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If you’ve ever found yourself staring into the fridge at 5:30 p.m., wondering what to make that’s quick, filling, and still healthy, you’re not alone. That was me for years. I wanted something that could feed the whole family, wouldn’t leave me with a pile of dishes, and most importantly — wouldn’t derail my commitment to eating clean.
Then I remembered the casseroles my mom used to make. They were hearty, cheesy, and bubbling away in the oven — the kind of meal you could smell from the driveway. But when I looked at the ingredient lists for those old recipes, I saw a long list of “no-go” items: canned soups, pasta, breadcrumbs, processed cheese.
So, I decided to reinvent the classic chicken and broccoli casserole into something paleo-friendly, nutrient-dense, and every bit as comforting as the original.
This Paleo Chicken Broccoli Casserole is my go-to answer. It’s loaded with juicy chicken, tender-crisp broccoli, sweet pops of red bell pepper, and a rich, creamy sauce that ties everything together. No grains, no gluten, and if you choose — completely dairy-free.
And the best part? This is one of those unicorn recipes that both you and your non-paleo friends will love. My kids devour it without question. My husband — who once thought paleo was “just salads” — goes back for seconds.
Why Make This Paleo Chicken Broccoli Casserole?
There are casseroles you make because you have to use up leftovers, and there are casseroles you make because you crave them. This one falls firmly into the second category.
1. Wholesome & Nutrient-Dense
With lean chicken for protein, broccoli for fiber and antioxidants, and healthy fats from coconut milk, this dish gives you a well-balanced meal in every bite.
2. Perfect for Meal Prep
Bake it on Sunday, and you’ll have lunch or dinner ready for the week. It reheats beautifully, keeping its creamy texture and flavor.
3. Comfort Food Without the Guilt
It delivers that cozy, satisfying feeling you get from baked comfort food — without heavy grains or processed dairy.
4. Flexible & Customizable
Change up the vegetables, adjust the seasonings, or make it spicy. This recipe is a blank canvas for your flavor preferences.
5. Family-Approved
Even picky eaters tend to love the combination of creamy sauce and tender chicken.
If you love the idea of cooking once and eating well for days, the Practical Paleo Cookbook has an entire section dedicated to batch cooking and meal prep — perfect for busy weeks when you need quick, nourishing meals.
Ingredients List
Serves: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Main Ingredients
1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 medium), cooked and shredded
4 cups broccoli florets, lightly steamed (about 2 medium heads)
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 cup paleo-friendly cheese (optional; omit or use dairy-free cheese for strict paleo)
Creamy Sauce
1 cup full-fat coconut milk, unsweetened
½ cup paleo mayonnaise, homemade or clean store-bought
2 tablespoons almond flour (for thickening)
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
Pinch of nutmeg (optional, for depth of flavor)
Pro Tip: If you’ve never made paleo mayo at home, you’re missing out. It’s easy, fresher than store-bought, and lets you control the quality of your oils.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with coconut oil or avocado oil spray.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Poach, bake, or pan-sear your chicken until fully cooked. For poaching, place chicken breasts in a saucepan, cover with broth or water, and simmer gently for 12–15 minutes. Shred with two forks.
Shortcut: Rotisserie chicken works well here — just ensure it’s seasoned without non-paleo ingredients.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables
Steam broccoli florets for 3–4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Dice the red bell pepper.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a medium saucepan, whisk together coconut milk, mayonnaise, almond flour, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and nutmeg. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, broccoli, bell pepper, and sauce until evenly coated.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with paleo-friendly cheese if using.
Step 7: Bake
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
Step 8: Rest & Serve
Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This short wait makes a huge difference in flavor and texture.
If you love simple, step-by-step meals like this, you’ll find dozens in the Practical Paleo Cookbook, from hearty casseroles to 20-minute skillet dinners.
Tips and Substitutions
Nut-Free: Use arrowroot or tapioca starch instead of almond flour.
Extra Flavor: Add a spoonful of Dijon mustard to the sauce for tang.
Veggie Variety: Try cauliflower, spinach, or zucchini instead of broccoli.
Make it Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño.
Cheese-Free: Skip the cheese entirely or use a cashew-based substitute.
Recipe Variations
Buffalo Chicken Broccoli Casserole – Stir hot sauce into the sauce and drizzle with paleo ranch.
Mediterranean Twist – Add sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and oregano.
Mushroom & Spinach – Sauté mushrooms and spinach before adding.
Breakfast Casserole – Add whisked eggs for a protein-packed morning meal.
If you’ve been searching for healthy recipes that don’t feel like a compromise, I can’t recommend the Practical Paleo Cookbook enough. It’s full of dishes like this — easy, satisfying, and built with real, nourishing ingredients.
Nutritional Information
(Per Serving with Cheese)
Calories: 340
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Carbs: 9g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Vitamin C: 85% DV
Calcium: 15% DV
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Oven at 350°F for 15 minutes or microwave on medium until warm.
Serving Ideas: Serve with a leafy green salad, roasted sweet potatoes, or mashed cauliflower.
For more pantry staples that make paleo cooking simple, check out the Practical Paleo Cookbook. It’s a lifesaver when you want flavor without fuss.
Common Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead?
Yes — assemble up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Q: Is this strict paleo if I use cheese?
Strict paleo typically avoids dairy, but some include grass-fed cheese in moderation. Use dairy-free if preferred.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs?
Absolutely — they’re juicier and add more flavor.
Q: Don’t like coconut milk?
Use unsweetened almond milk with extra thickener.
Conclusion
There’s something special about a dish that manages to be both deeply comforting and undeniably healthy — and this Paleo Chicken Broccoli Casserole hits that sweet spot perfectly. From the tender chicken and crisp broccoli to the creamy, cheesy topping, every bite is proof that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor to eat well.
Whether you’re cooking for the family, meal prepping for a busy week, or simply craving a wholesome dinner that feels like a treat, this casserole is a go-to recipe you’ll keep coming back to. The best part? It’s easy to customize with your favorite Paleo-friendly ingredients, so it never gets boring.
