Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole – This low carb chicken bacon ranch casserole is packed with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch, and melted cheese, this casserole is the perfect blend of comfort food and keto-friendly ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
- Low-carb & keto-friendly: Each serving is low in net carbs, making it an excellent choice for those following a ketogenic diet.
- High in protein: Thanks to chicken and bacon, you’re getting a filling meal that’s rich in protein.
- Simple and fast: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, this casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Family-friendly: Even those who aren’t on keto will enjoy the rich flavors of this cheesy, bacon-filled dish.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Keto Casserole
- Use full-fat dairy products: To keep this dish keto, make sure to use full-fat cheese, cream cheese, and ranch dressing. Low-fat versions tend to have more carbs.
- Pre-cook ingredients: Cooking the chicken and bacon beforehand ensures that your casserole bakes evenly and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Shred your own cheese: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it often contains anti-caking agents that add carbs. Shred your own for a purer, carb-free option.
Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole – Delicious Variations
Add Veggies
For added nutrition and texture, you can incorporate keto-friendly vegetables like:
- Broccoli: Steam or roast before adding to the casserole.
- Cauliflower: Riced or chopped, it makes a great low-carb addition.
- Spinach: Fresh or frozen spinach can be mixed in for extra greens.
Change Up the Protein
While chicken is classic, feel free to get creative with other proteins:
- Turkey: Swap chicken for leftover turkey, especially after holidays.
- Ground beef: For a heartier version, use cooked ground beef instead of chicken.
- Sausage: Crumbled sausage can add a flavorful twist to the recipe.
Spice It Up
If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding:
Cayenne pepper: A dash in the ranch mixture will give a subtle kick.
Jalapeños: Chopped fresh or pickled jalapeños.
How to Serve Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
This casserole is hearty enough to serve on its own, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, here are a few keto-friendly sides:
- Cauliflower rice: Perfect for soaking up all the creamy, cheesy goodness.
- Zucchini noodles: Light and low-carb, these noodles add a fun texture contrast.
- Simple side salad: A fresh, green salad with a light vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the casserole.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Storing in the Fridge
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, simply warm individual servings in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Freezing the Casserole
This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. Store it for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F until fully warmed.
Recipe FAQs
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Chicken?
Yes! This recipe is ideal for using up leftover rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked shredded chicken. It saves you time and makes this recipe even easier.
Is Ranch Dressing Keto-Friendly?
Many store-bought ranch dressings are keto-friendly, but always check the label for added sugars. You can also make your own by mixing mayonnaise, sour cream, herbs, and spices.
How Many Carbs Are in a Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole?
Depending on the ingredients you use, a typical serving of this casserole has around 3-4 grams of net carbs. Always calculate based on the exact brands of ingredients you’re using.
Can I Freeze Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it! After baking, allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F until heated through.
Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole (Low Carb)
Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole - This low carb chicken bacon ranch casserole is packed with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch, and melted cheese, this casserole is the perfect blend of comfort food and keto-friendly ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb cooked chicken (cubed or shredded)
- 1 lb fresh broccoli (steamed and drained) or frozen broccoli (thawed and drained)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp dried minced onion
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tbsp dried dill weed (or 1 tbsp fresh dill)
- 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp bacon crumbles
- 4 oz mayo
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 4 oz sour cream
- 8 oz shredded cheddar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F, or if prepping ahead, refrigerate the casserole for up to 2 days before baking.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, and spices until smooth.
- Add in the chicken, broccoli, 3/4 of the cheddar, and 1/4 cup of bacon crumbles to the cream cheese mixture. Stir well.
- Transfer to a greased 9x13 baking dish and spread the mixture evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and 2 tbsp of bacon crumbles on top.
- Bake for 35 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 551Total Fat: 44gSaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 23gCholesterol: 152mgSodium: 603mgCarbohydrates: 7gFiber: 2gSugar: 3gProtein: 32g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
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