Looking for a dinner that won’t throw off your low-carb goals? We all know how challenging it can be to find meals that the whole family will enjoy while sticking to a low-carb lifestyle. After a busy day at work, the last thing anyone wants is to spend hours in the kitchen or deal with complicated recipes.
That’s where this Low Carb Chicken Casserole comes in! It’s quickly become a family favorite. I can prep most of it while my kids do their homework, and it makes great leftovers for lunch the next day. The best part? Nobody even notices it’s low-carb because they’re too busy going back for seconds.
Whether you’re following a keto diet or just trying to cut back on carbs, this casserole hits all the right notes. It’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with protein. Plus, it’s a flexible recipe that lets you use whatever low-carb vegetables you have in your fridge.
Why You’ll Love This Low Carb Chicken Casserole
- Keto-Friendly: No pasta, no grains – just wholesome ingredients that fit perfectly into your low-carb or keto lifestyle while still being filling and satisfying.
- Protein-Packed: With chicken, bacon, and cheese, this dish is loaded with protein to keep you feeling full and energized.
- Veggie-Rich: It’s packed with both broccoli and spinach, adding nutritious green vegetables to every bite – a sneaky way to get more veggies into your family’s diet.
- Time-Saving Prep: Using pre-cooked chicken and bacon means you can throw this casserole together in just minutes before popping it in the oven.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the casserole in advance and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Which Kind of Chicken Should I Use?
You have a few options when it comes to choosing the chicken for this casserole:
- Chicken Breasts: If you prefer a leaner result, go for chicken breasts.
- Chicken Thighs: If you like more flavor and moisture, chicken thighs are a great choice.
- Rotisserie Chicken: The easiest option is to grab a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. Shred it up, and you’re all set! This adds great flavor and saves time.
- Cooking Your Own Chicken: If you’re cooking the chicken yourself, simply poach it in water with some salt and pepper, or bake it at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes until fully cooked.
Make sure the chicken is cooked through and slightly cooled before dicing or shredding for the casserole.
Cooking Tips: Avoid These Mistakes
- Excess Moisture: The biggest issue with this casserole is moisture, which can make the dish watery. Be sure to drain both the spinach and broccoli thoroughly. I even press them with paper towels to remove as much liquid as possible.
- Cheese Distribution: Avoid adding all the cheese at once! Reserve half to sprinkle over the top during the last 10 minutes of baking. This will give you that perfect golden, melty cheese topping.
- Broccoli Texture: To prevent mushy broccoli, I recommend par-boiling fresh broccoli for 2-3 minutes until it’s bright green but still crisp. If using frozen broccoli, add it still slightly frozen to avoid overcooking.
- Oven Temperature: Make sure to bake at 350°F to prevent the ranch dressing from separating. Insert a knife into the center of the casserole to check if it’s hot all the way through.
Ingredient Substitutions
This low-carb casserole is versatile – feel free to use what you have in your fridge!
- Protein: Swap the chicken for turkey or even use turkey bacon in place of regular bacon.
- Cheese: While mozzarella and cheddar are a winning combo, you can also use other melting cheeses like provolone, Monterey Jack, or Colby.
- Ranch Dressing: Not a fan of ranch? Try using a mixture of mayo and sour cream with Italian seasoning for a creamy alternative.
- Vegetables: Fresh spinach works just as well as frozen, just cook it down first. If you’re not into broccoli, cauliflower or Brussels sprouts are great low-carb alternatives.
Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole FAQ
Q: Do I need to cook the broccoli before adding it to the casserole?
A: Yes, I recommend quickly blanching fresh broccoli for 2-3 minutes to keep it bright green and slightly crisp. If using frozen broccoli, add it directly to the casserole while still frozen.
Q: Why is my casserole watery after baking?
A: The most common cause of a watery casserole is not draining the spinach properly. Make sure to squeeze out all the liquid from the spinach, and you’ll be amazed at how much water comes out!
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a perfect shortcut for this recipe. Just remove the skin, shred or dice the meat, and you’re ready to go.
Low Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe
Preparation Time: 15-20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 30-40 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Nutrition (for the entire recipe, excluding optional ingredients):
- Calories: 2200-2500
- Protein: 190-210g
- Fat: 145-160g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
Ingredients
For the casserole:
- 4 cups diced or shredded cooked chicken breast
- 8 slices cooked and chopped bacon
- 5 cups broccoli florets OR 1 lb. thawed frozen spinach (well-drained)
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the topping:
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Optional:
- 1-3 teaspoons ranch seasoning mix (for added flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables
Preheat oven to 375°F (191°C). If using frozen spinach, thaw completely and squeeze out all the excess water. For fresh broccoli, boil for 1-2 minutes until bright green, then drain well. - Combine the Main Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the chicken, bacon, prepared vegetables, garlic, ranch dressing, and mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Stir until well combined. If desired, add ranch seasoning for extra flavor. - Transfer to Casserole Dish
Transfer the mixture into a 9×13 inch casserole dish. - Add the Cheese Topping
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly over the top. - Bake and Serve
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is hot and bubbly. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Leave a Reply