Whole30 Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

This Whole30 Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is a healthy twist on the classic comfort food you know and love, made entirely dairy-free and gluten-free! Featuring tender, shredded chicken, vibrant broccoli florets, and a rich "cheesy" sauce made from creamy coconut milk and nutritional yeast, this casserole is packed with wholesome, feel-good ingredients. The addition of garlic, paprika, and a hint of lemon juice brings layers of flavor to every bite, while the arrowroot powder ensures a perfectly thickened sauce without any processed thickeners. Ready in just an hour, this casserole is ideal for meal prep or a hearty family dinner, delivering all the deliciousness without compromising your Whole30 goals. Bursting with satisfying textures and savory flavors, it's a nutrient-rich dish that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup coconut milk (full-fat, canned)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 0.5 cup nutritional yeast
• 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Place the chicken breasts in a large pot, cover them with water, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the water and let it cool before shredding it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3

While the chicken is cooking, steam the broccoli florets until tender but still bright green, about 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 4

In a large skillet, heat the coconut oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 6

Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth, stirring to combine.

Step 7

Gradually sprinkle the arrowroot powder into the skillet, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.

Step 8

Add in the nutritional yeast, salt, pepper, and paprika, whisking until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.

Step 9

Stir in the lemon juice and remove the skillet from the heat.

Step 10

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, and the cheesy sauce. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.

Step 11

Transfer the mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 12

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 13

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1708.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2178.4

Total Fat 109.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 80.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g
Cholesterol 578.3mg	0%
Sodium 3574.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 62.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.0g	0%
Total Sugars 17.7g
Protein 239.5g	0%

Vitamin D 6.8IU	0%
Calcium 353.9mg	0%
Iron 19.2mg	0%
Potassium 2989.6mg	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: 45.0%

Protein: 43.6%

Carbs: 11.4%