in the creamy sauce, so as long as you keep that rich base, you’re golden.
Serving Suggestions for Keto Chicken Alfredo Broccoli Bake
This bake is hearty enough to stand alone, but I love pairing it with a crisp side salad (my go-to is baby spinach with lemon vinaigrette) to cut through the richness. For a full pasta-night vibe, serve it over zucchini noodles—just toss them in the pan for 30 seconds to warm through. My kids go wild when I sprinkle extra Parmesan on top right at the table!
Serving Suggestions for Keto Chicken Alfredo Broccoli Bake
This bake is hearty enough to stand alone, but I love pairing it with a crisp side salad (my go-to is baby spinach with lemon vinaigrette) to cut through the richness. For a full pasta-night vibe, serve over zucchini noodles—just toss them in the pan juices for extra flavor. My kids go wild when I add garlic butter “bread” made from keto cloud bread on the side!
Storing and Reheating
Leftovers? Lucky you! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, skip the microwave—it turns the cheese rubbery. Instead, pop individual portions in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until piping hot. For that just-baked crispiness, finish with a quick broil (watch closely!). You can also freeze portions for up to a month—just thaw overnight before reheating.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the breakdown per serving (about 1/6th of the bake): 520 calories, 38g fat, 8g net carbs (2g fiber), and a whopping 38g protein. Remember—these are estimates and will vary slightly based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes. Always check labels if you’re tracking macros closely!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli? Absolutely! Just thaw it completely and squeeze out every drop of water in a clean towel—soggy broccoli ruins the texture. I actually keep frozen florets in my freezer for last-minute bakes.
How can I make this dairy-free? You’ll need some swaps: coconut cream for heavy cream, nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, and dairy-free cream cheese. For the cheese topping, try a melty vegan mozzarella. It won’t be identical, but still delicious!
Can I prep this ahead? Oh yes—my favorite meal prep trick! Assemble everything (minus the final mozzarella topping), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5 extra minutes to the baking time since it’s going in cold.
Why is my sauce watery? Usually means the broccoli wasn’t dried enough or the sauce didn’t simmer long enough. Next time, really wring out those florets and let the sauce thicken properly—it should coat the back of a spoon.
Can I freeze leftovers? You bet! Freeze individual portions for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven to keep that perfect texture.
Print“Decadent Keto Chicken Alfredo Broccoli Bake in 30 Minutes”
A delicious and creamy keto-friendly chicken alfredo broccoli bake that’s low in carbs and high in flavor. Perfect for a comforting meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded (rotisserie works great)
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, thawed and drained)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- If using fresh broccoli, steam or microwave 2–3 minutes until just tender-crisp. (If using frozen, thaw and squeeze out extra water.)
- Make the alfredo sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Add heavy cream and cream cheese. Whisk until smooth and gently simmer 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until creamy.
- In a large bowl, toss chicken and broccoli with the sauce. Stir in 1 cup mozzarella.
- Spread into the baking dish and top with remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella.
- Bake 18–22 minutes until hot and bubbly. Broil 1–2 minutes for a golden top (watch closely).
- Finish with parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: keto chicken alfredo broccoli bake, low carb chicken broccoli bake, cheesy chicken broccoli casserole, keto chicken casserole, alfredo bake, keto comfort food