🧄🥦 Creamy Garlic Chicken Broccoli Bake (High-Protein, Low-Carb)
A comforting, cheesy casserole packed with tender chicken, broccoli, and a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. This high-protein, low-carb bake is perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or a satisfying keto-friendly meal.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
🛒 Ingredients
Chicken & Vegetables
- 2 lbs (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
- 5 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season chicken cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes until lightly browned (it does not need to be fully cooked yet).
2. Prepare the Broccoli
- Steam or blanch broccoli for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender.
- Drain well to prevent a watery casserole.
3. Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
- Melt butter in the skillet.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in cream cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth.
- Cook gently until smooth.
- Add Parmesan, Dijon mustard, onion powder, parsley, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir until creamy and well combined.
4. Assemble the Bake
- Add chicken and broccoli to a greased baking dish.
- Pour the creamy garlic sauce over everything.
- Stir gently to coat.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and extra Parmesan on top.
5. Bake
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
🍽️ Optional Add-Ins
- Crispy bacon pieces 🥓
- Mushrooms
- Spinach
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Cauliflower florets
- Jalapeños for heat
- Rotisserie chicken for a quicker version
🥣 Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 55 g
- Fat: 30 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Net Carbs: 6 g
💡 Tips for the Best Bake
✅ Use chicken breast for maximum protein, or chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
✅ Don’t overcook the chicken before baking—it will continue cooking in the oven.
✅ Let cream cheese soften first for a smoother sauce.
✅ For a meal-prep version, divide into containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
✅ Reheat gently with a splash of chicken broth to keep the sauce creamy.