Whole30 Chicken Broccoli Casserole (paleo, dairy-free)
297 Comments
Updated Sep 26, 2022
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A must-make Whole30 casserole recipe that’s creamy, cheesy and flavorful – without any cream or cheese! Shredded chicken is mixed with sautéed mushrooms and broccoli, then topped with my Vegan Alfredo Sauce for an easy and healthy weeknight dinner.
Whole30 Chicken Broccoli Casserole
While many people seek out Whole30 recipes as part of a January or September Whole30 reset (the months most do the program), I like to remind folks that Whole30 recipes are still delicious every day of the week. They’re just free of gluten, grains, dairy, sugar and legumes. But they’re certainly not lacking in flavor.
In fact, I’d wager to guess most people think this recipe has dairy, because it’s super creamy and cheesy-like. You can thank my Vegan Alfredo Sauce recipe for that (which on it’s own is a reader favorite recipe).
Whole30 Casserole Recipe Video
Want to know how to make this delicious casserole recipe? Watch the quick tutorial video below!
What’s in this Whole30 Casserole Recipe?
If you’re wondering what’s in this Whole30 casserole recipe, ingredient-wise, let me cut to the chase. It includes shredded chicken, sautéed mushrooms and onions, broccoli, herbs and my Vegan Alfredo sauce. It’s a handful of simple ingredients, then it’s baked to perfection.
The end result is a creamy, savory, packed-with-flavor casserole recipe that gets even better the second day (if you happen to have leftovers).
How to Make this Whole30 Casserole Recipe
Make the Vegan Alfredo Sauce
The most important thing in this recipe is remembering to soak your cashews overnight for the sauce. You could also make the entire Vegan Alfredo Sauce recipe the day before and store it in the fridge until you’re ready. Or you could make it same day. It’s entirely up to you.
Make the Shredded Chicken
Cook the chicken on the stovetop, then transfer the chicken breasts to a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Turn the stand mixer on low for 15 seconds and you have the easiest shredded chicken ever. If you don’t have a stand mixer you could use two forks to shred. But if you do have a stand mixer, this is one of my favorite kitchen hacks.
Sauté the Vegetables
Quickly sauté the mushrooms and diced onion, then add the broccoli and sauté a few minutes longer until it’s crisp tender. Super easy.
Assemble the Casserole
Once all of the individual pieces are done, it’s simply a matter of assembly. Add the shredded chicken to the bottom of a casserole dish, then layer on the broccoli and mushrooms. Pour on the Vegan Alfredo Sauce (that’s thinned with a cup of chicken broth) and bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes in a 400F oven.
When the casserole comes out of the oven it’s bubbly, tender, creamy, savory and so delicious you’ll definitely go back for seconds. Enjoy!
For More Delicious Whole30 Recipes:
- Tuna Stuffed Avocados
- Shakshuka
- Zucchini Pasta with Lemon Garlic Shrimp
- Dijon Baked Salmon
- Best Ever Guacamole
Whole30 Chicken Broccoli Casserole (paleo)
Description
Video
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked and Shredded Chicken
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 heads broccoli, florets removed
- 10 cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 small onion, diced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 recipe Vegan Alfredo Sauce
- salt and pepper, to taste
- rosemary, for garnish
Instructions
- Make the Vegan Alfredo Sauce and set aside. This can also be made the day before and stored in the fridge.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees fahrenheit.
- Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and diced onion and stir for 3 minutes. Add the broccoli florets (make sure they're in bite-sized pieces and not too large) and stir for another 3 minutes or until the broccoli is crisp-tender and bright green.
- Place the shredded chicken in a 9x13-inch casserole dish, covering the bottom. Add the sautéed mushrooms, onions and broccoli in a flat layer on top.
- Stir the chicken broth into the Vegan Alfredo sauce, then pour on top of the broccoli in the casserole dish. Use a spatula if needed to make sure everything is well coated.
- Cook the casserole for 20-25 minutes. The sauce should be bubbling and slightly reduced and thickened. Garnish with fresh rosemary if desired and serve immediately.
Lisa's Tips
- Note that the Vegan Alfredo Sauce requires you soak cashews before making the sauce, so plan ahead when making it.
- This is a great meal prep recipe! For more meal prep ideas, make sure to watch my Meal Prep Ideas video, Spring Meal Prep and Summer Meal Prep.
