Name: Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 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; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1-3 teaspoons ranch seasoning mix (for added flavor)

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If you’re searching for a dish that’s comforting, satisfying, and perfect for keeping your carb count low, this Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole is exactly what you need. Packed with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and vibrant green veggies all bound together by a creamy ranch dressing and melty cheese, it’s a wholesome meal that feels indulgent without the guilt. Whether you’re new to low-carb cooking or just want a reliable crowd-pleaser, this casserole hits every mark with its simple ingredients and foolproof steps.

Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole lies in the straightforward but thoughtful selection of ingredients. Each one adds its own unique layer of flavor, texture, and color, coming together to create a dish that’s both hearty and fresh. From the savory cooked chicken to the crisp broccoli or spinach, these essentials make every bite delightful.

4 cups diced or shredded cooked chicken breast: This is the hearty protein base that keeps the casserole filling and flavorful.
8 slices cooked and chopped bacon: Adds a smoky crunch that complements the creaminess perfectly.
5 cups broccoli florets OR 1 pound thawed frozen spinach (well-drained): These greens provide freshness, nutrition, and a lovely splash of color.
3 cloves minced garlic: Garlic brings warmth and depth without overpowering.
1 cup ranch dressing: The secret to that rich, tangy creaminess that ties everything together.
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Offers gooey stretch and a mild, milky flavor.
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp, savory bite that boosts the overall taste.
For the topping – 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: These cheeses create a beautifully golden, bubbly crust.
Optional 1-3 teaspoons ranch seasoning mix: Sprinkle this in for an extra punch of ranch flavor.

How to Make Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Vegetables

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (191 degrees Celsius). If you’re using fresh broccoli, boil the florets just until they turn a bright green—about 1 to 2 minutes—then drain well. For frozen spinach, make sure it is fully thawed and squeeze out every bit of excess water you can. Prepping your greens right is crucial because it keeps the casserole from becoming watery and helps maintain a nice texture.

Step 2: Combine the Main Ingredients

In a large bowl, toss together your cooked chicken, chopped bacon, prepared broccoli or spinach, and minced garlic. Add the ranch dressing and then fold in half of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. If you want a flavor boost, sprinkle in the optional ranch seasoning mix now. This step is where all those distinct tastes start melding into one delicious, creamy base. If you want to keep things simple, feel free to mix everything directly in your casserole dish to save on clean-up.

Step 3: Transfer to Casserole Dish

Once your mixture is well blended, spread it evenly into a 9 by 13-inch casserole dish (about 23 by 33 centimeters). This size is perfect to hold all the goodness without feeling overly crowded or too thin, so every bite has just the right ratio of chicken, veggies, and cheese.

Step 4: Add the Cheese Topping

Now, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over the top in an even layer. This topping will melt into a golden bubbly crust while baking, adding such a wonderful texture contrast to the creamy interior beneath.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Pop your casserole into the oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until the cheese on top is nicely melted, hot, and bubbly. Once it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving—this waiting time helps everything set a bit, making scooping out perfect portions easier and less messy.

How to Serve Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole

Garnishes

A fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives brings an herbaceous pop that pairs beautifully with the creamy ranch flavor. A light dusting of paprika or crushed red pepper flakes also adds a subtle kick and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

This casserole is quite the all-in-one meal, but if you want to round it out, simple leafy green salads or crisp cucumber slices work beautifully without adding carbs. For a heartier option, roasted cauliflower or sautéed mushrooms complement the cheesy richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider baking the casserole in individual ramekins for an elegant single-serving presentation, perfect for dinner parties. You can also scoop it into bell pepper halves before baking for an extra vegetable boost and colorful appeal. Leftovers make fantastic stuffed into lettuce wraps for a quick lunch the next day!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover your Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it a perfect option for quick dinners throughout the week.

Freezing

This casserole freezes wonderfully. Assemble the dish but don’t bake it before freezing. Wrap it securely in foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen—just add extra baking time until piping hot and bubbly.

Reheating

Reheat individual servings in the microwave for convenience or warm the entire dish in a 350 degrees Fahrenheit oven until hot throughout. To keep the topping crisp, reheating uncovered in the oven works best. Add a few extra minutes if reheating from frozen.

FAQs

Can I use different vegetables in this casserole?

Absolutely! While broccoli and spinach are the stars here, you can swap in cauliflower florets, green beans, or even zucchini. Just be mindful of moisture content to keep the casserole from getting soggy.

Is it necessary to cook the chicken beforehand?

Yes, the chicken should be cooked and shredded or diced before assembling. Using pre-cooked chicken saves time and ensures the casserole cooks evenly without drying out.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

It’s possible, but the cheese and ranch dressing are key to the dish’s creamy texture and flavor. For a dairy-free version, try using dairy-free cheese alternatives and a ranch-style dressing made without dairy.

What if I don’t have ranch dressing on hand?

You can substitute with a mixture of mayonnaise and herbs like dill, parsley, and garlic powder to simulate ranch flavor, but using ranch dressing gives the easiest and most authentic taste.

How spicy is the casserole?

This Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole is mild by nature but you can easily add your own heat with a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños mixed in if you prefer a bit of spice.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole quickly becomes one of those dishes you turn to again and again because it checks all the boxes: simple, comforting, delicious, and low in carbs. It’s one of my favorite cozy meals to make when I want something that feels like a treat but still fits my lifestyle. Give this recipe a try and I’m sure it’ll become a staple on your table too!

Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 14 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Carb

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Description

This Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole combines cooked chicken, bacon, and vegetables with creamy ranch dressing and cheeses for a flavorful, satisfying meal that’s perfect for low-carb diets. Quick to prepare and bake, it’s a comforting casserole that’s both nutritious and delicious.

Instructions

Prepare Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 375°F (191°C). If using frozen spinach, thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water to avoid sogginess. If using fresh broccoli, boil the florets for 1–2 minutes until they turn bright green, then drain well. Set the prepared vegetables aside.
Combine the Main Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together 4 cups of diced or shredded cooked chicken breast, 8 slices of cooked and chopped bacon, the prepared broccoli or spinach, 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1 cup of ranch dressing, and 1/2 cup each of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. If desired, add 1-3 teaspoons of ranch seasoning mix to boost flavor. Mix everything thoroughly to combine all ingredients well. To save dishes, you can also mix directly in the casserole dish.
Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour the mixed ingredients into a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) casserole dish, spreading evenly.
Add the Cheese Topping: Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole mixture to create a cheesy crust.
Bake and Serve: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, hot, and bubbly. Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly for easier serving, and then enjoy your delicious low carb chicken casserole.

Notes

You can substitute broccoli with spinach according to your preference; just ensure spinach is well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
Using cooked chicken saves time and makes this recipe great for using leftovers.
Adding ranch seasoning is optional but enhances flavor if you like a stronger ranch taste.
To make this recipe even lower carb, verify the carb content of your ranch dressing or choose a low-carb brand.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This casserole can be reheated in the oven or microwave, but the topping may lose some crispness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish, Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American