The EASIEST Keto Cheesy Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

One of the biggest hurdles when sticking to a low-carb or keto lifestyle is finding quick, satisfying meals that don’t involve endless prepping or fussy ingredients. We often crave the comfort and convenience of a classic casserole—creamy, cheesy, and hearty—but without the traditional high-carb thickeners and fillers.

I used to spend extra time making complicated sauces on the stovetop to avoid the high-carb pitfalls of traditional casseroles. I wanted a way to achieve that rich, decadent, BEST cheesy texture while keeping the ingredient list simple and the carb count low.

That is how I perfected the Keto Cheesy Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli Casserole.

This recipe is the ultimate EASIEST compromise. It delivers all the savory, cheesy satisfaction of a baked casserole using simple low-carb dairy, and the gentle heat of the slow cooker ensures the chicken and broccoli cook perfectly together. We pre-thicken the sauce slightly on the stovetop (just for a few minutes!) to prevent it from thinning out in the crockpot, guaranteeing a rich, velvety final product.

This recipe is a must-pin for anyone searching crockpot recipes because it combines two massive trends: low-carb eating and the convenience of the slow cooker. If you are looking for the BEST keto weeknight dinner that is hearty, GUILT-FREE, and genuinely simple, this low carb casserole is your new go-to.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a massive hit because it solves the major pain points of low-carb cooking—it’s fast, high in fat/protein, and eliminates the guesswork often associated with low carb casserole methods.

The EASIEST Keto Weeknight Dinner Solution

This recipe requires minimal active time. You quickly build a simple cream sauce base, pour it over the chicken and broccoli in the slow cooker, top with cheese, and cook on HIGH for just 2 hours. This short cook time makes it an incredibly fast option for a keto weeknight dinner, perfect for those evenings when you get home late.

The BEST Low Carb Casserole Texture

This low carb casserole eliminates the high-carb starches (flour, rice, pasta). We achieve the thick, rich texture by using heavy cream and melting cheddar and cream cheese (or skipping the cream cheese for a lighter version). The fat content in the dairy is key to creating that rich, satisfying mouthfeel that makes this the BEST low-carb comfort food.

Versatile Slow Cooker Chicken Base

The combination of chicken, broccoli, and cheese is a classic for a reason, but this recipe is highly adaptable. It’s fantastic for meal prep ideas and can be customized with different cheeses, herbs, or additions like bacon or mushrooms (see variations below). This makes it a sustainable meal solution that won’t cause flavor fatigue.

High Yield and Budget-Friendly Meal

This recipe easily yields 8 servings of a protein- and fat-heavy meal, making it an excellent budget-friendly meal for batch cooking. It stores and reheats beautifully, ensuring you have GUILT-FREE lunches ready for several days.

Ingredients and Instructions: The Rich, Low-Carb Base

The key to this Keto Cheesy Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is using pre-shredded chicken (like rotisserie) for speed and building the cheese sauce with a low-carb liquid base.

Component	Quantity	Notes
Broccoli	30 oz	Frozen broccoli florets are easiest (do not thaw).
Shredded Chicken	3 cups	Pre-cooked and shredded (rotisserie chicken is perfect!).
Butter	2 tablespoons
Onion	1/2 chopped	Adds deep flavor to the sauce.
Garlic	2 teaspoons minced
Heavy Whipping Cream	1 1/2 cups	Full-fat is essential.
Almond Milk	1 cup	Unsweetened; thins the sauce slightly.
Cheddar Cheese	2 cups	Shredded; sharp cheddar is recommended.
Green Onions	1/4 cup chopped	For flavor in the casserole.

The Basic Instructions:

1. Prep Crockpot: Add the frozen broccoli florets, shredded chicken, and chopped green onions to the slow cooker.
2. Make Sauce Base: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until soft (about 5 minutes). Stir in the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Thicken Sauce: Pour in the heavy whipping cream and almond milk. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly for 3-5 minutes, until the sauce base thickens slightly.
4. Assemble Casserole: Pour the thickened cream sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli mixture in the crockpot. Top with the shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Cook: Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 hours. The casserole is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the broccoli is tender.
6. Serve: Serve hot, topped with optional crispy toppings like pork rinds or extra green onions.

