Creamy, cheesy, and packed with protein, this comforting bake combines tender chicken, broccoli, and crispy bacon in a low-carb, family-friendly dish that’s perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners.
📋 Recipe Card
👨🍳 Servings: 8
⏱ Prep Time: 10 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 40–45 minutes
🏷️ Tags: Low-Carb, Keto-Friendly, Gluten-Free, Meal Prep
🍽 Dietary Info: High-Protein | Gluten-Free | Low Carb (4g net carbs/serving)
🛒 Ingredients Checklist
Main Ingredients:
Cooked chicken (cubed or shredded)
Steamed broccoli (fresh or frozen)
Cream cheese (softened)
Sour cream
Mayonnaise
Shredded cheddar cheese
Bacon crumbles
Spices & Herbs:
Dried minced onion
Dried parsley
Garlic powder
Dried dill (or fresh dill)
Salt
Black pepper
👩🍳 Instructions
Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) if baking right away.
You can also prep this ahead and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking.
Make the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, and all the dried herbs and spices. Mix until smooth.
Add the Good Stuff
Stir in the chicken, steamed broccoli, ¾ of the shredded cheddar, and ¼ cup of the bacon crumbles. Mix well.
Bake
Spread the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Top with the remaining cheese and 2 tablespoons of bacon.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
💡 Notes & Tips
This dish is naturally low in carbs and gluten-free.
Don’t skip softening the cream cheese—cold cream cheese will be hard to mix.
For extra flavor, try roasting the broccoli before adding it.
Great make-ahead option—just bake when ready to serve!
🥘 Why This Bake is a Weeknight Winner
This recipe was born from a weeknight clean-out-the-fridge moment—and it became an instant hit. It’s loaded with flavor, simple to prep, and reheats like a dream. Whether you’re following a keto lifestyle or just looking for a cheesy way to sneak more veggies into your meals, this casserole delivers big comfort with very little effort.
📸 Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
1. Mix the Creamy Base
Make sure your cream cheese is room temp for easy mixing. Stir in sour cream, mayo, and spices until it’s a smooth, herby spread.
Tip: Use a hand mixer for extra creaminess if you like!
2. Combine Chicken & Veggies
Fold in shredded chicken, broccoli, cheddar, and bacon. This is where the magic happens—your filling should look thick and loaded.
Optional: Add a dash of hot sauce if you want a kick.
3. Top It Off & Bake
Spread into the dish, sprinkle with the rest of the cheese and bacon, and bake until golden and melty.
Visual Check: Bubbles around the edge and a lightly browned top = done.
🧂 Ingredient Insights & Substitutions
Chicken:
Use rotisserie chicken for ease, or leftover grilled chicken. Shredded or diced both work.
Broccoli:
Fresh is great, but frozen (thawed and drained) works just as well.
Dairy Base:
Cream cheese = creamy body
Sour cream = tang
Mayo = extra richness
Can’t do mayo? Use more sour cream or Greek yogurt.
Cheese:
Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor. Feel free to swap in Colby Jack or mozzarella.
Spices:
Dill adds a fresh twist. Skip if you’re not a fan—or sub Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
🔄 Variations & Serving Suggestions
Make It Spicier:
Add 1–2 tsp hot sauce or ¼ tsp cayenne pepper to the mix.
Add More Veggies:
Throw in diced bell peppers, spinach, or cauliflower rice for extra nutrients.
Make It a Full Meal:
Serve with a side salad or roasted veggies.
Great with keto bread or garlic roasted green beans.
Sprinkle crushed pork rinds on top for added crunch!
Kids in the Mix?
Omit the dill and double the cheese for a more classic, kid-friendly flavor.
🧊 Storage, Reheat, & Make-Ahead
Fridge:
Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating:
Oven: 350°F for 10–15 minutes
Microwave: 2–3 minutes per serving
Add a splash of cream or broth to refresh moisture when reheating.
Make-Ahead:
Fully assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 48 hours. Bake fresh when ready to eat.
🧾 Nutrition (Per Serving – Based on 8 Servings)
Calories: 516 kcal
Protein: 36.4g
Fat: 38.7g
Total Carbs: 4.4g
Net Carbs: 4g
Fiber: 0.4g
Allergens: Contains dairy and eggs (in mayo). Gluten-free if ingredients are verified.
❓ FAQ
Q: Can I use raw chicken?
A: No—this recipe calls for pre-cooked chicken. If using raw, cook it first.
Q: Is this freezer-friendly?
A: Yes! Freeze in individual portions or whole—just be sure to use an oven-safe, freezer-safe container.
Q: What can I use instead of broccoli?
A: Cauliflower florets, green beans, or even chopped kale work well.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: You can try with dairy-free cheese and sour cream alternatives, but the texture may vary. Use a thicker dairy-free cream cheese substitute for best results.
💬 This Dish is a Family Staple
This is one of those recipes that quietly wins hearts. It doesn’t scream fancy—but every bite brings smiles. It’s one of those “set it and forget it” meals that works just as well for a weekday dinner as it does for a cozy Sunday lunch. Bonus: it keeps everyone full without the carb crash.
📣 Share Your Take!
Did you give this cheesy chicken broccoli bake a go? Tell me how it turned out in the comments! Leave a rating, tag me @YourBlogHandle, or snap a pic and share your version—extra bacon, new veggies, or whatever spin you added. 💛
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