Chicken, broccoli, bacon, ranch, cheddar, and mozzarella—all baked into one creamy, cheesy, low carb casserole. Fast, comforting, and shockingly good.
So, let’s talk about that week. You know the one. Where Monday somehow bleeds into Thursday, your laundry pile looks like a mountain range, and dinner feels like a cruel joke by the time 5:30 rolls around.
That was me. Tired. No energy. Not even a little motivation. But the fridge? It was holding on. There was leftover chicken (from a Costco rotisserie that we didn’t finish because… toddler meltdown), half a bottle of ranch, a bag of pre-shredded cheese I bought “just in case,” and—bless it—a lonely crown of broccoli. Oh, and bacon. Thank God for bacon.
I didn’t measure. I didn’t plan. I just layered stuff in a dish and hoped the universe was in a good mood. Thirty-five minutes later, it smelled like heaven and my husband asked if I ordered dinner. Which, by the way, is either a compliment or a subtle dig—I’m choosing the former.
Anyway. This Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole came out of that mess. And now it’s a go-to. The kind of recipe you make once and then can’t stop making. Not perfect. Not fussy. Just good.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe?
You know how some recipes look easy but are secretly annoying? Like when you realize “30-minute dinner” actually means “plus 45 minutes of chopping”? Not this one. This casserole really is easy. You mix up what you’ve got, toss it in a dish, and boom—cheesy, low carb comfort in less than 40 minutes.
The thing I love most? It’s cozy without being heavy. That creamy ranch base plus the melty cheese? It hits like mac and cheese on a bad day. But there’s no pasta, and you won’t feel like you need to lie down after eating it (though no shame if you do—been there).
And it’s forgiving. You forgot the garlic? It’s fine. Only have spinach instead of broccoli? Still works. Want to use pepper jack instead of cheddar? Live your spicy little dream.
Ingredient Notes:
This isn’t a grocery list that’s gonna make you cry. It’s basic stuff, and you can absolutely riff on it depending on what’s hanging out in your fridge or pantry.
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Cooked Chicken – Leftovers are perfect here. Rotisserie, grilled, baked, whatever. If it’s seasoned already? Even better.
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Bacon – Cook it crispy and crumble it in. And honestly, add more than the recipe says if you’re feelin’ bold. No one ever said, “Wow, this has too much bacon.”
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Broccoli or Spinach – I’ve done both. Broccoli gives you that nice bite, spinach melts into everything and makes it feel creamy and rich. Choose your veggie mood.
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Garlic – Just a few cloves. Not gonna lie, sometimes I add more than three. I like to feel it in my soul.
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Ranch Dressing – Store-bought is fine. This isn’t the time for homemade dressings and emulsifying oil with vinegar. We’re tired and hungry.
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Mozzarella & Cheddar – Mozzarella for gooey stretch, cheddar for that sharp tang. Together, they’re unstoppable.
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Optional Things – Ranch seasoning, black pepper, paprika. Use them or don’t. No one’s watching. Except maybe your cat.
How To Make Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole?
Step 1: Prep the Basics
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease your 9×13 baking dish—or don’t and just hope for the best (been there). If you’re using spinach, thaw it fully and squeeze out every last drop of water. Seriously, wring it out like it owes you rent money. Broccoli? Just blanch it quick, dunk it in ice water, then drain it well.
Step 2: Chicken First
Layer that cooked chicken into the bottom of your dish. No need to get fancy. Just make sure it’s covering the base. I’ve used leftovers, I’ve used random grilled cutlets, even a weird chicken breast from a meal prep gone wrong. They all worked.
Step 3: Layer the Veggies + Garlic
Dump in your drained broccoli or spinach. Sprinkle that garlic all over. Don’t skip the garlic unless you have to. I once did when I ran out, and it was still good… but I missed it.
Step 4: The Bacon Drop
Now crumble in that bacon. I usually use a little extra because bacon shrinks and I like to live recklessly.
Step 5: Mix the Saucey Goodness
In a bowl, mix your ranch with half the mozzarella and cheddar. Toss in ranch seasoning if you’ve got it. Taste it if you want—I always do. Mostly because it’s cheesy and I have no self-control.
Step 6: Spread the Love
Pour that creamy ranch mix all over your casserole. Use a spoon or spatula to make sure it’s tucked into all the little corners and crevices. You don’t want dry spots. That’s the worst.