Step by Step: Mastering the Slow Cooker Chicken and Sauce

The challenge with this Keto Cheesy Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is ensuring the broccoli is tender without becoming mushy, and preventing the liquid from separating. My early batches sometimes had liquid separation; I learned that pre-simmering the cream is a simple fix.

Here is the detailed, human-written guide to mastering this spectacular keto weeknight dinner:

Step 1: Pre-Cooked Chicken for Speed

Using pre-cooked, shredded chicken (such as rotisserie chicken or leftover baked chicken) is the EASIEST way to make this meal. Since the slow cooker is only cooking for 2 hours, using pre-cooked meat ensures the chicken is perfectly moist and ready to go. If you use raw chicken, you must cook on HIGH for 4 hours (or LOW for 6) before shredding and adding the broccoli.

Step 2: The Frozen Broccoli Advantage

Do not thaw the frozen broccoli! Adding it frozen helps keep the temperature of the casserole lower initially, preventing the chicken from becoming rubbery and ensuring the cheese melts slowly and smoothly. The moist heat of the slow cooker will cook the broccoli perfectly without turning it into mush, especially during the short cook time.

Step 3: The Cream Sauce Sauté

The few minutes spent sautéing the onion and garlic on the stovetop is vital for flavor depth. Additionally, simmering the heavy cream and almond milk slightly before adding it to the crockpot helps bind the sauce and reduce excess moisture. This pre-thickening step is what guarantees a rich, BEST final low carb casserole texture.

Step 4: Cooking on HIGH for Texture

Unlike many slow cooker recipes that use LOW for 6-8 hours, we use HIGH for 2 hours. This higher heat ensures the broccoli thaws and cooks quickly and the cheese melts rapidly into a smooth, bubbly topping, giving it that classic “casserole” feel without making the chicken tough.

Step 5: The Final Topping Crunch

To combat the soft texture inherent in slow cooker meals, add a final crunchy topping after serving. Sprinkle with crushed pork rinds (a great keto crouton), chopped fresh green onions, or shredded Parmesan cheese that has been baked until crispy. This EASIEST addition elevates the entire keto weeknight dinner.

Variations, Serving, and Storage FAQs

This core Keto Cheesy Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli Casserole recipe is a robust template for creating numerous low carb casserole options.

Delicious Variations to Try:

• Bacon Ranch Casserole: Add $1/2$ cup of cooked, crumbled bacon and 1 tablespoon of dried ranch seasoning along with the cream base.
• Mushroom and Spinach: Substitute half of the broccoli with $1$ cup of fresh mushrooms and 2 cups of fresh spinach (stirred in during the last 30 minutes).
• Pepper Jack Heat: Substitute half of the cheddar cheese with shredded pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
• Italian Sausage Swap: Substitute the shredded chicken with 3 cups of cooked, crumbled Italian sausage for a stronger, spicier flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions:

This GUILT-FREE low carb casserole is versatile for any meal:

1. Keto Classic: Serve over a bed of mashed cauliflower, zucchini noodles (zoodles), or shirataki noodles.
2. Family Option: Serve alongside cooked rice or baked potatoes for non-keto family members.
3. Simple Side: Serve with a light side salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut the richness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question	Answer
How long does the casserole last?	This Keto Cheesy Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is excellent for easy meal prep and lasts up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze the leftovers?	Yes! This casserole freezes well. Cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven or slow cooker.
Can I skip the almond milk?	You can, but you may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin the cream slightly, or the sauce will become extremely thick, similar to a cheese spread.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?	You can use half-and-half, but the final casserole will be less rich and may be thinner due to the lower fat content. Do not use milk, as it may curdle.

Conclusion: Your Most EASIEST Keto Weeknight Dinner

The Keto Cheesy Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli Casserole recipe is the perfect blend of rich, delicious flavor and ultimate low-carb simplicity. It’s the BEST low carb casserole solution that uses the slow cooker to deliver a GUILT-FREE, hearty, and EASIEST meal every time.

By embracing this simple crockpot recipe, you eliminate the cooking stress and guarantee a satisfying, quick keto weeknight dinner is waiting for you.

Pin this easy weeknight dinner today and enjoy the BEST low carb casserole!