Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe

If you are looking for a comforting, flavorful dish that won’t derail your healthy eating goals, this Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole is an absolute winner. Packed with tender chicken, crispy bacon, vibrant vegetables, and cheesy goodness, it delivers on taste without the carb overload. Whether you’re craving a hearty weeknight meal or a dish to impress guests, this casserole strikes the perfect balance between satisfying and nutritious. It’s flexible, simple to pull together, and guaranteed to become one of your go-to recipes for low carb dining.

Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole lies in how uncomplicated yet complementary the ingredients are. Each element contributes essential flavors and textures—creating layers of savory delight without fuss.

  • 4 cups diced or shredded cooked chicken breast: The protein-packed base that keeps this casserole hearty and filling.
  • 8 slices cooked and chopped bacon: Adds smoky crunch and irresistible flavor that elevates every bite.
  • 5 cups broccoli florets OR 1 pound thawed frozen spinach (well-drained): Fresh green veggies bring color, nutrients, and a light, satisfying texture.
  • 3 cloves minced garlic: Introduces a subtle punch of aromatic savory goodness.
  • 1 cup ranch dressing: Creamy, tangy binder that melds all ingredients into one cohesive dish.
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping): Melts beautifully for gooey cheesiness throughout.
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping): Adds sharpness and a golden crust on top.

How to Make Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Vegetables

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (191°C). If you’re working with frozen spinach, make sure it’s completely thawed and squeeze out excess water to avoid a watery casserole. For those using fresh broccoli, blanch the florets in boiling water for 1 to 2 minutes until they turn bright green, then drain well to keep them crisp-tender. This step ensures that your veggies retain their freshness and vibrant texture inside the casserole.

Step 2: Combine the Main Ingredients

In a large bowl (or directly in your casserole dish if you want fewer dishes), mix together the diced or shredded chicken breast, chopped bacon, prepared broccoli or spinach, and minced garlic. Pour in the ranch dressing and sprinkle in the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, saving half of the cheese for the topping. For an extra flavor kick, feel free to fold in 1 to 3 teaspoons of ranch seasoning mix. Stir everything gently until all ingredients are evenly combined and ready for baking.

Step 3: Transfer to Casserole Dish

Once mixed, spoon your delicious chicken and vegetable mixture into a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) casserole dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure every bite will have a perfect balance of all the tasty ingredients.

Step 4: Add the Cheese Topping

Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup cheddar cheese evenly over the top of your casserole. This step creates a beautifully golden, bubbling cheese crust that adds irresistibly gooey texture and rich flavor.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Place your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes until the topping is hot, melted, and bubbly with occasional golden spots. When out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes to settle, then scoop out generous servings and enjoy the comforting warmth of this easy low carb chicken casserole.

How to Serve Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole

Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Adding a fresh garnish can brighten up the dish and add an extra layer of flavor. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, chives, or green onions on top just before serving. A light drizzle of hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice also works wonders if you enjoy a little zing.

Side Dishes

This casserole is wonderfully filling on its own but pairs beautifully with crisp, refreshing sides. Consider serving it alongside a simple mixed green salad, cauliflower rice, or roasted asparagus for an extra low carb boost that complements the richness of the casserole.

Creative Ways to Present

For an inviting presentation, serve portions in individual ramekins or bake the casserole in smaller dishes for single servings. You can also accompany it with homemade keto-friendly garlic breadsticks or use colorful vegetables as edible “dippers” for a fun sharing experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The flavors actually meld even more as it sits, making for great next-day lunches or dinners.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well, making it an excellent option for meal prepping. Freeze in portions or as a whole in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Be sure to let it cool completely before freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, place a portion in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for around 15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese topping becomes bubbly again. You can also microwave single servings, though reheating in the oven helps retain that lovely crispy cheesy crust.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli as a substitute. Just be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in your casserole, which can make it soggy.

Is this casserole suitable for keto diets?

Absolutely. With its focus on protein, healthy fats, and low carb vegetables, this recipe fits well within keto guidelines while delivering satisfying flavors.

What can I substitute for ranch dressing?

If ranch isn’t your favorite or you want a homemade version, mix mayonnaise with dried herbs like dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to achieve a similar creamy flavor.

Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?

Definitely. Vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or cauliflower can be added, but keep in mind they may affect the cooking time and overall moisture content. Adjust accordingly for best results.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make this dairy-free, replace the cheeses with dairy-free alternatives and use a ranch dressing free of dairy products, or substitute with a creamy avocado or cashew-based sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug after a long day—simple to make, packed with flavor, and kind to your carb count. I can’t recommend it enough as a weeknight staple or a comforting dish that can easily feed a crowd. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved classic in your recipe collection.

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Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe

This Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole is a delicious, hearty dish perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner. Packed with protein-rich chicken, flavorful bacon, and nutritious broccoli or spinach, it combines creamy ranch dressing and melted cheeses for a comforting yet low-carb meal.

  • Author: nova
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Carb

Ingredients

Scale

For the casserole:

  • 4 cups diced or shredded cooked chicken breast
  • 8 slices cooked and chopped bacon
  • 5 cups broccoli florets OR 1 pound thawed frozen spinach (well-drained)
  • 3 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

For the topping:

  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Optional:

  • 13 teaspoons ranch seasoning mix (for added flavor)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 375°F (191°C). If using frozen spinach, thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water. If using fresh broccoli, boil for 1–2 minutes until bright green, then drain thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
  2. Combine the Main Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix 4 cups of diced or shredded cooked chicken breast with 8 slices of cooked, chopped bacon, the prepared vegetables, and 3 cloves of minced garlic. Add 1 cup of ranch dressing along with 1/2 cup each of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Stir all ingredients until well combined. For extra flavor, optionally add 1 to 3 teaspoons of ranch seasoning mix. To reduce cleanup, you can alternatively mix everything directly in the casserole dish.
  3. Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
  4. Add the Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheeses evenly over the top of the casserole to create a delicious, golden cheesy crust.
  5. Bake and Serve: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until the top is hot, bubbly, and lightly browned. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to settle.

Notes

  • You can substitute broccoli with frozen spinach for a different flavor and texture.
  • Ensure spinach is well-drained to prevent a watery casserole.
  • Cook bacon thoroughly before adding to the casserole for maximum flavor and crispiness.
  • Using pre-cooked chicken shortens prep time.
  • Adjust ranch seasoning powder based on your taste preferences.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated.
  • Feel free to add other low-carb vegetables like cauliflower florets if desired.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: low carb chicken casserole, easy chicken casserole, keto casserole, chicken and broccoli casserole, bacon chicken casserole, ranch chicken bake

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