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Step 7: First Bake
Bake uncovered for about 15 minutes. This lets everything mingle and get warm. I usually do a few dishes here or scroll Instagram while pretending to be productive.
Step 8: Cheese Blanket Time
Pull it out, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar on top, and pop it back in for another 10–15 minutes until it’s golden and bubbly. If the cheese doesn’t start browning at the edges, turn on the broiler for a minute. But watch it. Cheese burns fast. I’ve learned that the hard way.
Step 9: Let It Rest
I know it smells amazing and you want to dive in—but wait. Five to ten minutes of resting makes a huge difference. It thickens a bit and cuts cleaner. Also, less chance of burning your mouth on molten cheese.
Storage Options:
This stuff reheats like a dream. It’s actually better the next day, if you ask me. Store it in a container in the fridge and it’ll last 3 to 4 days, easy. Just reheat it gently—microwave, stovetop, whatever works. I wouldn’t freeze it after baking (cheese can get a little weird), but if you wanna assemble it ahead and freeze before baking? That’s a solid move.
Variations and Substitutions:
Sometimes I get bored or just… forget to buy broccoli. Here’s how I’ve winged it and survived:
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Meat Swap: Done it with turkey, leftover pork, and even sausage. All worked.
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Veggie Shake-Up: Cauliflower rice, mushrooms, or even zucchini noodles are fair game.
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Cheese Twist: Pepper jack gives it a spicy kick. Gouda makes it feel grown-up.
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No Ranch? Sour cream + a bit of garlic powder + dill = close enough.
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More Heat? Add crushed red pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce on top. Yum.
What to Serve with Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole?
It’s a meal on its own, really. But hey, here’s what I sometimes throw on the side:
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A simple salad with balsamic or lemon dressing. Nothing too creamy—it’s already cheesy heaven.
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Roasted veggies. Brussels sprouts or green beans with a little char are delish.
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Keto rolls, if you’re really going all in.
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Cauliflower rice to soak up the extra sauce. (You’ll want to.)
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I prep it ahead?
Yes! Assemble everything and stash it in the fridge. Add cheese topping right before baking.
Is this keto-friendly?
Yep. Just double-check your ranch for hidden sugars.
Can I freeze it?
Sorta. Better frozen before baking, not after. But leftovers still taste fine from the fridge.
So now that you’ve got the inside scoop on my chaotic, last-minute miracle dinner, it’s your move. Try this Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole, mess with it, make it yours, and let me know how it turns out. Did you burn the cheese a little? Add extra garlic? Eat it straight from the pan? (Same.)
Drop a comment. Send a pic. Tell me all the weird and wonderful ways you made it work.
Can’t wait to hear what you think.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups cooked chicken breast shredded or diced
- 8 slices bacon cooked and chopped
- 5 cups broccoli florets lightly blanched or 1 lb frozen spinach, thoroughly thawed and drained
- 3 cloves garlic finely minced
Creamy Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Topping:
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Seasonings:
- 1 –3 teaspoons ranch seasoning mix for added flavor
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika for garnish
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare Vegetables
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. If using frozen spinach, ensure it is fully thawed and then wrap it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to squeeze out all excess moisture. If using fresh broccoli, blanch the florets in boiling water for 2–3 minutes until just tender but still firm, then transfer immediately to an ice water bath to stop cooking. Drain and pat dry.
Create the Protein Base
- Distribute the cooked chicken evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, forming the first layer of the casserole.
Add Vegetables and Garlic
- Place the drained spinach or prepared broccoli over the chicken layer. Sprinkle the minced garlic evenly across the top.
Incorporate the Bacon
- Evenly scatter the chopped bacon over the vegetable layer to ensure consistent flavor in every portion.
Prepare the Cheese-Ranch Mixture
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ranch dressing with ½ cup mozzarella and ½ cup cheddar cheese. If desired, add ranch seasoning and black pepper for additional depth of flavor. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
Pour and Spread the Mixture
- Pour the prepared cheese mixture over the casserole, using a spatula to spread it evenly throughout and ensure full coverage.
Initial Baking
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to heat through.
Add Cheese Topping
- Remove the casserole from the oven and evenly sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella and ½ cup cheddar cheese over the top.
Final Baking and Garnish
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese topping is fully melted, bubbly, and golden brown at the edges. If using, lightly sprinkle paprika over the top as garnish.
Rest and Serve
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the dish set for easier slicing and serving.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
