I absolutely love this Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe because it’s not only delicious but also so simple to throw together after a busy day. It’s packed with hearty chicken, bacon, and veggies baked in creamy ranch dressing with melty cheese on top—comfort food without the carb overload. Whenever I need a filling meal that fits my low carb lifestyle, this casserole has become my go-to.
What makes this recipe really worth trying is how versatile and forgiving it is. You can swap broccoli for spinach, tweak the cheese blend based on what you have on hand, or even toss in some ranch seasoning if you want to pump up the flavor a bit more. Plus, it’s fast to prepare and bakes in under 20 minutes so you’re eating a warm, cozy dinner in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy Preparation: You’ll appreciate how simple the steps are, making it great even for weeknights.
- Low Carb & Filling: Keeps you satisfied without kicking you out of ketosis or your diet plan.
- Hands-On Customization: Easily swap veggies or cheeses based on preferences or what’s in your fridge.
- Crowd-Pleaser: My family always asks for seconds when I make this!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe uses simple ingredients that compliment each other beautifully. Knowing how to pick the right ones makes all the difference, so I’ve included some tips below.
- Cooked chicken breast: Use leftover roasted chicken or quickly poach chicken breasts ahead of time for ease.
- Cooked bacon: Adds smoky flavor and a great salty crunch—don’t skip it!
- Broccoli florets or frozen spinach: Both add color, nutrients, and texture; steam fresh broccoli till bright green, or drain thawed spinach well.
- Minced garlic: Fresh garlic gives that fabulous hearty aroma and depth.
- Ranch dressing: For creaminess and flavor—store-bought works fine, but homemade ranch really amps it up.
- Mozzarella and cheddar cheese: The blend melts perfectly and creates that irresistible golden crust.
- Optional ranch seasoning mix: For an extra punch of seasoning if you want to bump up the ranch flavor.
Variations
I love customizing this casserole depending on what’s in season or what my family fancies. It’s a flexible recipe that welcomes your own twists without losing its classic charm.
- Veggie Swap: I once used roasted cauliflower instead of broccoli, and it added a lovely nuttiness that everyone enjoyed.
- Cheese Choices: Try pepper jack for a little heat or creamy gouda for a richer flavor.
- Extra Protein: Adding a few dollops of cream cheese or even some sliced jalapeños can make it more decadent.
- Dressing Variations: If ranch isn’t your fave, sour cream mixed with herbs works beautifully too.
How to Make Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (191°C). If you’re using frozen spinach, thaw it completely and really squeeze out all the moisture—this step is crucial to avoid soggy casserole. If fresh broccoli is your choice, blanch it in boiling water for 1 to 2 minutes until it’s bright green, then drain well. This keeps it tender-crisp and vibrant after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Main Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together your cooked chicken, chopped bacon, minced garlic, ranch dressing, and half of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Don’t forget the broccoli or spinach! If you want that extra hint of ranch flavor, sprinkle in 1-3 teaspoons of ranch seasoning mix here. Mixing everything well helps the flavors meld beautifully during baking—and, by the way, if you’re short on bowls I’ve even mixed everything directly in my casserole dish before and it saved on cleanup!
Step 3: Transfer to Casserole Dish and Add Cheese
Spread the mixture evenly in a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Then, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over the top to create that amazing gooey melted cheese crust we all love. This step seals in the moisture and gives you that golden-bubbly topping once it’s baked.
Step 4: Bake and Serve
Bake your casserole for about 15 minutes or until it’s hot and the cheese on top is bubbly and slightly golden. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving—this makes it easier to scoop and lets the flavors settle. Trust me, you’ll notice how the layers come together beautifully with every bite!
Pro Tips for Making Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Drain Your Veggies Well: Squeezing out spinach or draining broccoli thoroughly avoids a watery casserole.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: Saves time and adds extra flavor if you’re in a rush.
- Don’t Skip Resting: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes post-bake so it sets nicely and slices better.
- Add Ranch Seasoning Wisely: I learned that starting with less lets you adjust seasoning without overpowering the dish.
How to Serve Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I like finishing my casserole with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness. A light dusting of paprika adds a touch of warmth and an inviting aroma too—simple but effective garnishes that bring this cozy dish to life.
Side Dishes
This casserole works perfectly alone or paired with a crisp side salad if you want something fresh. Cauliflower rice or mashed cauliflower are also excellent low carb side dishes that complement the cheesy richness without adding carbs.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve baked this casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets—it makes each portion feel extra special and perfect for serving guests. You could also layer it in a clear glass baking dish to showcase all the cheesy, colorful layers. It’s both pretty and practical.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I usually divide mine into portions to make re-heating easier and keep flavors fresh. Just make sure it cools down fully before sealing it up.
Freezing
This recipe freezes really well! I freeze it before baking by wrapping the casserole dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap. When I’m ready to eat, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. This keeps the cheese melty and prevents it from getting rubbery like a microwave sometimes does. If you’re in a hurry, cover loosely with foil for the microwave to retain moisture.
FAQs
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Can I use raw chicken in this Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe?
It’s best to use cooked chicken since the baking time isn’t long enough to fully cook raw chicken safely. You can quickly poach, roast, or use rotisserie chicken before assembling the casserole for best results.
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Is ranch dressing necessary or can I substitute it?
Ranch dressing adds creamy tang and seasoning, but you can substitute it with a mix of sour cream and your favorite herbs if you prefer. Just keep it creamy to maintain a good texture.
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Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, you’ll need to swap the cheeses for dairy-free alternatives and use a dairy-free creamy dressing or sauce. The texture and flavor will change, but it can still be delicious if you experiment a bit.
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How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?
Drain spinach thoroughly and blanched broccoli properly before mixing. Also, avoid adding extra watery ingredients. These small steps avoid a soggy casserole.
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Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare everything and assemble the casserole, then refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking cold from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. I love sharing it with friends because it’s so approachable yet impressive, and it comes together quickly without fuss. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s a wonderful addition to your recipe box that’s sure to become a family favorite just like it did in mine.
Print
Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Packed with protein-rich chicken, flavorful bacon, and nutritious broccoli or spinach, it’s combined with creamy ranch dressing and melted cheeses for a satisfying, low-carb meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
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:
- 1-3 teaspoons ranch seasoning mix (for added flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 375°F (191°C). If using frozen spinach, thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water to prevent a soggy casserole. If opting for fresh broccoli, boil the florets for 1 to 2 minutes until they turn bright green, then drain well.
- Combine the Main Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced or shredded cooked chicken breast, cooked and chopped bacon, prepared vegetables, minced garlic, ranch dressing, and the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Mix everything together thoroughly. For added flavor, you can stir in 1 to 3 teaspoons of ranch seasoning mix. To save on washing dishes, you can assemble the mixture directly in the casserole dish.
- Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour and evenly spread the combined mixture into a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) casserole dish, ensuring it’s well distributed.
- Add the Cheese Topping: Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole mixture to create a gooey, melted cheese crust.
- Bake and Serve: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is hot, bubbly, and slightly golden. Once done, remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Using well-drained spinach or thoroughly drained broccoli helps prevent excess moisture, keeping the casserole from becoming soggy.
- Cook the bacon until crispy prior to adding for added texture and flavor.
- Feel free to swap broccoli with spinach depending on your preference or what’s available.
- Ranch seasoning mix is optional but adds an extra punch of flavor to the casserole.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
