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Keto Chicken Cheddar Bake – A Cozy, Low-Carb Comfort Dish

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cooked and shredded or cubed)
  • Broccoli: 3 cups florets (fresh or frozen, lightly steamed)
  • Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups shredded, divided
  • Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, softened
  • Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup
  • Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup (low sodium)
  • Butter: 2 tablespoons
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon
  • Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon (optional, for tang)
  • Salt and Pepper: To taste
  • Fresh Parsley or Chives: For garnish (optional)
  • Olive Oil or Avocado Oil: 1 tablespoon (if cooking raw chicken)
  • Bacon Crumbles (optional): 1/3 cup, cooked and chopped

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven. Set to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or similar casserole pan.
  2. Cook the chicken (if not using pre-cooked). Season chicken with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook 5–7 minutes per side until done. Rest, then cube or shred. You’ll need about 4 cups of cooked chicken.
  3. Prep the broccoli. Steam fresh florets for 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender. If using frozen, thaw and pat dry. Avoid overcooking—broccoli will finish in the oven.
  4. Make the sauce base. In a saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add the dairy. Whisk in cream cheese until smooth and melty. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Keep whisking to create a silky sauce.
  6. Season the sauce. Stir in onion powder, smoked paprika, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning. The sauce should be slightly salty to flavor the chicken and broccoli.
  7. Add the cheese. Remove from heat and whisk in 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar until melted. Reserve the remaining 1/2 cup for topping.
  8. Assemble the bake. Add the cooked chicken and broccoli to the baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the top and gently toss or spread to coat everything evenly.
  9. Top and bake. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar over the casserole. Add bacon crumbles if using. Bake for 18–22 minutes, until bubbling around the edges.
  10. Broil for color (optional). Switch to broil for 1–2 minutes to brown the top. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
  11. Rest and serve. Let the bake sit for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives. Serve warm.