Name: Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

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If you are on the lookout for a hearty, comforting dish that won’t derail your low carb goals, you will absolutely fall in love with this Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole. It’s a wonderful blend of tender chicken, crisp bacon, and vibrant greens, all tied together with creamy ranch dressing and a melty blend of cheeses. This casserole is the perfect way to enjoy a satisfying meal that’s both flavorful and satisfying, making it ideal for busy weeknights, potlucks, or batch cooking. The best part? It’s incredibly straightforward to prepare and brings warm, homey vibes to your dinner table with every bite.

Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture, while keeping things simple and wholesome. From the protein-packed chicken to the fresh greens and rich cheeses, each element contributes to the balance and heartiness of this Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole.

4 cups diced or shredded cooked chicken breast: The star protein, providing lean, tender bites throughout the casserole.
8 slices cooked and chopped bacon: Adds smoky crispness and a burst of savory flavor.
5 cups broccoli florets OR 1 pound thawed frozen spinach (well-drained): Fresh or frozen greens bring color, nutrition, and a lovely textural contrast.
3 cloves minced garlic: Offers a fragrant punch that wakes up the entire dish.
1 cup ranch dressing: Creamy and flavorful, it ties all the ingredients together with herbs and tang.
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for gooey, stringy goodness inside the casserole.
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and a golden crust on top when baked.
Extra 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For that irresistible cheesy topping that browns perfectly.
Extra 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Used on top to create a savory, bubbling finish that’s hard to resist.

How to Make Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Your Vegetables

Whether you opt for broccoli or spinach, preparing the greens properly is key. If you’re using frozen spinach, thaw it fully and squeeze out as much water as possible to avoid a soggy casserole. For fresh broccoli, a quick boil for 1 to 2 minutes brings out that vibrant green and softens it just enough without losing the satisfying crunch. Drain thoroughly after boiling so your casserole stays rich and creamy, not watery.

Step 2: Combine the Main Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the cooked chicken, chopped bacon, prepared greens, and minced garlic. Add the ranch dressing to coat everything evenly, then toss in the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. This step is where all those wonderful flavors start to marry—each bite will have that creamy, cheesy, and savory harmony that makes this casserole such a crowd-pleaser. Mixing directly in the casserole dish is fine if you want to save a little cleanup time.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer your delicious mixture into a 9×13 inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. This dish size is perfect to ensure the casserole cooks evenly and creates that lovely, slightly crispy cheese crust on top. Don’t rush this part—making sure everything is evenly distributed means each serving gets a perfect balance of chicken, greens, bacon, and cheese.

Step 4: Add the Cheese Topping

Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly over the top. This final layer of cheese is the secret to getting that irresistibly golden, bubbling crust that turns any casserole from good to amazing. It’s this crowning glory that makes the Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole such a comforting feast.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Pop the casserole into an oven preheated to 375°F (191°C) and bake for about 15 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to melt fully, bubble up, and turn a light golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen at this stage is pure happiness. Once baked, allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving—this helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to serve clean slices.

How to Serve Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives can brighten each serving while adding a pop of color. A few red pepper flakes give a gentle kick if you’re feeling adventurous, and an extra drizzle of ranch dressing on the side keeps things cool and creamy. These little touches make each bite feel even more special and personalized.

Side Dishes

This casserole stands wonderfully on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider a crisp side salad with a zesty lemon vinaigrette or roasted low carb vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. Cauliflower rice is also a fantastic option that keeps everything light but satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to dress this up for guests? Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a charming presentation. You can also add a sprinkle of toasted nuts on top for an unexpected crunch or include a dollop of sour cream on the side for extra creaminess. For a fun twist, try layering with caramelized onions or swapping bacon for pancetta to elevate the flavor profile.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain moisture and color. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheating is quick and easy, making it a fantastic lunch or dinner option for busy days.

Freezing

You can freeze the Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole either before or after baking. For best results, assemble it but don’t bake, then wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual. If freezing after baking, cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and thaw before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place leftover casserole in an oven-safe dish and warm at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through and bubbly again. You can also reheat single servings in the microwave, but the oven method helps maintain that pleasant cheesy texture without making it rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use other vegetables besides broccoli or spinach?

Absolutely! Cauliflower, zucchini, or a mix of bell peppers work great in this casserole. Just be mindful of moisture content and cooking times to keep the casserole firm and flavorful.

Is it necessary to cook the bacon beforehand?

Yes, pre-cooking bacon is important to get it crispy and flavorful. Raw bacon in the casserole won’t crisp well during the bake and could add unwanted grease to the dish.

Can I make this casserole dairy-free or keto-friendly?

For a dairy-free version, substitute the cheeses with dairy-free alternatives and use a ranch dressing made without dairy. The dish is naturally keto-friendly as is, thanks to its low carb ingredients.

What is the best way to shred chicken for this casserole?

Using cooked chicken breasts, shredding by hand or with two forks works well, but you can also dice the chicken for chunkier bites. Leftover rotisserie chicken can be a great shortcut too.

Can I prepare this casserole entirely ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before and store it covered in the fridge. Just add the cheese topping and bake right before serving to keep that perfect golden crust.

Final Thoughts

There is something so effortlessly satisfying about the Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole—rich in flavor, comforting in texture, and effortlessly simple to prepare. Whether you are cooking for your family, meal prepping, or hosting friends, this dish always delivers big on taste without the fuss. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and find it as delightful and versatile as I do!

Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 26 reviews

Author: Harper
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Carb

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Description

This Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. Made with tender chicken breast, crispy bacon, fresh broccoli or spinach, and a blend of cheeses with ranch dressing, this casserole is both comforting and low in carbohydrates, fitting well into low-carb and keto-friendly diets.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Bacon

4 cups diced or shredded cooked chicken breast
8 slices cooked and chopped bacon

Vegetables

5 cups broccoli florets OR 1 pound thawed frozen spinach (well-drained)
3 cloves minced garlic

Dressing and Cheese

1 cup ranch dressing
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 375°F (191°C). If you’re using frozen spinach, thaw it completely and squeeze out all excess water to avoid a soggy casserole. For fresh broccoli, boil the florets for 1–2 minutes until they turn bright green, then drain well.
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, chopped bacon, prepared vegetables, and minced garlic. Add ranch dressing along with half of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors. For convenience and fewer dishes, you may mix these ingredients directly in your casserole dish.
Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour the mixed ingredients into a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly over the top of the casserole to create a delicious cheesy crust.
Bake and Serve: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes, or until the cheese topping is hot, bubbly, and slightly golden. Remove from the oven, allow it to cool for a few minutes, then serve warm.

Notes

For a creamier casserole, consider adding 1/2 cup of sour cream or cream cheese to the mixture.
Feel free to swap bacon for turkey bacon or omit it for a bacon-free version.
Season with additional ranch seasoning or black pepper to enhance flavor.
Ensure spinach is well-drained to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American