WHY MAKE THIS RECIPE
This Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a tasty meal while adhering to a low-carb diet. It combines wholesome ingredients like chicken, broccoli, and bacon into a creamy and cheesy dish that satisfies your cravings without the carbs. Whether you’re following a low-carb lifestyle, seeking healthy meal options for your family, or simply in need of a quick, hearty dinner, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s comforting, filling, and incredibly easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners. Plus, it makes use of common ingredients, so you likely won’t need to make a special trip to the grocery store.
HOW TO MAKE Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole
Ingredients:
- 4 cups diced or shredded cooked chicken breast
- 8 slices cooked and chopped bacon
- 5 cups broccoli florets (lightly blanched) OR 1 pound thawed frozen spinach (thoroughly drained)
- 3 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1-3 teaspoons ranch seasoning mix (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (for garnish)
DIRECTIONS:
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Prepare Your Base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. If you are using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw it completely. Once thawed, squeeze out all excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. If you are using fresh broccoli, blanch the florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until they are bright green but still firm. After blanching, immediately transfer them to ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain thoroughly and pat dry with a towel.
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Create the Protein Layer: Spread the cooked, diced or shredded chicken evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This will serve as the foundation of your casserole.
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Add Vegetables and Aromatics: Distribute your thoroughly drained spinach or blanched broccoli florets over the chicken layer. Sprinkle the minced garlic evenly across the vegetables. This garlic will add a wonderful aroma and flavor.
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Incorporate Bacon: Scatter the chopped bacon pieces throughout the casserole. Make sure to distribute them evenly so that every bite has some delicious bacon flavor.
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Prepare the Creamy Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ranch dressing with half of both cheeses (1/2 cup mozzarella and 1/2 cup cheddar). If you enjoy an extra kick of flavor, mix in the optional ranch seasoning at this stage.
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Combine Components: Pour the creamy cheese mixture evenly over the casserole. Use a spatula to make sure the mixture reaches all corners of the dish.
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Begin Baking: Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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Add the Cheese Topping: After the initial baking period, remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining cheeses (1/2 cup mozzarella and 1/2 cup cheddar) evenly over the top for that melty goodness.
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Complete Baking and Serve: Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and slightly golden at the edges.
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Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help it set properly, making it easier to cut into servings.
HOW TO SERVE Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole
Serve this Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole hot, directly from the oven. It is perfect as a main dish and pairs wonderfully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can garnish it with a sprinkle of paprika or fresh herbs to elevate its presentation. For extra flavor, drizzle some additional ranch dressing on top or sprinkle some crumbled bacon before serving.
HOW TO STORE Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole
To store the leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze the casserole if you want to keep it longer. For freezing, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
TIPS TO MAKE Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole
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Use Rotisserie Chicken: To save time, use shredded rotisserie chicken. It’s flavorful and ready to go, cutting down on your prep time.
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Vegetable Variations: If you’re not a fan of broccoli or spinach, you can substitute with other low-carb vegetables like cauliflower, zucchini, or bell peppers.
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Cheese Options: Feel free to mix up the cheeses! Use cream cheese for an even richer dish or try pepper jack for some added spice.
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Make It Ahead: You can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it and keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
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Adjust Seasoning: Taste the ranch dressing before using it. If you prefer more flavor, increase the ranch seasoning or add a splash of hot sauce for some heat!
VARIATIONS
- Buffalo Chicken Casserole: Add some buffalo sauce to the ranch dressing for a spicy twist. Top with crumbled blue cheese for extra flavor.
- Mediterranean Chicken Casserole: Substitute the ranch dressing for a mixture of Greek yogurt and a touch of lemon juice. Add olives and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean flair.
- Creamy Mushroom Chicken Casserole: Add cooked mushrooms to the mix, and switch out some ranch dressing for cream of mushroom soup for a rich, creamy texture.
FAQs
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Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and bacon, and increase the amount of vegetables. You can include chickpeas or tofu for additional protein. -
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, this Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole is gluten-free as long as you check the labels on your ranch dressing and any optional ingredients to ensure they are free of gluten. -
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
The casserole is done when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top. You can also check that vegetables are tender and flavors are melded together.
With this Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole recipe, you have a perfect blend of flavor, convenience, and wholesome ingredients at your fingertips. It’s a delightful option for anyone looking for a low-carb meal that’s hearty, satisfying, and simple to prepare! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- If using frozen spinach, thaw it completely and squeeze out excess moisture.
- If using fresh broccoli, blanch in boiling water for 2-3 minutes then transfer to ice water and drain thoroughly.
- Spread the cooked chicken evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Distribute spinach or broccoli over the chicken layer, sprinkling minced garlic on top.
- Scatter chopped bacon evenly throughout the casserole.
- In a medium bowl, mix ranch dressing with half of both cheeses.
- Pour the creamy mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven and top with remaining cheeses.
- Return to the oven for another 10-15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Allow casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.