Nutrition
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Hi Lisa! I would love to make this recipe although I cannot find cashews nuts in my town (I’m in Kenya). Could you please be kind to show me an alternative sauce or a substitute for cashews? Many thanks xxx
Hi Thalia – unfortunately, the cashews are core to this recipe and not easily replaceable. I’d recommend you try to find a coconut-based alfredo sauce online instead (if you’re looking for dairy-free). :)
I made this with a container of plant based sour cream and frozen broccoli florets cream and it was delish!
Sounds great Kathryn!
Any good sub ideas for mushrooms?
You can always add in other hearty veggies such as zucchini, sweet potatoes, etc…
If I don’t have fresh broccoli- is there any way to use frozen, or do you think it will be too watery? Thanks in advance and sorry if this was already asked! :)
You can use frozen in this recipe, but it will definitely come out a bit softer.
If I make the chicken with vegetables ahead of time and freeze for 2 days, then make the vegan sauce the day I serve it, then can I go from “freeze to oven” for the dish, or should I let i thaw before cooking?
Hi Leslie – I always recommend thawing before tossing something in the oven. Enjoy!
Me and my husband have been trying the paleo diet for awhile now and this is by far the best dinner we’ve had in awhile!I’m hoping to make a double batch and either freeze or save in the fridge… would that affect the recipe at all? Thank you!
You can freeze this :)
What would be the best point to freeze this? Fully cook then freeze or freeze fully assembled but unbaked?
I freeze after I’ve fully cooked it.
Overall this was good. I felt it was lacking in flavor, but adding more garlic, Italian seasoning, and a bit more salt and pepper to the chicken will help. Next time I make this I will add sun dried tomatoes for pops of flavor, maybe some roasted red bell peppers too.
Hi! I don’t have a high speed blender to make the vegan alfredo sauce so I plan on using Primal Kitchens premade alredo sauce. How much/what measurement of your vegan sauce is used in the casserole?
I made the alfredo sauce and the recipe produced about 1 1/2 cups. (The recipe says it will make about 1 cup though).
This was so good and even my pickier husband liked it 😜. I didn’t make any modifications but I think it could use more salt and pepper next time, possibly more garlic as well.
Happy to hear he liked this casserole Cara! Plus, bit more garlic is always welcome :)
About how many pounds is 4 cups shredded chicken ?
Hi Becky – it’s about 3 large or 4 small/medium chicken breasts (approx 5 ounces).
Delicious and easy!
Hi Lisa, I cook this dish so often, and it’s one of my favorites. Thanks :) Anne
Wonderful! Glad you love this casserole dish Anne :)
This casserole is delicious! My favorite alfredo sauce too.
Wonderful! I’m so happy you enjoyed the casserole, Kayla. And yes, that alfredo sauce is the best and so versatile.
How would you reheat this?
Hi Chelsea – you can reheat this in the oven or microwave (I usually do the latter).
What is the serving size for the nutritional information listed at the bottom?
Hi Ally- I’ve divided this casserole into 6 servings. So the nutritional information will be for one serving :)
Absolutely amazing and delicious!!! Coworkers were in disbelief that the sauce was dairy free with only whole and natural ingredients. I make this once or twice a month since finding the recipe last summer!
Amazing! Glad you’ve enjoyed this recipe so much already :)
Is there any way to make this day of if I didn’t have time to soak the cashews or won’t it taste good/work?
Hi Melissa – you can soak the cashews for about 2 hours if you use boiling hot water.
I was skeptical when I tasted the sauce raw. But cooked into the final dish – omg. Omg! Was amazing!! I did cheat and topped mine with some bread crumbs. I ate half the casserole myself. Sooooooo good!!!
Happy to hear you enjoyed this casserole dish Matt!
Absolutely delicious ! Only thing is I couldn’t get mine to firm up to be a casserole…. was more of a saucy dish but still extremely tasty
How much cashews (the alfredo sauce) do you use if theyre already ground into powder? I noticed Walmart is selling cashew flour now, Ive tried grinding cashews before and it never comes out smooth.
Hi Amy – unfortunately, I haven’t tried this recipe with cashew flour. So I’m not sure what that conversion might be or if it would work.
Thank you for all of your work. The videos and recipes and ideas. You have totally transformed my kitchen and my food mindset. Each day is one step closer to better health for me. Loved your zucchini lasagna and cilantro lime rice and looking forward to trying more. Regarding this recipe, would you have a recommendation for a substitution for the mushrooms?
