Name: Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole with Broccoli and Bacon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5 cups broccoli florets; 8 slices cooked turkey bacon, chopped; 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar; 1 cup ranch dressing; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar (for topping); 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (for topping)

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Short, Catchy Intro

So you are craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen huh Same. This creamy low carb chicken casserole with broccoli and bacon is basically comfort food wearing workout clothes. It fills the house with that ooey gooey cheese smell and somehow still manages to be kind to your carb count. Want proof it is both easy and delicious Check out this version I riffed on and then make it your own with whatever leftovers you have for a similar take

Why This Recipe is Awesome

It is stupidly simple and almost foolproof. I mean really even I did not mess it up the first time. You can prep it in 15 minutes if your chicken is already cooked and the oven does the heavy lifting. The combo of chicken bacon ranch is like a culinary group chat where everyone gets along. Plus it reheats like a dream so you can eat it again for lunch and not feel like a monster.

This recipe also plays well with other ideas and swaps. If you want a slightly different vibe check out another spin on the same theme over here for inspiration

Ingredients You’ll Need

5 cups broccoli florets simple and slightly crunchy please
8 slices cooked turkey bacon chopped because bacon deserves to be in every bite
4 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced whatever floats your boat
3 cloves garlic minced for flavor punch
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella melty magic
1/2 cup shredded cheddar sharp and sassy
1 cup ranch dressing creamy and tangy
1/2 cup shredded cheddar for topping double cheddar because why not
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella for topping extra melty goodness

Pro tip don’t skimp on draining the broccoli or your casserole gets sad and watery

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish. Get the oven ready first so nothing waits around lonely and cold.
Steam or blanch broccoli until just tender then drain well. You want a little snap not mushy broccoli. Pat it dry if needed.
In a large bowl mix chicken broccoli turkey bacon garlic mozzarella cheddar and ranch dressing. Stir until everything looks like it is in a happy casserole club.
Spread mixture evenly in baking dish. Press it down a little so the top melts evenly and nothing escapes the cheese party.
Sprinkle the top with additional cheddar and mozzarella. Even coverage equals even bliss.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until hot and bubbly. Look for golden cheese and excited steam.
Let rest 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set so you can slice without it collapsing into chaos.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping preheat. Rookie move. The oven needs to be hot so the cheese melts and the top crisps.
Not draining the broccoli. Wet broccoli makes a soggy casserole and nobody wants that.
Using low quality cheese. You can save money elsewhere but not here. Good cheese = happy life.
Overcooking the chicken before baking. Dry chicken ruins textures. If using leftovers keep them tender.
Forgetting to let it rest. Cutting too soon means a sloppy plate and tears of regret.

Alternatives & Substitutions

No turkey bacon Try regular bacon or even chopped ham. Both work great IMO.
No ranch dressing Use sour cream mixed with a little mayo and dried herbs for a quick swap.
Want keto friendly Use full fat dairy and skip any sneaky carbs in store bought dressings.
No broccoli Swap in cauliflower florets or a mix of spinach and kale for a green twist.
Vegetarian version Use roasted mushrooms and extra cauliflower and swap bacon for smoked tempeh for that smoky vibe.

If you are feeling fun and want mini versions try making these flavors into sliders and small bites like a different recipe I love for slider inspiration

FAQ

Q What if I only have raw chicken Can I use it Yes you can but cook it first either roast or poach then shred it Keep the pieces moist so the casserole does not dry out

Q Can I make this ahead Absolutely assemble it and refrigerate up to one day Then bake when ready It is perfect for meal prep

Q Can I use store bought rotisserie chicken Yes please That is the whole shortcut vibe and it tastes great

Q How do I store leftovers Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through

Q Can I freeze it Yes freeze in the baking dish or in portions for up to three months Thaw overnight before reheating in the oven

Q Is this recipe low carb Really yes the broccoli chicken bacon and cheese keep carbs low and the ranch adds flavor without carbs if you pick a good brand

Final Thoughts

This casserole is my go to when I want cozy food without drama. It is cheesy filling and flexible which makes it the perfect midweek hero. Serve it with a simple salad or go roaming in the fridge and add whatever you find. Now go impress someone or yourself with this one You earned it and you deserve a plate piled high

Conclusion

If you want another tested variation to compare or borrow ideas from check out Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole at Wholesome Yum for extra tips and tweaks