Low Carb Chicken Bake (Cheesy & Easy!)

Welcome to your new favorite weeknight dinner! This low carb chicken bake is the epitome of comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, all without the carbs. If you’re looking for a simple, satisfying meal that fits a keto or low-carb lifestyle, you’ve found it. It’s a one-pan wonder that the whole family will love, and it comes together with minimal effort.

We’re talking tender chicken and crisp broccoli smothered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce and baked to golden, bubbly perfection. This recipe is designed for busy people who don’t want to sacrifice taste for health. Let’s get cooking!

Why This Low Carb Chicken Bake is a Must-Try

There are so many reasons to love this cheesy low carb chicken bake. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a solution for hectic weeknights.

• Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of cream cheese, cheddar, garlic, and savory chicken is simply irresistible.
• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have this dish in the oven. It’s perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned pros.
• Healthy & Guilt-Free: It’s naturally gluten-free, keto-friendly, and packed with protein. It’s a wholesome meal you can feel good about serving. For more healthy ideas, check out these high-protein, low-carb meals.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This bake reheats beautifully, making it an excellent option for lunches throughout the week.

The Key Ingredients for a Perfect Bake

The magic of this dish lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken Breast: Use boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into bite-sized cubes for even cooking.
• Broccoli Florets: Fresh broccoli adds a wonderful texture and a boost of nutrients. You can use frozen, but be sure to thaw and drain it well.
• Cream Cheese: This is the secret to an ultra-creamy sauce. Full-fat works best for texture and flavor.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: For that sharp, cheesy goodness. Feel free to mix it up with Monterey Jack or a Colby blend.
• Heavy Cream: Helps create a smooth, luxurious sauce.
• Garlic & Onion Powder: These provide the foundational aromatic flavor.
• Bacon: Cooked and crumbled bacon adds a smoky, salty crunch that takes this bake to the next level.

How to Make This Cheesy Low Carb Chicken Bake: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making this low carb chicken bake is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time.

1. Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, cook the chicken pieces over medium-high heat until they are lightly browned and cooked through. Drain any excess liquid.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low. Add the cream cheese, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and half of the shredded cheddar. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
4. Combine Everything: Add the cooked chicken, broccoli florets, and crumbled bacon to the skillet. Stir gently until everything is fully coated in the creamy sauce.
5. Assemble the Bake: Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
6. Bake to Perfection: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.

If you enjoy the convenience of one-pan meals, you’ll also love this One-Pan Garlic Herb Chicken recipe.

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Bake

A few simple tricks can elevate your low carb chicken bake from great to unforgettable.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the chicken, make sure it’s in a single layer to ensure it browns nicely instead of steaming.
• Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce gritty. Shredding your own results in a smoother melt.
• Blanch the Broccoli: For a more vibrant green color and a tender-crisp texture, you can blanch the broccoli for 1-2 minutes before adding it to the mixture.

Delicious Variations to Try

While this recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas to customize it:

• Add Veggies: Cauliflower, mushrooms, or spinach make excellent additions.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce for a little kick.
• Change the Protein: This recipe also works well with shredded rotisserie chicken for an even quicker meal. If you like slow-cooked chicken, this slow cooker chicken breast recipe is a game-changer.

What to Serve with Your Chicken Bake

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing, steamed green beans, or cauliflower rice to soak up the extra sauce.

Storage and Meal Prep Instructions

This low carb chicken bake is perfect for making ahead. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or bake the entire dish at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also freeze the baked casserole for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your New Favorite Weeknight Dinner

This low carb chicken bake is more than just a recipe; it’s a delicious, stress-free meal that brings comfort and health to your dinner table. Give it a try and watch it become an instant family favorite. If you loved this recipe, please share it with your friends or save it to your favorite board on Pinterest!

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FL Recipes

Low Carb Chicken Bake (Cheesy & Easy!)

This low carb chicken bake is the ultimate comfort food! Tender chicken and broccoli are smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce and baked to bubbly perfection. An easy, keto-friendly, and gluten-free dinner the whole family will love.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cups broccoli florets fresh or frozen (thawed and drained)
• 8 oz cream cheese softened
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
• 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
• 1/4 tsp black pepper or to taste

Equipment

• 1 9x13 inch Baking Dish
• 1 Large Skillet

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook until lightly browned and cooked through. Drain any excess liquid.
3. Reduce heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
4. Add the cooked chicken, broccoli florets, and crumbled bacon to the skillet. Stir gently to combine everything in the sauce.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cheese is golden brown. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 550kcalProtein: 38gFat: 42gFiber: 2g

Notes

Tip 1: For a smoother sauce, ensure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature before adding it to the skillet.
Tip 2: Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting results. Pre-shredded cheese can sometimes result in a gritty texture.
Tip 3: If using frozen broccoli, make sure to thaw it and squeeze out as much moisture as possible to prevent a watery casserole.

Keyword cheesy chicken bake,keto chicken casserole,low carb chicken bake

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