If you’re on a low-carb journey but still crave hearty, family-friendly meals, this Low Carb Chicken Casserole is your new go-to. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s packed with protein, veggies, and cheesy goodness that everyone will love—even those not watching their carbs!
I’ve been making this casserole for my family for a while now. It’s one of those recipes that’s quick to assemble and makes fantastic leftovers, which is a lifesaver for lunch the next day. Best of all, it’s keto-friendly without sacrificing flavor, and the whole family will enjoy it, even if they’re not on a low-carb diet.
Let’s dive into why this casserole is a winner:
Why You’ll Love This Low Carb Chicken Casserole:
- Keto-Friendly: With no pasta or grains, this dish fits perfectly into a low-carb or keto lifestyle.
- Packed with Protein: The combination of chicken, bacon, and cheese makes this casserole satisfying and full of protein.
- Veggie-Rich: With both spinach and broccoli, you’re sneaking in plenty of green veggies, perfect for picky eaters.
- Quick and Easy Prep: Using pre-cooked chicken and bacon makes this casserole a breeze to throw together.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep this dish in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake, saving you time when you’re busy.
Which Kind of Chicken Should I Use?
This recipe is flexible when it comes to the type of chicken.
- Chicken Breasts: Opt for chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- Chicken Thighs: For a bit more flavor and moisture, chicken thighs work great.
- Rotisserie Chicken: A quick and easy shortcut is using store-bought rotisserie chicken. Just shred it and you’re good to go!
If cooking your own chicken, poach it or bake it at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes until it’s fully cooked.
Tips to Avoid Mistakes:
- Excess Moisture: If you use frozen spinach or fresh broccoli, be sure to drain or squeeze out any excess moisture. Too much water can make your casserole runny.
- Cheese Layering: For the perfect melty topping, don’t add all the cheese at once! Reserve half and sprinkle it on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Broccoli Overcooking: If using fresh broccoli, blanch it for 2-3 minutes to avoid it becoming mushy.
Ingredient Substitutions:
This casserole is customizable, so feel free to swap ingredients based on what you have:
- Protein Options: Swap chicken for turkey or turkey bacon for a lighter twist.
- Cheese Variations: Use provolone, Monterey Jack, or Colby in place of mozzarella or cheddar.
- Ranch Dressing Alternative: If you prefer, mix mayo and sour cream with Italian seasoning instead of ranch dressing.
- Veggies: If you’re not a fan of broccoli, try cauliflower or Brussels sprouts for a different veggie option.
Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole FAQ:
Do I need to cook the broccoli before adding it to the casserole?
- Yes, you should blanch fresh broccoli in boiling water for 1-2 minutes before adding it to the casserole. If using frozen, make sure it’s well-drained and thawed.
Why is my casserole watery after baking?
- The most common cause is not draining the spinach properly. Be sure to squeeze out excess liquid to keep your casserole from being watery.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
- Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut and adds great flavor to the casserole. Just shred the meat and use 4 cups for the recipe.
Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe
Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 30-40 minutes
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Serves: 6-8
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
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Topping:
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional: 1-3 teaspoons ranch seasoning mix for added flavor
Instructions:
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- If using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze out excess water.
- If using fresh broccoli, boil for 1-2 minutes until bright green, then drain and set aside.
- Combine the Main Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped bacon, garlic, ranch dressing, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese. Add the spinach or broccoli and mix everything together. - Transfer to Casserole Dish:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (191°C). Transfer the mixture into a 9×13-inch casserole dish. - Add Cheese Topping:
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top. - Bake and Serve:
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is hot, bubbly, and golden. Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, and serve.
Enjoy your delicious low-carb chicken casserole! With its creamy, cheesy texture and protein-packed ingredients, this dish will quickly become a weeknight favorite.