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Low Carb Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Bake – Simple, Comforting, and Satisfying

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

Ingredients
  

  • 2–2.5 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie or leftover chicken works great)
  • 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, bite-sized)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend; divided)
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for a subtle smoky note)
  • ¼ tsp ground mustard (optional, enhances cheesy flavor)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional, for extra savory depth)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
  • Olive oil or cooking spray, for the baking dish

Method
 

  1. Prep the oven and dish: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Par-cook the broccoli: Steam or microwave until crisp-tender, about 3–4 minutes for fresh or 4–5 for frozen. Drain well to avoid a watery bake.
  3. Make the sauce base: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add garlic and cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Build the cream sauce: Whisk in heavy cream and cream cheese. Stir until smooth, then add onion powder, smoked paprika, ground mustard, salt, and pepper.
  5. Add the cheese: Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheese and the Parmesan. Mix until melted and silky.
  6. Combine: In the baking dish, spread the chicken and broccoli. Pour the cheese sauce over and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  7. Top and bake: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded cheese over the top. Bake for 18–22 minutes, until bubbling around the edges.
  8. Broil for color (optional): Broil 1–2 minutes to brown the top. Watch closely.
  9. Rest and serve: Let it sit for 5–10 minutes to set. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.