Pesto chicken and broccoli casserole low carb (keto & Paleo friendly)

I could make and eat this dish again and again, it’s so delicious, easy to make and even healthy to eat. To save a little time I use already cooked chicken that is shredded and prepared pesto sauce that you can easily use what you have that is available. Served on a quinoa grain as your base, it makes for such a healthy and satisfying meal.

This pesto chicken and broccoli casserole low carb dish is so addictive and yet filled with great protein, fiber, olive oil and vegetables. Go ahead and substitute any other ingredients that have available like broccoli for other greens and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Why is broccoli a great ingredient for diabetics?

Broccoli is a fantastic ingredient for diabetics because of its low glycemic index, which helps prevent sharp spikes in blood sugar levels. It’s also rich in fiber, which slows down sugar absorption and keeps blood sugar levels more stable. Additionally, broccoli is packed with important vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium, all of which support overall health and help with blood sugar regulation.

Another benefit of broccoli is its content of sulforaphane, a compound that has been studied for its potential to reduce oxidative stress and improve insulin sensitivity, both key factors for diabetics. Being low in calories and carbohydrates, broccoli is also an excellent choice for those managing their weight and blood sugar without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.

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Why you’ll love this chicken and broccoli casserole recipe

• Quick and Easy: This is an easy recipe especially if you already use prepared chicken breast, pesto and quinoa as your grain, it is ready in under 20 minutes and requires minimal prep work
• Impressive Presentation: A beautiful and complete dish using good-quality ingredients that looks as good as it tastes fantastic, not to mention the health benefits. Broccoli is a fantastic and versatile vegetable and quinoa makes a nice grain to sop up all the delicious sauce
• Versatile: Perfect as a lunch or main entree dish and even bring to a wonderful gathering

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup of already cooked chicken breast diced

1/2 cup grape tomatoes

2 Tbsp Olive oil

2 cups broccoli florets

2 tbsp minced garlic

1/4 cup chicken broth

1/3 cut parmesan cheese

1 cup store bought pesto that you like

1/2 tsp sea salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

How to make your pesto chicken and broccoli casserole

I typically use chicken already cooked and diced and pesto that is made to save time on this dish, but you can also do this easily from scratch.

In a large skillet add your olive oil on medium heat and then your garlic and let it get aromatic

Mix in your vegetables, tomatoes, and diced chicken and mix well

Eventually add your pesto and mix the ingredients together, then add your chicken stock and let simmer.

Add the parmesan cheese and salt and pepper to taste

Take away from the heat and immediately serve into plates with more cheese if you want a cheesier topping.

What to serve with Pesto chicken and broccoli casserole

I typically love to serve this on a healthy grain like quinoa, but you can also opt for any grains or low carb pasta that you choose. Here’s some nice side dishes or compliments to this dish to consider:

Broccoli and cheese soup

Quinoa apple salad

Keto strawberry salad