Name: Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
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 (for mixing); 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for mixing); 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping); 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 61 reviews

If you’re craving a comforting, hearty dish that won’t derail your low-carb lifestyle, you have to try this Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe. It’s a vibrant medley of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and vibrant green veggies all wrapped in cheesy, garlicky goodness with a creamy ranch twist. The best part? It comes together quickly, making it a perfect weeknight winner that promises big flavor with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with a layered casserole. The top layer is covered with melted golden-yellow cheese that stretches as a fork lifts a portion. Scattered on top are green broccoli florets and crispy, dark brown bacon pieces. Under the cheese, chunks of white chicken and more green broccoli are visible. The background surface is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is the secret to this casserole’s irresistible texture and bold flavor. Each one plays its part—from the savory bacon adding crunch to the fresh or frozen greens lending a vibrant pop of color and nutrition, and of course, the cheeses bringing that luscious melt everyone loves.

Chicken breast (4 cups diced or shredded): Use cooked chicken for convenience, shredded or chopped to your preference.
Bacon (8 slices cooked and chopped): Crispy bacon adds smokiness and a delightful crunch contrast.
Broccoli florets (5 cups) OR frozen spinach (1 pound thawed and drained): Choose fresh broccoli for a bright, crisp bite or spinach for a smooth, earthy base.
Garlic (3 cloves minced): Fresh garlic infuses the casserole with just the right punch of aromatic flavor.
Ranch dressing (1 cup): Creamy and herbaceous, it’s the secret ingredient that ties all flavors together effortlessly.
Mozzarella cheese (1 cup divided): Melts beautifully to create a gooey, stringy texture on top and within.
Cheddar cheese (1 cup divided): Adds a sharp, tangy flavor that complements the mild mozzarella perfectly.

How to Make Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Vegetables

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (191°C). If you’re using frozen spinach, be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water to avoid a soggy casserole. Alternatively, if you’re going with fresh broccoli, give it a quick boil for 1 to 2 minutes until it turns a vibrant bright green, then drain thoroughly. This step ensures the veggies retain their color and texture after baking.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the shredded or diced chicken, crispy chopped bacon, your prepared broccoli or spinach, minced garlic, ranch dressing, and half of both the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Mix everything evenly so every bite gets a little bit of all the wonderful components. Feel free to add some ranch seasoning if you want that extra herbaceous kick. For an even easier approach, you can put everything directly into your casserole dish and mix there to save on cleanup.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer your deliciously mixed chicken and veggies into a 9 by 13 inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly to create a balanced base. This evenly distributes the flavors and ensures that each serving has perfect cheese coverage later on.

Step 4: Add the Final Cheese Topping

Now sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly over the top of the casserole. This cheese blanket will melt in the oven to form a golden, bubbly crust that looks stunning coming out of the oven and tastes even better.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Bake your casserole for about 15 minutes until the top is bubbling and beautifully melted. Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to settle and the cheese to firm up just a little, making it easier to scoop out perfect portions of this comforting dish.

How to Serve Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives over the warm casserole adds a lovely pop of color and a fresh herb note that brightens up every bite. You can also add a light dusting of smoked paprika for an additional hint of flavor and warmth.

Side Dishes

This casserole stands beautifully on its own, but for those who want to round out the meal, a simple, crisp green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts make excellent low-carb companions. If you’re feeling indulgent, serve with cauliflower mash for a creamy side that complements the cheesy texture.

Creative Ways to Present

To elevate your presentation, consider serving this casserole in individual ramekins or small baking dishes for a cozy, personalized touch. Layered in small mason jars for a picnic or potluck, it’s both visually appealing and portable, making it perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The casserole holds up wonderfully and even tastes better the next day when all those flavors have had more time to meld together.

Freezing

This Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or cover the entire dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months, and when ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. Alternatively, a microwave works well for quick reheats but may result in slightly softer veggies.

FAQs

Can I use other vegetables in this casserole?

Absolutely! While broccoli and spinach are fantastic low-carb options, feel free to experiment with cauliflower florets, zucchini, or even asparagus to suit your taste and what you have on hand.

Is it necessary to use cooked chicken?

Using cooked chicken saves time and ensures even cooking, but if you want to use raw chicken, cut it small and cook it first before mixing with other ingredients to prevent undercooked pieces.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the mozzarella and cheddar with dairy-free cheese alternatives, and swap ranch dressing for a dairy-free version or a simple mixture of olive oil, herbs, and garlic for a similar creamy effect.

What’s the best way to ensure the casserole isn’t watery?

The key is to drain your veggies thoroughly—especially the spinach—and avoid overloading with ranch dressing. Pre-cooking the broccoli briefly also helps reduce excess moisture.

How many servings does this casserole make?

This recipe makes 4 generous servings, perfect for a family dinner or meal prepping lunches for the week ahead.

Final Thoughts

There you have it, a warm, cheesy, and utterly satisfying Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe that’s as easy to make as it is to fall in love with. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just spoiling yourself with delicious flavors, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!

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