Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe

If you are looking for a comforting, hearty meal that fits perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle, this Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe is an absolute winner. Bursting with tender chicken, crispy bacon, cheesy goodness, and fresh broccoli, it combines flavors and textures that will make your taste buds dance with joy. It’s quick to prepare, easy to bake, and delivers a satisfying dish that feels indulgent without loading you up on carbs. Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding a crowd, this casserole has everything you need for a delicious, wholesome dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe shines because the ingredients are simple, accessible, and each plays a crucial role. From the fresh broccoli adding vibrant color and crunch, to the savory bacon bringing crispy depth, every component builds layers of flavor and texture.

  • Broccoli florets (5 cups): They provide a fresh, slightly crunchy base and a boost of nutrition to the dish.
  • Cooked bacon (8 slices, chopped): Adds smoky, salty goodness that pairs beautifully with the creamy elements.
  • Cooked chicken (4 cups, shredded or diced): The star protein that makes this casserole satisfying and filling.
  • Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Offers a fragrant punch that enhances every bite.
  • Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded total): Melts perfectly for creaminess and mild cheesiness, split between the mixture and topping.
  • Cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded total): Introduces a sharper, tangier flavor that contrasts beautifully with the mozzarella, also split between the filling and topping.
  • Ranch dressing (1 cup): A creamy, herb-infused binder that ties all the ingredients together and adds a zesty twist.

How to Make Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Vegetables

Start by choosing your vegetable base — fresh broccoli florets or well-drained thawed frozen spinach. If you opt for broccoli, give it a quick boil of 1 to 2 minutes until it turns bright green to keep it vibrant and tender-crisp. If using frozen spinach, make sure it is completely thawed and squeezed dry to avoid excess moisture that can make the casserole soggy. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (191°C) so it’s ready for baking.

Step 2: Combine the Main Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, bring together the cooked chicken, chopped bacon, prepared vegetables, and minced garlic. Stir in the ranch dressing along with half of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. This mixture is not only packed with flavor but also gets creamy and gooey from the ranch and cheeses, which beautifully blend with the proteins and veggies. For fewer dishes, feel free to mix everything directly in your casserole dish.

Step 3: Transfer to Casserole Dish

Spread your combined mixture evenly into a 9×13 inch casserole dish. This step creates the perfect base layer ready to be topped and baked into a bubbly, golden delight.

Step 4: Add the Cheese Topping

Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the surface of the casserole. This cheesy topping is what will melt into a beautifully browned layer that seals in moisture and adds an irresistible cheesy crust.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Bake the casserole in your preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese topping is hot, bubbly, and slightly golden. Once done, let it sit for a few minutes to settle before digging in so every bite stays creamy and cohesive. You’ll find that this Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe tastes like a warm, homemade hug on a plate.

How to Serve Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe

Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, green onions, or a dash of paprika on top can bring a fresh pop of color and flavor, making your casserole look as inviting as it tastes. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice on the side can also brighten the creamy richness wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This casserole shines as a meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette for some crunch and acidity, or steamed asparagus for an extra vegetable boost without adding carbs.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, you can portion out the casserole into individual ramekins before baking for an elegant presentation perfect for guests or meal prep. Alternatively, serve it in a large family-style dish right from the oven to keep things cozy and casual.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your leftovers from this Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld together even more, making it a fantastic option for next-day meals.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well if you want to prep in bulk. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil or use freezer-safe containers, and it will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers or thawed casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and bubbly, around 20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave portions for a quicker option, though the oven method keeps the cheese topping crispier.

FAQs

Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh broccoli?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli or spinach work perfectly as long as they are thawed completely and drained well to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.

Is ranch dressing necessary for the recipe?

Ranch dressing adds creaminess and a delightful herb flavor, but you can substitute it with sour cream mixed with herbs or a low-carb mayonnaise if preferred.

Can I make this Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe dairy-free?

Yes, swap the cheeses for dairy-free alternatives and use a dairy-free ranch or homemade dressing to keep it low carb and allergy-friendly.

What type of chicken works best?

Cooked shredded or diced chicken breast is ideal for this casserole, but rotisserie chicken or leftovers work wonderfully and save prep time.

How do I prevent the casserole from becoming soggy?

Draining your vegetables thoroughly and not overloading the mixture with wet ingredients helps keep the texture perfect. Also, letting the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking helps it set up nicely.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorites because it is simple, flavorful, and perfectly suited for busy weeknights or meal prepping. The combination of cheesy, creamy, and savory elements with fresh veggies creates a dish you’ll want to keep coming back to again and again. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your go-to comforting dinner everyone will love.

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Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe

Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 72 reviews
  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30-40 minutes
  • Yield: 810 servings 1x
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Carb

Description

This Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole is a delicious, comforting dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Packed with shredded chicken, crispy bacon, fresh broccoli, and a creamy ranch cheese sauce, it combines hearty flavors with a healthy low-carb profile. The cheesy topping bakes to a golden bubbly finish, making it an irresistible meal for the whole family.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole:

  • 5 cups broccoli florets (or 1 pound thawed frozen spinach, well-drained)
  • 8 slices cooked bacon, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup ranch dressing (preferably Hidden Valley Original Ranch)

For the Topping:

  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (Tillamook Medium Cheddar recommended)
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 375°F (191°C). If using frozen spinach, thaw completely and squeeze out excess water. If using fresh broccoli, boil for 1-2 minutes until bright green, then drain well.
  2. Combine the Main Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cooked chicken, cooked and chopped bacon, prepared vegetables, minced garlic, ranch dressing, and 1/2 cup each of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly. Optional ranch seasoning can be added for extra flavor. Alternatively, you can mix all ingredients directly in the casserole dish to reduce cleanup.
  3. Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour the combined mixture into a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
  4. Add the Cheese Topping: Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheeses over the top of the casserole mixture.
  5. Bake and Serve: Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until the cheese topping is hot, melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, and then serve warm.

Notes

  • Broccoli can be substituted with well-drained frozen spinach for a different flavor and texture.
  • Use cooked chicken breast to save time; rotisserie chicken works great.
  • Adjust cheese varieties as preferred but mozzarella and cheddar provide the best melt and flavor combination.
  • For extra seasoning, add ranch seasoning packet or herbs like parsley or chives to enhance taste.
  • Ensure casserole dish is roughly 9×13 inches for proper baking consistency.

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