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This creamy keto chicken Alfredo with broccoli bake is the perfect quick and easy dinner you can prepare for your family any night of the week. Combining tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a luscious homemade or store-bought Alfredo sauce, it comes together in just 30 minutes. Everything bakes in one dish, making cleanup a breeze and satisfying even the pickiest eaters.
This was one of my go-to meals when I first started adopting a low-carb lifestyle. My family loved the creamy cheese and garlic flavors, and it quickly became a request week after week.
Ingredients
- Two pounds chicken breast boneless: ensures lean protein and uniform cooking choose fresh pink chicken without any gray spots
- One teaspoon garlic powder: adds warm, aromatic depth to the chicken use freshly ground if possible for best flavor
- One teaspoon salt: enhances all the flavors throughout the dish
- Half teaspoon ground black pepper: brings subtle heat and balances the creaminess
- Two tablespoons butter: for rich pan-frying and flavor
- Four cups broccoli: fresh florets bring color, nutrition, and a slight crunch pick firm stalks with tight, dark green tops
- Two cups Alfredo sauce store-bought or homemade: the creamy base of the dish homemade adds freshness and you can control saltiness
- Two cups mozzarella cheese shredded: melts beautifully on top for a bubbly golden crust
- Two tablespoons parsley minced for garnish: adds freshness and a pop of color
For the Alfredo sauce (if making from scratch):
- Quarter cup butter: for richness
- Two cloves garlic minced: for aromatic flavor
- One and one-third cup heavy cream at room temperature: ensures a smooth sauce without curdling
- Three cups Parmesan finely grated: sharp and umami-packed use freshly grated for best melting
- Quarter teaspoon ground nutmeg: subtle warming spice that balances the richness
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté the Chicken:
- Cut chicken breast into half-inch cubes for even cooking. Toss with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, coating all sides well. Heat butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook about three minutes on each side until nicely browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Steam the Broccoli:
- Trim broccoli into florets, using mostly the tops for tenderness. Steam them for about six minutes until they are tender but still retain a slight crunch and vibrant green color. Drain well and set aside to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- Prepare the Alfredo Sauce:
- If using store-bought sauce, skip this step. To make from scratch, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for two minutes until fragrant but not browned. Slowly stir in heavy cream followed by Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. Season with nutmeg and remove from heat.
- Assemble the Bake:
- Spread half a cup of Alfredo sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9 by 13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the cooked chicken evenly over the sauce. Arrange half of the steamed broccoli on top of the chicken. Spoon one cup of Alfredo sauce over the broccoli, then sprinkle one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on this layer.
- Repeat Layers and Bake:
- Repeat the layering process with the remaining chicken, broccoli, Alfredo sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle minced parsley over the top. Place the casserole under the oven broiler on high for approximately five minutes until the cheese melts, bubbles, and achieves a golden brown tint. Remove and let rest for a few minutes before serving warm.
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My favorite part is the homemade Alfredo sauce. The nutmeg and fresh Parmesan elevate it from typical store-bought versions to something indulgently delicious. One family night, I surprised everyone with this dish, and it quickly became a comfort food staple that I still make regularly.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge to keep the casserole fresh for up to four days. When reheating, do it on the stovetop in a skillet for best texture or in the microwave on high for about two to three minutes, stirring once halfway through. This helps keep the chicken moist and the broccoli tender without drying out the cheese.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have chicken breast, chicken thighs can be used for a richer flavor, though the cooking time might vary slightly. For a dairy-free option, substitute the butter with olive oil and use a plant-based cream and cheese alternative. Broccoli can be swapped with cauliflower florets for a similar texture and flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread. For a low-carb side, serve with zoodles or steamed asparagus. A crisp white wine or lemonade complements the creamy richness beautifully, rounding out a comforting meal.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I ensure the chicken cooks evenly?
Cut the chicken into uniform ½-inch cubes and avoid overcrowding the pan to get a consistent sear and cook through evenly.
- → What is the best way to keep broccoli vibrant and crisp?
Steam the broccoli florets just until tender-crisp (about 6 minutes), then drain well to maintain color and slight crunch.
- → Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce instead of making it from scratch?
Yes, store-bought Alfredo sauce works well and saves time; just layer it as instructed for rich flavor.
- → How long should the dish rest after baking?
Allow the casserole to rest for about 10 minutes after baking to let the flavors meld and set before serving.
- → What are good side pairings for this bake?
This bake pairs nicely with bread, rice, pasta like penne or zoodles, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.