Weight Watchers-Friendly Homemade Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
Looking for a hearty, satisfying, and nutritious dish that’s low in Weight Watchers (WW) points but still packed with flavor? This Homemade Keto Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is the ideal meal to satisfy your cravings while staying within your WW points. It’s a comforting, creamy, and cheesy casserole that incorporates lean chicken, nutrient-dense broccoli, and a deliciously creamy base—all made to fit your weight loss goals.
This recipe has been reimagined to align with the WW program, with a focus on minimizing points while maximizing flavor. The creamy sauce is made without the usual high-calorie ingredients, keeping the points low but the taste rich and satisfying. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a wholesome family dinner, this WW-friendly keto chicken and broccoli casserole is perfect for any occasion.
Let’s dive into the details and see how you can create this guilt-free, satisfying dish that will keep you on track with your WW goals.
Why This Keto Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Is Perfect for Weight Watchers
For those following Weight Watchers, finding recipes that are low in points without sacrificing flavor is key. This casserole fits perfectly into your WW meal plan for several reasons:
- Low in SmartPoints: By using ingredients like chicken breast, broccoli, and reduced-fat cheese, this casserole remains low in SmartPoints. The creamy base is lightened up with Greek yogurt and light cream cheese, making it satisfying without piling on extra points.
- Packed with Protein: Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, which helps you stay full longer. The addition of protein helps control hunger, making it a great meal for those working to lose weight.
- High in Nutrients: Broccoli is rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. It’s a low-calorie vegetable that adds crunch and nutrients to your casserole.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the flavors by adding different seasonings, using different cheeses, or incorporating additional vegetables based on what you like.
Let’s take a deeper look at how to prepare this dish, step-by-step, while keeping the points low and the flavor high.
Ingredients for Weight Watchers-Friendly Keto Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
To make this casserole low in WW points but rich in flavor, we’ll focus on healthy, wholesome ingredients that won’t compromise your progress. Here’s what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or cubed, preferably skinless)
- 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese (light cheddar cheese to keep points low)
- 1/2 cup non-fat Greek yogurt (for creaminess without adding extra fat)
- 1/4 cup light cream cheese (for richness, but keeping the points in check)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 minced garlic cloves)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, adds depth of flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional, adds herby aroma)
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan cheese (for topping, optional but adds a lovely finishing touch)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the WW-Friendly Keto Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cooking the chicken breast. If you have pre-cooked chicken on hand (perhaps from meal prep), that’s even better! If not, you can easily cook the chicken by seasoning it with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. Bake it at 375°F for 25–30 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
If you’re using rotisserie chicken, make sure to remove the skin and any visible fat to keep the points low.
Step 2: Cook the Broccoli
If using fresh broccoli, wash and cut it into florets. You can steam it or cook it in a pot of boiling water for 2-3 minutes until tender but still firm. Drain it well to remove any excess water, as this will help the casserole retain its creamy texture. If using frozen broccoli, simply thaw and drain it well.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In a medium saucepan, combine non-fat Greek yogurt, light cream cheese, and chicken broth. Heat the mixture over medium heat, whisking until the ingredients are well combined and smooth. Once it starts to simmer, stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. If you like a little tang, you can also add 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard for extra depth of flavor.
Once the sauce is fully combined and creamy, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese (if using), and allow the cheese to melt into the sauce, creating a creamy, cheesy base.
Step 4: Combine the Chicken, Broccoli, and Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and cooked broccoli. Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and broccoli, stirring to coat everything evenly. Make sure all the broccoli is well covered with the sauce and that the chicken is evenly distributed.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the chicken, broccoli, and sauce mixture into a greased 9×9-inch casserole dish (or similar sized dish). Spread the mixture out evenly and press it down lightly to ensure everything is compacted and set.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the casserole dish into the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is lightly golden. If you want an extra crispy topping, you can sprinkle some additional shredded Parmesan cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
This recipe yields about 6 servings, and the following nutritional values are approximate:
- Calories: 215 kcal
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Net Carbs: 5g
- Protein: 27g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- WW SmartPoints: 6 (per serving)
These points are based on the use of low-fat ingredients and non-fat Greek yogurt. If you choose to use full-fat versions, the points could be slightly higher.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe
- Make it Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check ingredient labels to ensure they don’t contain hidden gluten.
- Add More Veggies: For added nutrition and volume, consider adding other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. Just be mindful of the points if you use high-carb veggies.
- Low-Carb Crunch: To make it more like a traditional casserole with a topping, consider using a small amount of crushed pork rinds or a sprinkle of almond flour mixed with melted butter as a low-carb substitute for breadcrumbs.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This casserole can be made ahead of time. Simply prepare it up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply bake it as instructed.
- Add Spice: For a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce. It will give the casserole a little kick.
Conclusion
This Weight Watchers-Friendly Keto Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is an ideal recipe for anyone following a WW plan and looking for a delicious, filling, and nutritious meal. With lean protein from chicken, fiber from broccoli, and a rich, creamy sauce that keeps the points low, it’s a great choice for any meal. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.
By making smart ingredient choices and keeping portion sizes in check, you can enjoy this keto-inspired dish without worrying about your points or your waistline. So, if you’re looking for a healthy, satisfying, and low-point dinner, give this casserole a try—you’ll be glad you did!
Enjoy this recipe as part of your WW journey, and don’t hesitate to make it your own by adjusting the seasonings or adding more of your favorite low-carb ingredients!