Craving a warm, cheesy, and satisfying meal without the carbs? This Low-Carb Chicken Bake is your answer. It delivers all the comforting flavors of a classic casserole but is completely keto-friendly and incredibly easy to assemble. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a bubbling, golden-brown bake that the whole family will devour. This recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight, meal prep, or whenever you need a delicious, guilt-free dinner on the table fast.
We’re combining tender chicken and crisp broccoli in a rich, creamy cheese sauce, then topping it with crispy bacon for the ultimate flavor and texture combination. It’s a one-pan wonder that simplifies cleanup and maximizes taste.
Why This Low-Carb Chicken Bake is a Weeknight Winner
When life gets busy, you need recipes that are both simple and delicious. This bake checks every box.
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and about 30 minutes of bake time, this dish is perfect for getting a nourishing dinner on the table quickly.
- Keto-Friendly & Gluten-Free: Packed with protein and healthy fats, this recipe is designed to keep you on track with your low-carb or keto lifestyle.
- Family-Approved Flavor: The combination of cheesy sauce, tender chicken, and savory bacon is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. Even those not following a low-carb diet will be asking for seconds.
- Great for Meal Prep: This bake reheats beautifully, making it an excellent option for lunches or make-ahead dinners throughout the week. For another fantastic make-ahead meal, try this Easy Crack Chicken Casserole.
The Key Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this cheesy masterpiece to life.
For the Chicken and Veggies
We start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts, the perfect lean protein base. When paired with vibrant green broccoli florets, you get a wonderful balance of flavor and nutrition. You could also easily swap the broccoli for cauliflower or asparagus.
For the Creamy Cheese Sauce
This is where the flavor happens. A simple mixture of cream cheese, heavy cream, and shredded cheddar creates a luxuriously smooth and tangy sauce. We add garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper to season it perfectly. For an extra kick, a dash of smoked paprika works wonders.
If you love garlic and cheese combinations, you will definitely enjoy our Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe.
How to Make The Perfect Low-Carb Chicken Bake
Making this keto-friendly bake is as simple as mix, pour, and bake. Follow these steps for perfect results every time.
- Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish. This ensures the bake cooks evenly and doesn’t stick.
- Cook the Chicken: You can use pre-cooked chicken like a rotisserie chicken, or quickly cook and cube two large chicken breasts. Season them well before cooking for the best flavor.
- Steam the Broccoli: Lightly steam your broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp. You don’t want to overcook them, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
- Make the Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the cream cheese with the heavy cream, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine and Bake: In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked chicken and steamed broccoli. Pour the cheese sauce over the top and stir gently to coat everything evenly. Top with the remaining shredded cheddar and crumbled bacon. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
For those who prefer using a skillet for one-pan meals, our Low-Carb Chicken and Vegetable Skillet is another excellent weeknight option.
Tips for the Best Chicken Bake
A few simple tips can take your Low-Carb Chicken Bake from great to absolutely unforgettable.
- Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Steam it just until it’s bright green and slightly tender. It will finish cooking in the oven, ensuring it doesn’t turn mushy.
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce gritty. Shredding your own block of cheddar will result in a smoother, creamier sauce.
- Let it Rest: After pulling the bake from the oven, let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the sauce to set up and makes it easier to serve.
Delicious Low-Carb Serving Suggestions
While this bake is a complete meal on its own, it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of low-carb side dishes. Serve it alongside a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing, steamed green beans, or cauliflower rice to round out your meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
This recipe is perfect for leftovers. Store any remaining bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until warmed through, or place the entire baking dish back in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this is a great make-ahead meal. You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s going into the oven straight from the fridge.
You can use frozen broccoli, but it’s best to thaw it and pat it completely dry before adding it to the bake. This prevents the sauce from becoming watery as the broccoli releases moisture while cooking.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until hot. For best results, reheat the bake in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
Yes, absolutely! This recipe is specifically designed to be low in carbohydrates and high in protein and fats, making it perfect for a ketogenic diet. We use ingredients like chicken, broccoli, cream cheese, and cheddar, all of which are keto-approved.
This dish is very satisfying on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with other low-carb sides. A simple green salad, cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or steamed asparagus are all excellent choices to round out the meal.
A Keto Recipe Your Family Will Love
This Low-Carb Chicken Bake is more than just a recipe; it’s a solution for busy weeknights, a crowd-pleasing dinner, and a delicious way to stick to your health goals without sacrificing flavor. It’s cheesy, comforting, and packed with wholesome ingredients.
If you try this recipe, we’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below with your feedback or share your creations on Pinterest. Your engagement helps our community grow!
Low-Carb Chicken Bake Recipe
Low-Carb Chicken Bake (The Easiest, Cheesiest Recipe!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl or directly in the baking dish, combine the cooked, cubed chicken and the lightly steamed broccoli florets.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the softened cream cheese and heavy cream. Stir frequently until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the chicken and broccoli in the baking dish. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and the crumbled cooked bacon evenly over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Tip 2: Feel free to substitute broccoli with other low-carb vegetables like cauliflower, asparagus, or green beans.
Tip 3: Use a rotisserie chicken to save on prep time.
