This Keto Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli Bake is the ultimate comfort food for anyone who loves creamy, cheesy casseroles but wants to keep things low in carbs. Tender chicken breast, rich Alfredo sauce, vibrant broccoli, and bubbly cheese bake together in a skillet to create a dish that’s irresistibly decadent—while staying totally keto-friendly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra Creamy Alfredo: The luscious sauce is loaded with real cream, butter, and a trio of gooey cheeses for a velvety-rich bite, every time.
- One-Skillet Wonder: From stovetop to oven, this dish comes together in a single pan—hello, easy cleanup!
- Keto AND Family-Friendly: It’s hearty, comforting, and big on flavor—everyone at the table (not just the low-carb crowd) will want seconds.
- Meal Prep Approved: Makes six generous servings that reheat beautifully, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or make-ahead lunches.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Keto Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli Bake so special is that it uses a handful of truly essential, whole ingredients you may already have on hand. Each one plays an important role—think juicy chicken, vibrant broccoli, and three super-melty cheeses that create those epic Alfredo sauce pulls in every scoop.
- Butter: Adds richness and that classic, silky taste you expect from Alfredo—don’t skimp on it!
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: Sliced thin for quicker, even cooking and extra juiciness in every bite.
- Salt and Pepper: A simple but absolutely necessary foundation for flavoring the chicken.
- Chicken Broth: Used to deglaze the skillet and capture all those little golden flavor bits left from searing the chicken.
- Frozen Broccoli (12 oz steam bag): Easy, convenient, and brings a pop of color and crunch without the extra carbs—no need to overthink it!
- Garlic: Freshly minced, it deepens the flavor and infuses the Alfredo sauce with irresistible aroma.
- Cream Cheese: Adds body and helps thicken the sauce so it clings to the chicken and broccoli perfectly.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: The base for your Alfredo—makes it ultra creamy and keto-approved.
- Italian Seasoning: For a subtle herby undertone that ties the dish together.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds that signature nuttiness and salty bite to the sauce.
- Pepper Jack Cheese: A fun twist for a gentle kick and extra meltiness.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Sprinkled on top to achieve that golden, bubbly finish in the oven.
- Basil: For a bright herbal note and an extra dash of color right before serving.
Variations
The beauty of Keto Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli Bake is how easy it is to switch things up depending on what’s in your fridge, your dietary needs, or the favorite flavors of your family. Let’s make it your own!
- Switch up the Cheese: Try swapping the pepper jack or mozzarella for fontina, provolone, or gouda for a different melted cheese experience.
- Add More Veggies: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, baby spinach, or roasted red peppers for extra nutrition and color.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a super-quick version, use shredded rotisserie chicken—just skip the searing step and jump right to the sauce.
- Make it Spicy: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne into the sauce for extra warmth and a little heat.
How to Make Keto Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli Bake
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Begin by heating a tablespoon of butter in an oven-safe skillet (like cast iron) over medium heat. Season your sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then lay them in the pan. Let them sear on both sides until golden brown—this is where all that juicy flavor develops. Once both sides have some color and the chicken isn’t pink in the middle, remove it from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Deglaze the Pan & Prep the Broccoli
Pour chicken broth into the still-hot skillet to deglaze, scraping up all those tasty browned bits clinging to the bottom (these are flavor gold!). While your pan is soaking up all that deliciousness, microwave your frozen broccoli according to the package directions to steam—alternatively, you can quickly blanch it in boiling water on the stove if you prefer.
Step 3: Build the Alfredo Sauce
Lower the heat and add the remaining butter to the skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, then quickly stir in the softened cream cheese, heavy whipping cream, and Italian seasoning. Keep whisking—once combined, let it simmer and thicken over medium-low heat, watching carefully to avoid burning. When the sauce is thick and creamy, add parmesan and pepper jack, stirring until they melt completely into a rich, dreamy sauce.
Step 4: Assemble & Broil
Drain the steamed broccoli and return both broccoli and the cooked chicken to your skillet, tossing to coat everything generously in that Alfredo sauce. Sprinkle mozzarella over the top and a finishing dusting of basil. Slide the skillet onto the top rack under your broiler for just 1–2 minutes—stay close by! Broil until the cheese bubbles and browns just slightly, taking your Keto Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli Bake to next-level comfort food status.
