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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
