keto chicken cheese bake

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Skill Level: Easy | Category: Dinner | Serves: 4
Keto-Friendly | Low-Carb | High-Protein | Gluten-Free

This Keto Chicken Cheese Bake is the epitome of comfort food without the carbs. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with protein, it’s a one-pan wonder that comes together in under an hour. Perfect for a busy weeknight or for meal prep, this dish is satisfying, flavorful, and will keep you firmly in ketosis. The golden, bubbly cheese crust is simply irresistible!

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 6 oz (170g) full-fat cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup heavy cream

• ¼ cup chicken broth

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (or 10 oz frozen, thawed)

• ¼ cup cooked, chopped bacon (optional, for garnish)

• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Equipment

• 9×13 inch (or similar) baking dish

• Large skillet

• Mixing bowls

• Measuring cups/spoons

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Instructions

Step 1: Prep & Season the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium bowl, toss the cubed chicken with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary to avoid steaming). Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, just until the outside is golden brown. The chicken does not need to be cooked through at this stage. Transfer the seared chicken to the baking dish and spread it out evenly. Add the broccoli florets to the dish, nestling them around the chicken.

Step 3: Create the Cheese Sauce

In the same skillet (with any chicken drippings), reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Whisk continuously for 3-4 minutes until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and unified. Remove from heat. Stir in 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese and all of the cheddar cheese until melted into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Assemble the Bake

Pour the warm cheese sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli in the baking dish. Use a spoon or spatula to gently toss and ensure everything is well-coated. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella and all of the Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C), the broccoli is tender, and the cheese topping is golden brown and bubbly.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove the bake from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly. Garnish with chopped bacon and fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot directly from the baking dish.

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Chef’s Notes & Tips

• Veggie Variations: Swap broccoli for cauliflower florets, asparagus, or zucchini slices. For denser veggies (like cauliflower), consider blanching them for 2-3 minutes before adding to the bake.

• Boost the Fat: Add a layer of sliced avocado on top of each portion when serving.

• Meal Prep Star: Divide into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.

• Crispier Top: For an extra-crispy cheese crust, broil for the final 1-2 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.

• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cream cheese, coconut cream (for heavy cream), and dairy-free shredded cheeses. The flavor profile will change but can still be delicious.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, serves 4)

• Calories: 720 kcal

• Total Fat: 51g

• Saturated Fat: 27g

• Protein: 58g

• Total Carbohydrates: 8g

• Dietary Fiber: 2g

• Net Carbs: 6g

• Sugar: 3g

• Cholesterol: 245mg

• Sodium: 780mg

Nutritional information is an estimate calculated using a database and excludes optional garnishes. Values may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.