| |

Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe because it hits all the right notes: comfort, simplicity, and staying on track with low carb goals. When I first tried this casserole, I was looking for something hearty and satisfying without the extra carbs, and this dish blew me away with its cheesy, garlicky goodness and that lovely mix of chicken, bacon, and greens.

You’ll find that this casserole is great for busy weeknights when you want a filling meal without fussing over complicated steps or exotic ingredients. Plus, it’s incredibly adaptable depending on what veggies you have on hand, making it a reliable go-to that never feels repetitive. Trust me, your whole family is going to go crazy for this!

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Low Carb and Flavorful: You get all the richness from cheese and bacon without the carb overload.
  • Simple Prep: Minimal chopping and straightforward mixing make it perfect for busy days.
  • Flexible Ingredients: Use broccoli or spinach – whatever you prefer or have in your freezer.
  • Family Favorite: My family keeps asking for seconds whenever I make it – that’s a good sign!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to make a creamy, cheesy casserole that’s brimming with protein and veggies. Make sure to pick fresh broccoli if you’re going that route, or fully thaw and drain the spinach so your casserole isn’t watery.

  • Cooked chicken breast: Diced or shredded, leftover rotisserie chicken works amazing here.
  • Bacon: Cooked and chopped crisp for a smoky crunch.
  • Broccoli florets or frozen spinach: Both add nutrients and a great texture contrast.
  • Garlic: Fresh minced garlic amps up flavor without overpowering.
  • Ranch dressing: Adds creaminess and a hint of herbaceous tang.
  • Mozzarella cheese: For gooey, melty goodness.
  • Cheddar cheese: Provides sharpness and depth.
  • Ranch seasoning mix (optional): Boosts flavor if you want an extra punch.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to tweak this Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or how we’re feeling at the time. It’s super flexible, so you can definitely put your own spin on it.

  • Veggies swap: I often swap the broccoli for mushrooms or zucchini for a different flavor and texture profile, and it works great.
  • Dairy-free version: Use dairy-free cheese and Greek yogurt instead of ranch dressing, which keeps it creamy yet low carb.
  • Spice it up: Adding a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes gives it a nice kick that my family loves on cooler evenings.
  • Extra herbs: Fresh parsley or chives sprinkled on top after baking adds a burst of freshness I’ve grown to adore.

How to Make Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Veggies Right

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (191°C). If you’re using frozen spinach, thaw it completely and squeeze out every bit of water to avoid a soggy casserole. For broccoli, a quick 1-2 minute boil makes it bright green and tender without losing that nice crunch—then drain well. These little prep steps make a huge difference in texture and flavor!

Step 2: Mix It All Up

In a large bowl, combine your diced or shredded chicken, chopped crispy bacon, prepared veggies, garlic, ranch dressing, mozzarella, and half of the cheddar cheese. I like to sprinkle in a teaspoon or two of ranch seasoning mix here if I want that extra punch. You can mix everything in the bowl or save a dish by combining it straight in your casserole dish—either way works!

Step 3: Layer and Top

Transfer your mixture into a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top—you want that beautiful cheesy crust to bake up golden and bubbly.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake your chicken casserole for about 15 minutes or until it’s hot and bubbly with a golden cheese topping. Keep an eye on it near the end to avoid over-browning. Let it cool for a few minutes once out of the oven—it helps the casserole set and makes serving easier.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe

  • Drain Your Greens Well: Squeezing out excess water from spinach is key to avoid a watery casserole – I use a clean kitchen towel for this.
  • Use Rotisserie Chicken: This saves so much time and adds deep flavor without extra effort—one of my favorite shortcuts!
  • Crisp Your Bacon Thoroughly: Crunchy bacon gives texture contrast that keeps the casserole exciting to eat.
  • Let It Rest Before Serving: Timing those few minutes post-bake helps the casserole set so it slices neatly on your plate.