Pro Tips for Making Keto Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli Bake
- Quick Sear for Juicy Chicken: Slicing the chicken thinly and searing over medium-high heat helps lock in juices—avoid overcrowding the pan for proper browning.
- Don’t Rush the Sauce: Whisk the Alfredo over medium-low heat and let it gently reduce until just thickened—patience rewards you with velvet-smooth results.
- Steam Broccoli Just Until Tender: Cook broccoli lightly so it stays vibrant and crisp-tender, not mushy, to keep your bake both colorful and texturally perfect.
- Broil for Gooey Golden Cheese: Watch closely and pull your skillet as soon as the mozzarella bubbles for that picture-perfect, melty top.
How to Serve Keto Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli Bake
Garnishes
Finish your Keto Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli Bake with a sprinkle of fresh basil or chopped parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. If you want to take it up a notch, add a scattering of extra parmesan or even a dusting of crushed red pepper for a little spice. A drizzle of good olive oil over the top adds shine and a touch of Mediterranean flair!
Side Dishes
This bake is pretty much a meal all on its own, but if you’re in the mood for more, pair it with a crisp mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted asparagus, sautéed zucchini, or even a handful of cherry tomatoes tossed with balsamic also make fantastic low-carb accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra-special dinner, serve the bake tableside straight from your cast iron skillet—let everyone scoop their own cheesy portion. Or, for brunch or parties, divide the mixture into individual ramekins and broil just before guests arrive for cute, bubbly, single-serve portions. You can even slice it into squares and pack in meal-prep containers for grab-and-go lunches!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow your leftovers to cool to room temperature, then transfer them into airtight containers. Keto Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli Bake will keep well, refrigerated, for up to 3-4 days—perfect for planning work week lunches or easy dinners!
Freezing
This bake is freezer-friendly! Just portion it out, wrap tightly (or use freezer-safe containers), and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating so the sauce stays creamy and the texture holds up.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or warm a larger batch, covered, in a 325°F oven until hot and bubbly. If needed, add a splash of cream to loosen the sauce. The flavors deepen and meld even more on day two!
FAQs
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Can I make Keto Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli Bake ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble everything up to the point of broiling, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bring the skillet to room temperature, then broil until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
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Is this recipe gluten-free as written?
Absolutely! Keto Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli Bake is naturally gluten-free—just check that your chicken broth, seasonings, and cheeses are all gluten-free to be extra safe.
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Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Definitely. Fresh broccoli florets work beautifully—just steam or blanch them until crisp-tender before adding to the bake so they’re cooked perfectly (and not raw) when the dish comes out of the oven.
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What can I substitute for cream cheese if I don’t have any on hand?
If you don’t have cream cheese, you can use mascarpone (for a milder flavor) or even extra heavy cream and a handful of extra grated mozzarella to help the sauce thicken up nicely.
Final Thoughts
This Keto Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli Bake is pure, cheesy comfort in every forkful—and it’s so simple, you’ll want to tuck it into your regular meal rotation. I hope you give this keto-friendly classic a try and watch your whole family fall in love with it. Let me know how you make it your own!
Print
Keto Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
Indulge in a low-carb delight with this Keto Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli Bake. A creamy, cheesy alfredo sauce coats tender chicken and broccoli for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 3 tbsp butter, divided
- 2.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, sliced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp chicken broth
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 12 oz steam bag of frozen broccoli
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup pepper jack cheese, grated
- 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
- 1/4 tsp basil
Instructions
- Melt butter: Melt 1 tbsp butter in a 10.25 oven-safe skillet. Season chicken with salt & pepper and sear in the skillet. Simmer until cooked through.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour chicken broth into the skillet to deglaze.
- Prepare the broccoli: Steam the broccoli in the microwave or on the stove.
- Make the sauce: Saute garlic in butter, then add cream cheese, heavy whipping cream, and Italian seasoning. Simmer until thickened.
- Add cheeses: Stir in parmesan and pepper jack until melted and smooth.
- Combine ingredients: Add chicken and broccoli to the alfredo sauce and mix well.
- Finish in the oven: Top with mozzarella and basil, then broil until cheese is bubbly.
Notes
- This dish can be served with a side salad or low-carb pasta alternatives.
- Adjust the seasoning to your preference by adding more or less Italian seasoning.
- Make sure to watch the skillet under the broiler to prevent burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 830mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 48g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