Hi Rana- So glad to hear my content has made a positive impact on your lifestyle! As a replacement for mushrooms, you can simply omit it and add a bit more broccoli instead.
We made this in our house over the weekend. AMAZING! such flavor and aromatics. Thank you!
Hi Brian- Happy to hear everyone enjoyed this broccoli casserole!
So after making this recipe I have some leftovers. Once the broccoli no longer has a crunch, I found adding some roasted salted macadamia nuts refreshes the dish and reminds me of the crunchy onions you often find on some Thanksgiving classics casseroles.
Also an easy way to add kcals to my diet. I find it hard to hit 2000+ when on a whole30.
Hi Jeff- Love the idea of adding macadamia nuts to this! That’ll definitely give it a delicious crunch :)
Made tonight and it was so good!! I would have liked more mushrooms but that is just personal preference. It was supposed to be just for me (doing Whole30) but my 11 year old stole a bite and then decided he loved it as well :)
Hi Tami- Wonderful! So glad you and your 11 year old both enjoyed this casserole :) I have a feeling he might just like my whole30 recipes!
How many calories are in this recipe ?
Hi Abby – You can always find the nutritional info at the bottom of the recipe card :)
Can I freeze the prepared dish?
Yes, you can. I freeze into individual portions and then reheat as desired. :)
I don’t know what I did wrong but the casserole came out really watery not creamy. ;( Still tasted good though.
Oh no, that’s a bummer. Unfortunately, I don’t know why that happened either. But hopefully it will turn out better on your next try! :)
Hello! My daughter just recently found out she’s allergic to cashews. Is there an alternative for the cashew in the Alfredo sauce? (No walnuts or almonds either please)
Hi Heather – unfortunately, there’s not for this recipe. But I have seen some coconut milk-based alfredo sauces online. You might want to Google that. :)
Made this today! So good! Thanks! I didnt have any rosemary so I skipped that, and I also added TJ’s 21 Seasoning Salute and Umami Mushroom Powder. woot!
Hi Nellie – Those seasonings sound like great additions! Glad you enjoyed this recipe :)
This recipe is simply delicious!!
I made it on Sunday and able to have lunch for several days during my busy week.
My husband even liked it enough to call it “a keeper” in our regular repertoire!
Hi Melinda – That’s great both you and your husband love this recipe! It’s such a great meal prep dish as well.
Loved trying this one! I think this recipe is on the right track for sure, but I could really taste the raw onion in the sauce, even with the already sautéed onions in the veggie mix. My suggestion would be to sauté the onions before adding to the vegan alfredo sauce.
Hi Christine – I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe! Also, that would be a great idea for those who don’t want such a strong onion taste.
The nutritional breakdown – is that the whole thing or per serving?
Hi Andrea – All my nutrition facts are per serving :)
Hi Lisa, I made this casserole twice in the last month and for some reason it came out dry both attempts almost like the sauce is being absorbed too much into the chicken and broccoli and the chicken tastes dry also. I have never had luck with any type of chicken casserole and has to be something that I’m doing wrong. I definitely made sure that I didn’t over cook the chicken in the pan. 🤷♀️ all the previous comments have had nothing but success. I will keep trying anyway…. if you don’t succeed try, try, again 🤪😉
Hi Gail – that’s a bummer your recipe came out a bit dry. I’m not sure what you may be doing differently (or if your oven cooks differently), but I agree, it’s always worth another try! :)
Try using chicken from homemade chicken stock instead?
Made this tonight and it was delicious!! Our daughter, who is a bit picky and a light eater, said she loved it and had seconds. We are gluten (Celiac) and dairy free, and it’s so great to have your site and videos as resources. I came across one of your videos when looking for information on my new Vitamix and now I use your site regularly. Thanks so much for what you do!
Hi Kathleen – I’m so glad you and your daughter are loving all my videos and recipes so far :)
Love this casserole! I’ve made it 4 times in the last couple months and it’s a winner every time. The revelation for me, though, was the vegan/cashew Alfredo sauce. I’m lactose intolerant so I’ve been missing creamy sauces. No more!
Hi Tara – I’m so glad you discovered my vegan alfredo sauce then! It’s the perfect replacement for you :)
This recipe is DELICIOUS!!! Will definitely be a regular recipe in our house!
Hi Melissa – I’m so glad you loved this recipe! Can’t wait for you to whip this up again :)
SO GOOD. I have leftover Alfredo sauce. Since it’s not dairy, how long do you think it can last in the fridge?
