Busy weeknights call for effortless, delicious low-carb solutions. This rotisserie chicken casserole perfectly fits the bill. Our Keto Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Casserole delivers incredible flavor and comfort with minimal effort. It is packed with cheesy goodness and tender broccoli. Using convenient store-bought rotisserie chicken makes this dish incredibly quick to prepare, perfect for busy parents and beginners alike.
Why You’ll Love This Low-Carb Rotisserie Chicken Casserole
- Time-Saving: Enjoy a quick dinner by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. This significantly cuts down on prep time.
- Irresistible Flavor: Indulge in rich, cheesy, and savory comfort food that tastes like you spent hours cooking.
- Keto and Low-Carb Friendly: This recipe fits perfectly into your dietary goals, helping you stay on track without sacrificing taste. For those interested in understanding the science behind this eating pattern, the National Center for Biotechnology Information provides valuable insights into the principles of the ketogenic diet.
- Family-Approved: Even picky eaters will love this hearty and flavorful casserole, making dinner stress-free.
- Versatile Meal Prep: Easily make a large batch to enjoy healthy, delicious meals throughout the week.
Ingredients
Creating this amazing rotisserie chicken recipes low carb casserole requires simple, wholesome ingredients. This dish comes together quickly, letting you enjoy a comforting meal without extensive prep.
- Shredded rotisserie chicken: 2-3 cups (from a medium rotisserie chicken)
- Broccoli florets: 4 cups (fresh or frozen, chopped)
- Cream cheese: 8 ounces (full-fat, softened)
- Heavy cream: ½ cup (or full-fat coconut cream for dairy-free)
- Cheddar cheese: 2 cups (shredded, divided)
- Parmesan cheese: ¼ cup (grated, optional, for topping)
- Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon (or 2 cloves minced fresh garlic)
- Onion powder: 1 teaspoon (or ½ small onion, finely chopped)
- Chicken broth: ½ cup (low sodium)
- Salt and black pepper: To taste
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (for cooking)
Notes & Substitutions
- Chicken: You can easily swap rotisserie chicken for cooked turkey, canned chicken, or even cooked ground chicken.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute with other low-carb vegetables like cauliflower, spinach, or mushrooms.
- Cheese: Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or a Colby Jack blend work wonderfully if you prefer different cheese flavors.
- Dairy-free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and an unsweetened milk alternative (like almond milk or full-fat coconut milk).
- Spice: Kick up the heat by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture.
Equipment
Gathering your equipment before you start makes the cooking process smoother. You only need a few basic kitchen tools for this delicious casserole.
- Large mixing bowl
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife
- Large skillet (optional, for sautéing broccoli)
Instructions
Making this rotisserie chicken recipes low carb casserole is incredibly simple, even for beginners. Follow these straightforward steps to create a hearty and flavorful meal.
Prep Rotisserie Chicken and Vegetables
Begin by preparing your main ingredients. Shred the rotisserie chicken using two forks or your hands until you have about 3 cups. Next, trim and chop your broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces. If using frozen broccoli, thaw and drain it well to prevent a watery casserole. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Assemble the Casserole Base
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the broccoli florets for 5-7 minutes until they are tender-crisp. You want them slightly softened but still with a bit of bite. In your large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the heavy cream until smooth. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until the mixture is well combined and creamy. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Now, add the shredded chicken to the cream mixture, along with half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Gently fold in the cooked broccoli florets until everything is evenly coated. Transfer this entire delicious mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This forms the perfect base for your rotisserie chicken recipes low carb meal.
Bake and Serve
Top the casserole with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and the optional grated Parmesan cheese. This layer will melt into a golden, bubbly crust. Bake the casserole in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. It’s ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the casserole is heated through. For an extra golden-brown and crispy topping, broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the end. Keep a close eye on it under the broiler to prevent burning. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the ingredients to set, making it easier to serve.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Don’t Overcook Broccoli Initially: Sauté broccoli until tender-crisp. Overcooking it in the skillet makes it mushy in the casserole.
- Ensure Cream Cheese is Softened: Room temperature cream cheese blends smoothly, preventing lumps in your sauce.
- Adjust Seasonings Generously: Taste the cream mixture before adding chicken and vegetables. Add more salt, pepper, or garlic powder if needed.
- Prevent Watery Casserole: If using frozen broccoli, squeeze out excess moisture after thawing. Drain any liquid from the skillet after sautéing.
- Achieve Crispy Topping: Do not skip the broiling step for that perfect golden, bubbly, and slightly crispy cheese crust. Watch it closely!
- Make Ahead: Assemble the entire casserole (without baking), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations
This versatile rotisserie chicken recipes low carb casserole is perfect on its own, but also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this delicious casserole hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
- Pair it with a simple, crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- Enjoy it alongside keto garlic bread or cheesy biscuits for an extra comforting meal experience.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate any leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Add a splash of broth if it seems dry.
- This casserole is freezer friendly! Portion it into individual servings in freezer-safe containers or freeze the entire baked casserole. It keeps well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations
- Buffalo Chicken Casserole: Add ½ cup hot sauce and crumbled blue cheese to the mixture for a zesty kick.
- Spinach Artichoke Casserole: Fold in ½ cup chopped, well-drained spinach and ½ cup chopped artichoke hearts.
- Mexican Fiesta Casserole: Incorporate 1 small can of diced green chiles, 1 tablespoon taco seasoning, and a sprinkle of cilantro.
Nutrition
This rotisserie chicken recipes low carb casserole offers a fantastic nutritional profile, making it a healthy choice for your diet. It is high in protein and healthy fats, while keeping carbohydrate counts very low. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics offers further guidance on making informed choices about healthy fats as part of a balanced diet.
| Nutrient | Amount (Estimated per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480-520 |
| Total Fat | 38-42g |
| Protein | 30-35g |
| Net Carbs | 4-6g |
| Fiber | 2-3g |
These values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy this delicious, satisfying meal!
FAQ
- Q: Can I use raw chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
A: Yes, you can. You’ll need to cook and shred the chicken first before adding it to the casserole. - Q: Is this recipe naturally gluten-free?
A: Yes, this casserole is naturally gluten-free, using only whole food ingredients. - Q: Can I freeze the assembled casserole?
A: Absolutely! This particular rotisserie chicken recipes low carb dish freezes beautifully. Refer to the storage instructions for best results. - Q: How do I prevent a dry casserole?
A: Ensure you use enough cream cheese, heavy cream, and broth for a rich, moist sauce. Don’t overbake it either. - Q: What other vegetables can I use in this casserole?
A: Cauliflower, asparagus, green beans, or bell peppers are excellent low-carb additions or substitutions.
Conclusion
This Easy Keto Rotisserie Chicken Casserole is a true winner for anyone seeking delicious, healthy meals without the fuss. Its simplicity, combined with the rich flavors, makes it an instant family favorite. Utilizing convenient rotisserie chicken drastically cuts down on prep time, making this a perfect weeknight solution. Give this fantastic rotisserie chicken recipes low carb recipe a try tonight and taste how easy and satisfying low-carb eating can be. Share your creations and comments below; we love hearing from you!
