Low Carb Chicken Casserole
Hola! If you’ve ever craved something hearty, comforting, and wholesome, this easy low carb chicken casserole is the answer. Growing up in Orlando, I learned that food is never just food, it’s family time. I remember helping my mama layer casseroles for Sunday dinners, laughing while sneaking bits of cheese before it went into the oven. This recipe brings that same joy to my table today. It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with protein, yet still fits perfectly into carb friendly crockpot meals, healthy meal ideas, or dinner ideas for weight losing. Trust me, this will quickly become a family favorite.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
| Servings | 6 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cuisine Type | American Comfort Food |
| Best Season | All year round |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Low carb but filling: Packed with chicken, bacon, and vegetables, this casserole satisfies hunger without carb overload.
- Family-friendly: Even picky eaters love cheesy casseroles, making this perfect for easy gluten free family dinners.
- Versatile veggies: Use broccoli for crunch or spinach for a softer, nutrient-packed version.
- One-dish wonder: Fewer dishes mean easier cleanup, making it one of the best one dish dinners healthy eaters love.
- Quick and doable: Just 30 minutes from prep to table, perfect for busy weeknights.
Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A cheesy, creamy, and protein-packed low carb chicken casserole with bacon and broccoli or spinach. Perfect for healthy family dinners, meal prep, or easy weeknight meals.
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
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (topping)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (topping)
- Optional: 1–3 teaspoons ranch seasoning mix
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (191°C). If using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze well. If using broccoli, blanch for 1–2 minutes until bright green, then drain.
2. In a large bowl, combine chicken, bacon, vegetables, garlic, ranch dressing, mozzarella, and half the cheddar. Mix well. Add optional ranch seasoning if desired.
3. Spread mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) casserole dish.
4. Top with remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
5. Bake for 15 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Use cooked chicken, such as leftover rotisserie, to save time.
Drain spinach well to prevent excess liquid.
Freshly shred cheese for best flavor and melt.
This casserole can be made ahead or frozen for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 casserole
- Calories: 366
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: varies
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
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
Ingredient Tips Table
| Ingredient | Tip |
|---|---|
| Chicken | Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor. |
| Bacon | Cook until crisp, then crumble for the best texture in the casserole. |
| Broccoli | Blanch briefly in boiling water to keep it bright green and slightly crisp. |
| Spinach | Squeeze out every drop of water to avoid a watery casserole. |
| Ranch Dressing | Choose a low carb or homemade version to keep it healthier. |
| Cheese | Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor. |
| Ranch Seasoning | Optional, but it adds an extra punch of flavor. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Preheat oven to 375°F (191°C). If using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze well. If using fresh broccoli, blanch for 1–2 minutes until bright green, then drain.
- Mix Main Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine chicken, bacon, vegetables, garlic, ranch dressing, mozzarella, and half the cheddar. Stir until well mixed. Add ranch seasoning if using.
- Transfer to Dish: Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) casserole dish.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly across the top.
- Bake and Serve: Bake for 15 minutes, until bubbly and golden. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Helpful Tips
- Use pre-cooked chicken to save time.
- Shred cheese yourself for better melt and flavor.
- Don’t skip draining spinach, or the casserole may turn watery.
- Let it cool slightly before slicing for clean servings.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Balance the veggies: Broccoli gives texture, while spinach adds richness. Either way, squeeze or drain well.
- Layer cheese wisely: Mixing some into the casserole and reserving some for topping ensures cheesy goodness in every bite.
- Keep seasoning simple: The ranch adds enough flavor, but garlic and bacon enhance it perfectly.
- Rest before serving: A short cooling time helps the casserole set for neater portions.
Recipe Variations
- Buffalo style: Swap ranch for buffalo sauce for a spicy kick.
- Keto-friendly creaminess: Add cream cheese for extra richness without extra carbs.
- Veggie-loaded: Toss in zucchini or cauliflower for added nutrients and variety.
- Mexican twist: Add taco seasoning, jalapeños, and pepper jack cheese for a zesty variation.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
This casserole is perfect for meal prep. Assemble up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate before baking. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this low carb chicken casserole with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced plate. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color. It’s hearty enough to stand alone but pairs beautifully with light sides.
Pairing Ideas
Pair with sparkling water or unsweetened iced tea for a refreshing balance. A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc also works well. Side options include cauliflower rice or roasted Brussels sprouts for a satisfying low carb dinner.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes. For best texture, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?
No, always use cooked chicken. Raw chicken won’t fully cook in the short baking time.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free ranch and vegan cheese alternatives. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
What’s the best cheese for melting?
Mozzarella melts smoothly, while cheddar adds sharp flavor. Combining them creates the best balance.
Can I freeze individual portions?
Absolutely. Slice into portions, wrap well, and freeze. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, kids love cheesy casseroles. For picky eaters, stick with broccoli instead of spinach.
Can I cook this in a crockpot?
Yes, combine ingredients and cook on low for 2–3 hours. This makes it a great option for carb friendly crockpot meals.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your ranch dressing and seasoning mix are gluten-free, this casserole works perfectly for easy gluten free family dinners.
Nutrition Info
| Serving Size | 1/6 of casserole |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~366 |
| Protein | 31 g |
| Carbs | 7 g |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Conclusion
This easy low carb chicken casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s also wholesome and family-approved. With creamy cheese, smoky bacon, and tender chicken, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Try it tonight and bring a little cozy happiness to your table!
Craving more flavors? Try our Garlic Parmesan Sweet Potato Wedges next.