Hi Soleil – The alfredo sauce should last about 5 days in the fridge :)
What a great recipe! This turned out so delicious and I’ll definitely be making it again!
Hi Kim – So glad that you loved this recipe! :)
I had some leftovers of shredded chicken and some broccoli waiting for me in the fridge, so it was the perfect time for cooking this casserole…. It turned so delicious my husband and teen daughter loved it. And as I am gluten and dairy free and low carb 😰, I was so happy to eat this amazing creamy meal! So a big thank you Lisa to make my diet more easy to follow and yet delicious. I am so grateful. 🙏
Hi Carole – I’m so glad you and your family loved this recipe :)
I am always looking for new broccoli recipes. Love the casserole with chicken. Now I have Sunday dinner!
Hi Jayne – This is a perfect dinner to prep on a Sunday and break it into meals for the week :)
This is a great recipe, even for people like me who don’t do any special diet like the whole30. As long as the dish turns out great, I’m saving it and adding it to my rotation. :)
Hi Anita – This casserole dish is definitely delicious to whip up, even if you are not on Whole30 :)
This is the kind of dish I love making and serving to my family! I also love the idea of the mushrooms in it – great idea! Thanks for the recipe!
Hi Jenn – A casserole dish is perfect for families, especially back to school days :)
These savory meal – chicken broccoli casserole – looks and sounds amazing. It is worth trying! I am sure that my family will enjoy my new experiment:)
Hi Irina – I hope that your family enjoys this one pan recipe during the new year :)
This was delicious! Made it with a friend who is not dairy free and she loved it! It’s a perfect comfort food while still being nutritious.
Hi Linda – Happy to hear you were able to make this for your friend who’s dairy-free :)
I wasn’t sure what all the fuss was about but this tastes like it has so much cheese and milk/cream deliciousness whilst being able to use up random veges left in the fridge. I made it on a weeknight but I soaked the cashews for the sauce the night before and blended it while the chicken was browning. I didn’t have the mushrooms so other veges were used and partially softened in the microwave before combining them with the broccoli. Another fabulous recipe – simple, healthier and most importantly delicious. The Cashew Alfredo sauce is worth trying at least once!
Hi Asuka – I’m glad you were able to use up leftover veggies in your fridge :) A casserole is always a great way to use up leftovers!
I made this recipe and loved it. It takes a wail to assemble but it’s totally worth it.
Hi Flor – I’m so glad you loved this recipe! The end is definitely worth it, especially if you plan to meal prep this for the week!
Does this taste good with real alfredo sauce? Or is it better with the vegan kind?
Yes, you can use either sauce. It’s simply personal preference. :)
Would this still work with normal alfredo sauce?
Hi Casey – If you are to try and keep this a Whole30 Dish, it’s best to create my homemade alfredo sauce! But, if you just want to make the recipe on it’s own, then feel free to use normal alfredo sauce :)
Does this recipe freeze well?
Hi Sunny – Absolutley! You can definitely freeze this and save for a later day :)
Hello Lisa,
I just poped the dish in the oven … will post on Instagram later. It’s the second time I’m making this recipe… my husband and I love it … many thanks for being so inspiring ❤️😎
Hi Babs – I’m so happy you and your husband are loving this casserole! It’s definitely been a reader’s favorite and great for meal prepping for the week. Can’t wait to see your creation on Instagram :)
Such a creamy and conditions meal. We’ve fooled many into thinking it had dairy in it. We love dairy free meals that speak to our souls need for creamy comfort foods.
Hi Brie – This definitely tricks people into thinking it’s the real thing 😊 Glad you guys enjoyed this recipe!
Hi Lisa! Big fan of your channel, and I always give your videos a thumbs up. I was wondering if you had any mock meat brand substitute suggestions for the shredded chicken if I wanted to make a vegetarian version?
Hi Virlana – I haven’t tried it yet, but I’ve heard many folks like jackfruit as a sub for shredded meats. If you try it, let me know how it turns out!
Chicken, broccoli, mushroom Alfredo casserole was very good. I was going to add cauliflower rice, but decided at the last moment to bake Yukon hold potatoes, slice and put on the bottom. I also had to add a little more chicken broth.
Hi Terryl – Glad you enjoyed the casserole dish! Cauliflower or yukon potatoes would be a great option to add.