Keto Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Skillet (Under $5 Dinner)

By David Bredbury in Dec 9, 2025

A fast, filling, low-carb skillet dinner built entirely from affordable Aldi ingredients.

Eating keto doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, some of the most satisfying low-carb meals are built from grocery staples that cost less than a fast-food value meal. This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Skillet is the definition of budget-friendly comfort food: a creamy, protein-heavy, one-pan dinner that comes together in minutes and costs under $5 for the entire skillet—not per serving, but the entire dish.

At its core, this is a practical recipe meant for busy nights, tight grocery budgets, and anyone balancing keto with real-world constraints. Instead of relying on pricey cuts of meat or specialty products, it uses three extremely affordable Aldi staples: canned chicken, frozen or fresh broccoli, and two cheeses that provide richness and flavor while staying firmly within a low-carb profile.

The result is a deeply satisfying skillet loaded with protein, creamy sauce, melty cheddar, and tender broccoli that absorbs all the flavor. It reheats well, doubles easily, and can be customized endlessly—while still costing less than a cup of coffee at most places.

The Inspiration Behind This Budget Keto Skillet

One of the biggest misconceptions about keto is that it requires expensive ingredients. Almond flour, specialty sweeteners, grass-fed beef, and keto-branded snacks add up fast. But at its heart, keto is just a way of eating that prioritizes protein, healthy fats, and low-carb vegetables—and none of those have to drain your wallet.

This recipe came from looking at what many people already keep in their pantry and freezer: a can of chicken, a block of cream cheese, a bag of broccoli, and a handful of shredded cheese. Instead of turning to takeout or skipping dinner, this skillet turns those basics into a complete, hearty meal in less than 10 minutes.

It’s simple by design, but not simplistic. Each ingredient plays a purpose: canned chicken adds high-volume protein for pennies, broccoli provides fiber and nutrients, cream cheese creates a velvety sauce without needing heavy cream, and cheddar brings sharpness and melt.

If you're trying to stay on keto while keeping your grocery spending low—or if you simply want a fast dinner that tastes good without requiring a trip to the store—this dish fills that gap perfectly.

Why This Recipe Works

Canned Chicken = Maximum Protein for Minimum Cost

Aldi’s Kirkwood canned chicken provides over 50g of protein per can for around $1.99–$2.29. When drained and added to the skillet, it behaves like pre-cooked shredded chicken without the price tag or prep time.

Cream Cheese Creates a Fast, Smooth Sauce

Just two ounces melt into a thick, velvety sauce that coats the broccoli and chicken beautifully. No need for roux, cream, or complicated steps.

Broccoli Adds Volume Without Carbs

Broccoli absorbs flavor, adds fiber, and makes the meal feel substantial. An 8-oz portion is just a fraction of the cost of other keto vegetables.

Aldi Ingredients Keep the Price Low

Every ingredient in this dish is sourced from Aldi:

Canned chicken
Broccoli
Cream cheese
Shredded cheddar

This keeps the total cost reliably under $5—even cheaper when buying in bulk.

One Skillet = Fast Cleanup

A single pan, no oven, and no complicated steps. Perfect for rushed evenings.

Ingredient Notes

Canned Chicken

Look for 12.5 oz cans. When drained, expect ~7.5 oz of meat. It is fully cooked and shreds easily. If you prefer fresher chicken, leftover rotisserie works too—but costs more.

Broccoli

Fresh or frozen both work. Frozen is usually cheaper at Aldi and cooks quickly in the skillet.

Cream Cheese

Provides the base for the sauce. A small amount goes a long way because it melts into a thick consistency.

Cheddar Cheese

Sharp cheddar adds flavor without needing much. Use pre-shredded for convenience or shred your own to save a little extra money.

Seasoning

Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika—use what you have. The cost is negligible.

Cost Breakdown (Aldi Pricing)

Canned chicken (1 can): ~$1.99
Broccoli (8 oz): ~$0.99
Cream cheese (2 oz from an 8 oz block): ~$0.50
Cheddar (½ cup): ~$0.75

Total Cost: ~$4.25
Actual prices vary slightly by region, but this meal consistently stays under $5.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Broccoli

Add broccoli to a skillet with a splash of water. Cover and steam until tender, about 4–5 minutes.

2. Add the Cream Cheese

Reduce heat. Add 2 ounces of cream cheese and stir until melted and smooth.

3. Add the Canned Chicken

Drain the chicken thoroughly and add it to the pan. Break it apart with a spatula and stir to coat in the sauce.

4. Melt the Cheddar

Add ½ cup shredded cheddar and stir until fully melted. The sauce will thicken and bind everything together.

5. Season and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve directly from the skillet or divide into portions.

Tips and Variations

Make It Spicier

Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or a dash of Cajun seasoning.

Turn It Into a Casserole

Transfer to a baking dish, add extra cheese on top, and broil until golden.

Swap Broccoli for Cauliflower

The macros stay similar, and the cost remains low.

Use Rotisserie Chicken

A flavor upgrade, but increases cost significantly.

Add Bacon

If budget allows, crispy bacon adds richness and crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I meal prep this?

Yes. It reheats well for 3–4 days and stays creamy.

Can I double the recipe?

Easily. Use a larger skillet and double all ingredients.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Absolutely. It’s often cheaper and works perfectly.

Does canned chicken taste weird?
Not when seasoned well and mixed with cheese and broccoli. The skillet format disguises its canned origin.

Is this actually filling enough for dinner?

Yes. With over 60g of protein in the full recipe, it's surprisingly satisfying.

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