This Keto Cheesy Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli Casserole has been a game changer in my kitchen. I love how easy it is to throw everything in the slow cooker and come back to a hot, comforting meal. The combination of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli makes this recipe a reliable go-to for busy days. Plus, it fits perfectly into low-carb, keto lifestyles without sacrificing flavor or texture.
What’s great about this casserole is the hands-off cooking that delivers moist chicken with that gooey cheesy pull I crave. And since it’s keto-friendly, it keeps your carb count low but your satisfaction high. I always look forward to leftovers because this casserole tastes just as good the next day. You’ll want to make this recipe a staple in your weeknight dinner lineup.
Ingredients for Keto Cheesy Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Here’s what you’ll need to make this casserole:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups chopped fresh broccoli florets (roughly bite-size for easy eating)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (feel free to use freshly shredded for meltier results)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added depth)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried herbs you like
Make sure the chicken pieces aren’t too large so they cook evenly. The broccoli should be fresh or lightly steamed beforehand if you prefer it softer in the casserole. You want just the right texture so it doesn’t turn mushy after slow cooking.
Keto Cheesy Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe That Heals
Keto Cheesy Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe that soothes your body and satisfies your hunger with easy healing ingredients
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
A hands-off ketogenic casserole combining tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce cooked easily in a crockpot. This low-carb recipe delivers moist chicken, gooey melted cheddar, and perfect texture for keto diets and busy weeknights.
How to Prepare Keto Cheesy Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
Get your slow cooker ready, and let’s dive in:
- Prep your ingredients: Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks. Chop broccoli into small florets. Shred your cheddar if it’s pre-block cheese.
- Mix the creamy base: In a mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Whisk until smooth.
- Add chicken and cheese: Place the chicken pieces in the crockpot. Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and gently mix to coat. Sprinkle about 1 ½ cups of the cheddar cheese on top.
- Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 3.5 to 4 hours. The chicken should be tender but not falling apart, and the sauce thick and bubbly.
- Add broccoli and remaining cheese: About 30 minutes before the cooking ends, stir in the broccoli florets and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Cover and continue cooking to let the cheese melt and the broccoli soften slightly.
- Finishing touches: Once done, give the casserole a gentle stir. If the sauce looks too thin, leave the lid off and cook on high for 10-15 minutes to thicken. Be careful; it can splatter if too hot.
- Rest and serve: Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes after turning off the crockpot. This helps it set slightly and makes serving easier.
If you want to swap out seasonings or adjust the cheese types, do so before cooking starts. I’ve tried mozzarella for a milder taste, but sharp cheddar keeps that classic rich flavor I love. Trust me, this simple slow cooker process delivers a cheesy, juicy casserole every time.
Why You’ll Love This Keto Cheesy Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
- Only one pot for less mess and easy cleanup.
- High in protein and healthy fats—perfect for a keto diet.
- Loaded with veggies for fiber and nutrients without extra carbs.
- The creamy cheese sauce keeps chicken moist and tasty.
- Flexible to add your favorite herbs or swap cheeses.
- Great for meal prep and reheats beautifully.
This casserole is one of those meals that hits every note—comfort, simplicity, and health. I always feel good making it because it fits right into my keto goals without sacrificing flavor or texture. Plus, the crockpot magic means I can focus on other things while dinner gets ready.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Keto Cheesy Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
Here are some details on ingredients and options if you want to switch things up:
- Chicken: I use boneless, skinless breasts because they cook evenly and stay tender. You can swap for thighs if you want more fat and richer flavor—just watch the cooking time.
- Broccoli: Fresh is best for texture and taste, but frozen works if you thaw and drain well. Avoid overcooking to prevent mushy stems.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp or extra sharp adds punch; mild is softer but less flavor. You can mix in mozzarella for stretchiness or Parmesan for nuttiness.
- Cream Cheese & Heavy Cream: These create the creamy sauce without flour or starch, perfect for keto. If you want a dairy-free version, try coconut cream and a vegan cream cheese alternative.
- Seasonings: Garlic and onion powder bring savory depth. Italian seasoning adds herbal notes—basil, oregano, thyme. Feel free to use fresh herbs if you have them handy.
These ingredient swaps help customize your casserole and keep it keto-friendly. I usually keep to the basics, but it’s fun to experiment once you know the method.
Tips for Perfect Keto Cheesy Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
- Don’t skip softening the cream cheese; it helps it blend smoothly without lumps.
- Stir the sauce mixture well before adding it to the crockpot to avoid clumps.
- Keep broccoli out during most of the cooking time; adding it late prevents it from overcooking.
- If your slow cooker runs hot, reduce cook time slightly to avoid drying the chicken.
- Rest the casserole after cooking so the sauce thickens and the flavors settle.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for meltier texture—pre-shredded cheese sometimes has additives that stop melting properly.
These small tricks make a big difference. I’ve learned to pretty much trust the slow cooker’s timing, but every appliance is a bit different. So keep an eye on the first try to get it perfect for your setup.
Estimated Nutritional Information for Keto Cheesy Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
Here’s a rough idea of what you get per serving (assuming 4 servings total):
- Calories: 450-500 kcal
- Fat: 35 grams (mostly from cheese and cream)
- Protein: 40 grams (thanks to chicken and cheese)
- Carbohydrates: 5-7 grams net carbs (mainly from broccoli)
Nutritional content can change depending on the exact brands and ingredient amounts you use. This dish fits well within a keto diet, with most calories coming from fats and proteins. The low-carb count keeps your blood sugar stable and supports ketosis.
FAQ About Keto Cheesy Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
Can I use frozen broccoli in this keto casserole?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli if you thaw and drain it well first. Adding it too early might make the casserole watery, so add frozen broccoli about 30 minutes before the cooking ends for best texture.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! This keto cheesy crockpot chicken and broccoli casserole keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of cream if it gets too thick.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap the cream cheese and heavy cream with coconut cream and a plant-based cream cheese alternative. Use a dairy-free shredded cheese if you want that cheesy flavor but keep in mind this may slightly change the texture.
What’s the best way to keep chicken tender in slow cooker recipes?
Cut chicken into even-sized pieces and cook on low heat rather than high. Adding the sauce early helps keep the chicken moist as it cooks slowly. Avoid overcooking by checking around the minimum time, especially if your slow cooker is powerful.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are a great choice for extra flavor and juiciness. Just note they may cook a little faster, so start checking at 3 hours on low to prevent overcooking.
