Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole – Cheesy, Protein-Packed & Keto-Friendly
This Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food — rich, creamy, packed with tender chicken and veggies, and loaded with melted cheese. But here’s the twist: it’s totally low-carb and keto-friendly! 🙌With wholesome ingredients like cooked chicken breast, bacon, broccoli, spinach, and a cheesy blend of mozzarella and cheddar, this casserole is satisfying without the carb overload. Tossed in a flavorful ranch dressing and baked to golden perfection, it’s a true family favorite — whether you’re following a keto lifestyle or just want a quick, protein-rich meal.Want more low-carb casserole ideas? Don’t miss this Keto Chicken Broccoli Casserole or this Cheesy Cauliflower Bake.Let’s get cooking!
Equipment
- You don’t need much to make this casserole, but here’s what you’ll want to have ready:
- Large skillet – for sautéing garlic and spinach
- Large mixing bowl – to combine ingredients
- 9×13-inch casserole dish – standard baking dish size
- Cutting board + knife – for chopping garlic and bacon
- Cheese grater – if shredding fresh cheese
- Oven mitts – because melty cheese = hot dish!
Ingredients
Meat & Protein:
- 4 cups cooked chicken breast shredded or chopped
- 8 slices cooked bacon chopped
Vegetables:
- 5 cups broccoli florets steamed or blanched
- 1 lb frozen spinach thawed and drained
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- Condiments & Sauces:
- 1 cup ranch dressing store-bought or homemade
Dairy:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional Add-Ins:
- Red pepper flakes for heat
- Fresh herbs like parsley or chives
- Extra garlic powder or onion powder for a flavor boost
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Veggies
- If using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze out all excess moisture.
- Steam the broccoli until tender but still slightly crisp, about 3–4 minutes in the microwave or stovetop.
- Sauté minced garlic in a skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil until fragrant (about 1 minute). Add the spinach to remove any leftover moisture.
Step 3: Mix It All Together
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Cooked chicken
- Chopped bacon
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- Ranch dressing
- Half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese
- Mix until everything is well coated.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Top with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- If you like a browned top, broil for the last 2–3 minutes.
Step 6: Serve
- Let cool slightly before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy, savory goodness!
Notes
Perfect for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or crowd-pleasing keto parties!
🔁 Variations
Want to switch things up? Try these tasty variations: 1. Buffalo Chicken Version
Swap ranch dressing for Buffalo sauce + a touch of cream cheese for a spicy kick. 2. Mushroom & Chicken Bake
Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy, meaty flavor. 3. Cream Cheese Upgrade
Add 4 oz cream cheese to the filling for extra richness. 4. Extra Veggies
Add chopped zucchini, cauliflower rice, or bell peppers. 5. Spicy Jalapeño Twist
Mix in chopped jalapeños and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. 6. Pesto Chicken Casserole
Swap ranch for basil pesto for a Mediterranean flavor profile. 🧊 Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freezing:
Let the casserole cool completely. Wrap tightly or store in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating. Reheating:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or microwave single portions for 1–2 minutes, until heated through. Pro Tip: Add a splash of broth or cream before reheating to keep it creamy! ❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is this casserole keto-friendly?
Yes! It’s low in carbs, high in fat and protein, and perfect for keto or low-carb lifestyles. 2. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely — it’s a huge time-saver. 3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving. 4. What if I don’t like ranch?
Swap it for pesto, sour cream, Alfredo sauce, or garlic cream cheese. 5. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes — just sauté 4–5 cups of fresh spinach until wilted and drain excess moisture. 6. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Replace chicken and bacon with chickpeas, tofu, or more veggies. 7. What’s a good side dish?
Serve with a simple green salad, zucchini noodles, or cauliflower mash. 8. Is this kid-friendly?
Very! The cheesy texture and mild flavors are a hit with picky eaters. 9. Can I add pasta or rice?
If you’re not low-carb, yes! Stir in cooked pasta or rice before baking. 10. What cheese melts best for casseroles?
Cheddar for flavor, mozzarella for melt — the combo is perfect! ✅ Conclusion
This Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole is your new weeknight warrior: cheesy, filling, flavor-packed, and secretly low in carbs. 🧀🍗🥦 It’s a one-dish wonder full of good-for-you ingredients like broccoli and spinach, while still delivering on comfort food feels. Whether you’re keto, low-carb, or just looking for a delicious make-ahead meal, this casserole checks every box. More low-carb dinner winners: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Keto Taco Casserole Zucchini Lasagna Grab your casserole dish — this one’s going into the weekly rotation!
Want to switch things up? Try these tasty variations: 1. Buffalo Chicken Version
Swap ranch dressing for Buffalo sauce + a touch of cream cheese for a spicy kick. 2. Mushroom & Chicken Bake
Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy, meaty flavor. 3. Cream Cheese Upgrade
Add 4 oz cream cheese to the filling for extra richness. 4. Extra Veggies
Add chopped zucchini, cauliflower rice, or bell peppers. 5. Spicy Jalapeño Twist
Mix in chopped jalapeños and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. 6. Pesto Chicken Casserole
Swap ranch for basil pesto for a Mediterranean flavor profile. 🧊 Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freezing:
Let the casserole cool completely. Wrap tightly or store in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating. Reheating:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or microwave single portions for 1–2 minutes, until heated through. Pro Tip: Add a splash of broth or cream before reheating to keep it creamy! ❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is this casserole keto-friendly?
Yes! It’s low in carbs, high in fat and protein, and perfect for keto or low-carb lifestyles. 2. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely — it’s a huge time-saver. 3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving. 4. What if I don’t like ranch?
Swap it for pesto, sour cream, Alfredo sauce, or garlic cream cheese. 5. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes — just sauté 4–5 cups of fresh spinach until wilted and drain excess moisture. 6. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Replace chicken and bacon with chickpeas, tofu, or more veggies. 7. What’s a good side dish?
Serve with a simple green salad, zucchini noodles, or cauliflower mash. 8. Is this kid-friendly?
Very! The cheesy texture and mild flavors are a hit with picky eaters. 9. Can I add pasta or rice?
If you’re not low-carb, yes! Stir in cooked pasta or rice before baking. 10. What cheese melts best for casseroles?
Cheddar for flavor, mozzarella for melt — the combo is perfect! ✅ Conclusion
This Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole is your new weeknight warrior: cheesy, filling, flavor-packed, and secretly low in carbs. 🧀🍗🥦 It’s a one-dish wonder full of good-for-you ingredients like broccoli and spinach, while still delivering on comfort food feels. Whether you’re keto, low-carb, or just looking for a delicious make-ahead meal, this casserole checks every box. More low-carb dinner winners: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Keto Taco Casserole Zucchini Lasagna Grab your casserole dish — this one’s going into the weekly rotation!