Paleo Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor, this Paleo Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is a nutritious twist on a comfort food classic! Perfect for anyone following a paleo lifestyle, this recipe swaps traditional cheese for a creamy, dairy-free "cheese" sauce made from nutritional yeast and full-fat coconut milk, offering a rich, velvety texture without sacrificing flavor. Tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a savory blend of spices come together in a golden, bubbly baked dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious. With just 20 minutes of prep time and no gluten, dairy, or processed ingredients, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week. Serve it hot and enjoy a delicious, paleo-friendly meal that the whole family will love!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 3 pieces garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
• 1 cup nutritional yeast
• 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of coconut oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 4

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and add them to the skillet. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 5

In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and blanch the broccoli florets for 3 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 6

For the cheese sauce, in a saucepan, warm the remaining 1 tablespoon of coconut oil over medium heat.

Step 7

Add the arrowroot powder, stirring quickly to form a paste.

Step 8

Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and coconut milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 9

Stir in the nutritional yeast, lemon juice, sea salt, black pepper, paprika, and thyme. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 10

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, sautéed onions and garlic, blanched broccoli, and the cheese sauce. Mix until everything is well coated.

Step 11

Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading evenly.

Step 12

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 13

Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1399.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1670.1

Total Fat 98.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 77.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g
Cholesterol 295.8mg	0%
Sodium 3303.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 68.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.3g	0%
Total Sugars 18.1g
Protein 141.5g	0%

Vitamin D 3.5IU	0%
Calcium 330.1mg	0%
Iron 17.5mg	0%
Potassium 2336.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 51.3%

Protein: 32.9%

Carbs: 15.9%