How to Serve Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe

A white plate holds one serving of a layered broccoli casserole. The bottom layer is creamy white sauce mixed with shredded light beige chicken pieces. Above that, bright green broccoli florets are scattered, followed by a layer of shredded yellow cheese melting slightly. Small chunks of crispy light brown bacon are sprinkled on top, adding a crunchy texture. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface, and in the background, a white casserole dish filled with the same casserole can be seen. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or scallions on top right before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Sometimes, a little extra shredded cheddar on the side is nice for cheese lovers. If you like heat, a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes works beautifully here too.

Side Dishes

This casserole stands beautifully on its own, but if you want something extra, I pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted cauliflower for more veggies without carbs. Garlic butter green beans are also a big hit in my house alongside this dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like to serve this casserole in individual ramekins – it feels extra special and controls portions perfectly. You can also sprinkle toasted almonds or crispy fried onions on top for some unexpected crunch that guests rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheated, the casserole keeps its creamy texture really well if you cover it loosely to retain moisture.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! I let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. When you thaw and reheat it, the flavors come back just as vibrant—perfect for batch cooking.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop leftovers into a 350°F (175°C) oven covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Microwaving works too, but I recommend adding a splash of water or covering to keep it moist.

FAQs

  1. Can I use raw chicken for this Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe?

    This recipe is designed with cooked chicken in mind to keep prep quick and hassle-free. You can use raw chicken, but you’ll need to cook it separately first (baking, boiling, or sautéing) to avoid undercooked meat in the casserole.

  2. Is this casserole suitable for meal prep?

    Absolutely! It’s fantastic for meal prep as it reheats well and stays tasty for several days in the fridge. Freezing individual portions is also a great time-saver on hectic weeks.

  3. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

    Yes! Substitute dairy cheeses with your favorite dairy-free alternatives and swap the ranch dressing for a dairy-free version or a mixture of herbs and olive oil to keep it creamy and flavorful.

  4. How can I add more vegetables to this casserole?

    You can easily add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini along with the broccoli or spinach. Just sauté any extra veggies lightly beforehand to remove excess moisture and enhance flavor.

  5. What can I use if I don’t have ranch dressing?

    If you don’t have ranch, mixing sour cream or Greek yogurt with garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs makes a great homemade substitute that keeps the casserole creamy and tasty.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe has quickly become one of my staples because it’s just downright delicious while keeping things simple and healthy. I love sharing it because it’s proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated or carb-heavy. Give it a try—you’ll enjoy the cheesy, garlicky goodness and maybe even have some extra time to relax while it bakes!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 91 reviews
  • Author: Villerius
  • 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 hearty and delicious dish perfect for those following a low-carb lifestyle. Combining tender cooked chicken, crispy bacon, fresh broccoli or spinach, and a flavorful ranch dressing base topped with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, this casserole is simple to prepare and bakes up to golden perfection in just about 15 minutes. Ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner, it’s both family-friendly and packed with protein while keeping carbs low.


Ingredients

Units Scale

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

  1. Prepare Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 375°F (191°C). If you choose to use frozen spinach, thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water to avoid sogginess. If using fresh broccoli florets, boil them for 1–2 minutes until they turn bright green, then drain thoroughly. This step ensures the vegetables are tender and cooked just right for the casserole.
  2. Combine the Main Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the diced or shredded cooked chicken breast, chopped cooked bacon, prepared broccoli or spinach, minced garlic, ranch dressing, and half of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Stir well to combine. If desired, add 1 to 3 teaspoons of ranch seasoning mix for an extra burst of flavor. You can also mix everything 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 evenly to prepare for baking.
  4. Add the Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella and 1/2 cup cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. This will create a deliciously cheesy and golden crust upon baking.
  5. Bake and Serve: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the top is hot, bubbly, and melted to perfection. Once done, remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, then serve warm for a comforting meal.

Notes

  • To save time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
  • Ensure to squeeze out excess water from spinach to prevent a watery casserole.
  • Feel free to substitute broccoli with other low-carb vegetables like cauliflower.
  • Add ranch seasoning gradually to adjust flavor according to your taste.
  • This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking to save time on a busy day.
  • For extra crispiness, broil the casserole top for 1-2 minutes after baking, watching closely to avoid burning.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole (about 1.5 cups)
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 34g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star