This creamy low carb broccoli or cauliflower bake is a delightful addition to any meal. With its rich, cheesy flavor and creamy texture, it’s bound to be a household favorite. It’s easy to make and requires just a few ingredients. If you are looking for a tasty, creamy side dish or meal that’s perfect for your low-carb, keto, or banting diet, this recipe will be perfect for you. What I like the most about this recipe is that it’s a balanced meal in one pot.
It is loaded with protein, the chicken breast, cheddar cheese, and cream cheese contribute to a high protein content, helping to keep you satiated and supporting muscle maintenance and growth. The healthy fats from the cream cheese and cheddar cheese make this dish rich and satisfying, perfect for those following a ketogenic diet where fats are a primary energy source. Broccoli and cauliflower are low-carb vegetables that are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They add bulk to the dish without adding many carbs, making it ideal for low-carb diets. The recipe is simple and affordable to make. To make it even more affordable I used homemade cream cheese. Store bought will work just fine as well, you just need to soften it.
Creamy Low-Carb Chicken and Broccoli or Cauliflower Bake
Ingredients
- Ingredients:
- 4 cups broccoli florets or cauliflower florets you can use both
- 2 chicken breasts cooked and shredded
- 1 cup cream cheese softened
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded (or any hard cheese of your choice)
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with butter.
- Prepare Vegetables: Steam the broccoli or cauliflower florets until they are tender but still slightly firm (about 5-7 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and cook them in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked (about 7-10 minutes per side). Let the chicken cool slightly, then shred it.
- Make the Cream Sauce:
- In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the cream cheese over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Transfer:
- Place the steamed broccoli or cauliflower and shredded chicken in the greased baking dish.
- Pour the cream sauce over the vegetables and chicken, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Add the Cheese:
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese (or your choice of hard cheese) evenly over the top.
- Bake:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly with a golden-brown color.
Notes
Tips:
- For added flavor, consider mixing in some cooked bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cream sauce.
- You can prepare this dish in advance and reheat it in the oven when ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions:
The creamy broccoli or cauliflower bake is a versatile dish that can be served as a complete meal or paired with other sides. Here are some ideas to elevate your low carb creamy vege bake:
- Serve with sweet potato or sweet potato fries or cubed butternut squash.
- Pair it with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for added nutrients.
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
When I want to indulge in comfort foot while staying on track with my dietary goals this creamy, cheesy and broccoli or cauliflower bake is a fantastic way to do so . Whether you’re following a keto, Banting, or just carb conscious , this dish fits right in. It’s versatile enough to be served as a complete meal or paired with various sides, making it a go-to dish for any occasion. In this recipe I am using cream cheese instead of cheese sauce made with flour. This makes the recipe suitable for my low carb diet.
Enjoy cooking and savoring this delightful dish! Feel free to share your experiences or any tweaks you made to the recipe in the comments below. We love hearing from our readers!