Name: Keto Cheesy Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 h
Total time: 5 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 450g boneless skinless chicken thighs; 300g broccoli florets; 120g cream cheese; 120ml heavy cream; 100g shredded cheddar cheese; 100g shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; Salt to taste; Black pepper to taste; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tbsp fresh thyme or parsley for garnish (optional)

This Keto Cheesy Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. I first tried a variation of this dish during a hectic workweek when I needed something low-carb but still incredibly satisfying. Since then, it’s become a staple in my home, especially on busy nights when I crave something creamy, hearty, and easy to prep. The combination of tender chicken, roasted broccoli, and melty cheese hits every comforting note while staying within keto guidelines.

What makes this casserole stand out is how simple it is to prepare. With just a few ingredients tossed into the slow cooker, it practically cooks itself. By the time it’s ready, the aroma alone makes everyone come running to the kitchen. And the best part? It reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Why You’ll Love This Keto Cheesy Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

It’s low-carb and keto-friendly without sacrificing comfort food vibes.
Everything cooks in one pot – fewer dishes, more time for you.
Perfect for meal prepping – it keeps well in the fridge.
Gooey, cheesy, and loaded with flavor.
A great way to sneak in veggies without compromising taste.

What Type of Chicken Should I Use?

For best results, I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They’re juicier and more flavorful than breasts, especially after hours in the crockpot. However, if you prefer white meat, chicken breasts will still work beautifully. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t dry out, especially if your slow cooker runs hot.

Options for Substitutions

Cheese: Use mozzarella for stretchiness, cheddar for bite, or even gouda for a smoky twist.
Broccoli: Cauliflower is a great substitute if you’re out of broccoli or want to mix things up.
Cream Cheese: You can swap this for sour cream or Greek yogurt, though it will change the texture slightly.
Protein: Leftover rotisserie chicken or turkey can be used for an even quicker version.
Add-ins: Feel free to toss in mushrooms, spinach, or even chopped bacon for extra flavor.

Ingredients for this Keto Cheesy Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs – These offer juicy flavor and remain tender after long cooking.
Broccoli florets – Packed with fiber and nutrients, and they hold up well in the crockpot.
Cream cheese – Adds a rich, creamy texture and a slightly tangy flavor that balances the dish.
Heavy cream – Enhances the richness and gives the sauce its luscious consistency.
Shredded cheddar cheese – Melts beautifully and adds sharpness to the casserole.
Shredded mozzarella cheese – Provides gooey, melty texture that binds everything together.
Garlic powder – Brings depth and subtle flavor to the sauce.
Onion powder – Enhances the savoriness without needing to sauté actual onions.
Salt & pepper – Essential for seasoning the chicken and sauce.
Red pepper flakes (optional) – Adds a gentle heat to balance the richness.
Fresh thyme or parsley (optional) – For garnishing with a pop of freshness.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Trim any excess fat off your chicken thighs and cut them into large bite-sized chunks. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This helps flavor the meat from the beginning, building depth throughout the cooking process.

Step 2: Layer in the Crockpot

Place the seasoned chicken pieces at the bottom of your crockpot. Top with the cream cheese, distributing small spoonfuls evenly across the meat so it melts more evenly. Add in the heavy cream to begin forming the base of the cheesy sauce.

Step 3: Add the Broccoli

Layer the fresh broccoli florets over the chicken and cream mixture. If using frozen broccoli, make sure it’s thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.

Step 4: Let It Cook

Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through. The cream cheese and heavy cream will melt and create a decadent sauce as everything simmers together.

Step 5: Stir and Add Cheese

Once the chicken is cooked, give everything a good stir to mix the cream cheese into the sauce completely. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top. Cover and cook on high for another 15-20 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the casserole is ready, garnish with fresh thyme, parsley, or red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot straight from the crockpot for a no-fuss, comforting meal.

How Long to Prepare the Keto Cheesy Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

Prep Time: The hands-on prep takes about 10–15 minutes. That includes chopping the chicken, measuring out ingredients, and layering everything into the crockpot. It’s quick and mess-free, especially if you use pre-cut broccoli or pre-shredded cheese.

Cook Time: The casserole cooks on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, depending on your schedule. After that, you’ll need an additional 15–20 minutes for the cheese to melt perfectly at the end. Total time is around 5 hours on low or just over 3 hours on high.

Tips for Perfect Keto Cheesy Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

Cut the chicken into similar-sized chunks for even cooking.
Use room temperature cream cheese to help it melt more evenly.
Don’t overcook the broccoli—add it later if you like a firmer bite.
Stir gently after cooking to avoid breaking up the chicken pieces.
Finish with freshly grated cheese for a melty, golden top layer.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Using frozen broccoli without thawing – This adds excess water and can make the casserole watery.
Skipping seasoning – Without the spices, the casserole can taste bland. Season the chicken generously.
Overcooking the chicken – Especially if using breasts; they can dry out. Stick to the suggested times.
Not stirring the cream cheese – It may not fully melt unless stirred once cooked.
Crowding the crockpot – Use the correct size (at least 6 quarts) so everything cooks evenly.

What to Serve With Keto Cheesy Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli Casserole?

1. Cauliflower Rice

A fluffy and low-carb base that soaks up all the cheesy sauce beautifully.

2. Zucchini Noodles

Light and fresh, they balance the richness of the casserole.

3. Simple Green Salad

Add crispness and freshness with a vinaigrette-dressed green salad.

4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Their caramelized flavor pairs well with the creamy casserole.

5. Garlic Keto Bread

Crunchy, buttery, and perfect for scooping up cheesy bites.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Let the casserole cool to room temperature, then transfer it into an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Freezer: This casserole freezes well! Portion into airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating Tips: Add a splash of cream or broth when reheating to revive the creamy texture if it thickens too much.

Estimated Nutrition

Per Serving (approximate):

Calories: 410
Protein: 35g
Fat: 29g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 2g
Net Carbs: 4g

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have a crockpot?

You can bake this in a casserole dish at 375°F (190°C) for about 35–40 minutes, then top with cheese and broil until bubbly.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but it must be fully thawed before adding it to the crockpot to ensure even cooking.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not inherently. The red pepper flakes are optional, so you can skip them if you’re sensitive to spice.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can try using dairy-free cheese and coconut cream, but the flavor and texture will change significantly.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

It should be fork-tender and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Conclusion

This Keto Cheesy Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is comfort food made easy. It’s rich, satisfying, and fits beautifully into a low-carb lifestyle. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a family, or simply craving something cheesy and filling, this recipe checks all the boxes. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s the kind of dish that makes keto living feel indulgent and effortless.