Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole
This Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole combines tender chicken, broccoli or spinach, smoky bacon, and a rich ranch-cheese blend in one comforting, keto-friendly bake.
4 Servings
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
To prepare this casserole gluten-free, ensure that both the ranch dressing and ranch seasoning mix used are certified gluten-free, as some brands contain wheat-based thickeners or additives. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Always double-check labels for cross-contamination warnings.