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Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole with Broccoli and Bacon Recipe

If you’re anything like me and always on the lookout for a hearty yet healthy meal, this Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole with Broccoli and Bacon Recipe might become your new go-to. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent without packing on the carbs — perfect for those busy weeknights when you want comfort food but still want to keep things light and nutritious. Plus, the combination of tender chicken, crispy turkey bacon, and melty cheese tucked into vibrant broccoli just hits all the right flavor notes.

I love making this casserole when I want something that’s easy to prep ahead but still delivers big on taste. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving up dinner for the family, it works like a charm. The ranch dressing adds that creamy tang that keeps every bite satisfying, and the topping gets gorgeously golden in the oven. Trust me, you’ll want to have this Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole with Broccoli and Bacon Recipe bookmarked for your recipe arsenal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create a comforting casserole that’s rich in flavor yet low in carbs. When shopping, lean toward fresh broccoli and good-quality cooked turkey bacon to get the best texture and taste.

  • Broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen works; steaming them just until tender keeps a nice bite in the casserole.
  • Cooked turkey bacon: Adds a smoky crunch without extra grease; I always chop it small so it mixes evenly.
  • Cooked chicken: Using rotisserie or leftover chicken cuts prep time—shredded or diced, whichever you prefer.
  • Garlic: Fresh cloves minced for that punch of flavor that wakes up the whole dish.
  • Shredded mozzarella & cheddar: A blend inside and on top gives creamy melty goodness and that irresistible crust.
  • Ranch dressing: The secret sauce! It brings in moisture, flavor, and helps create that luscious creamy texture.

Variations

I love making this creamy low carb chicken casserole with broccoli and bacon recipe my own by switching up ingredients depending on what I have on hand or dietary needs. Feel free to play around and find the version that suits your taste best!

  • Vegetable swaps: I’ve tried cauliflower or roasted zucchini instead of broccoli, and it tastes just as amazing — plus it changes up the texture.
  • Cheese variations: Sometimes I use pepper jack for a little heat or add cream cheese for extra richness.
  • Bacon options: Turkey bacon keeps it lighter, but regular bacon works if you want a smokier flavor.
  • Extra creaminess: Adding a splash of heavy cream or sour cream to the mix kicks the recipe up a notch for those days when you want decadent comfort.

How to Make Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole with Broccoli and Bacon Recipe

Step 1: Prepare your ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and giving your 9×13-inch baking dish a light grease to prevent sticking. Then, steam or blanch your broccoli florets until just tender — think bright green and with a bit of crunch, not mushy. Drain them well so the casserole doesn’t get watery, which is a common pitfall. Meanwhile, chop your cooked turkey bacon and shred or dice your chicken to get everything ready for mixing.

Step 2: Mix the casserole filling

In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, chicken, turkey bacon, minced garlic, shredded mozzarella, shredded cheddar, and ranch dressing. I like to mix gently so the cheese doesn’t clump up before baking — make sure everything is evenly coated with that ranch dressing because it’s key for flavor and creaminess. If you want to be extra indulgent, stir in a splash of heavy cream or sour cream at this point.

Step 3: Assemble and bake

Transfer your mixture evenly into the greased baking dish, pressing down lightly so it spreads out well. Sprinkle the top with the remaining shredded cheddar and mozzarella to create that golden, bubbly crust we all love. Pop it in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese topping is melted and slightly browned.

Step 4: Let it rest

Once out of the oven, let your casserole sit for 5 to 10 minutes before serving — this resting time helps it set up so the portions hold together better and the flavors meld beautifully. Resist the urge to dig in immediately; trusting me on this one leads to the best eating experience.

How to Serve Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole with Broccoli and Bacon Recipe

A white bowl full of fresh green broccoli florets is placed on the top left, next to three clear bowls with different shredded cheeses in white, yellow, and light cream colors arranged in the top middle and right. Below them, a glass jar contains creamy white sauce with herbs. At the bottom left, a white bowl holds chunks of cooked white chicken meat. In the center bottom, a small white plate contains crispy dark brown bacon pieces, and on the bottom right, a small white bowl has diced light green and white onions. All items are set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually top mine with some freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and fresh flavor — it brightens up the rich casserole. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes is great if you like a little heat. Sometimes, a dollop of sour cream on the side works wonders too!

Side Dishes

This casserole is so filling on its own that I prefer light, fresh sides. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or a simple cucumber and tomato salad balances out the richness. If you want a warm veggie, roasted asparagus or garlic green beans are excellent companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to bake individual portions in ramekins and garnish each with a sprig of thyme or rosemary. It makes the dish feel elevated but still cozy. Alternatively, serve it alongside a festive fruit chutney or cranberry sauce to add a sweet and tangy contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully. I store mine in airtight containers in the fridge, and they usually last 3 to 4 days without losing flavor or texture. Make sure to cool the casserole completely before sealing to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

This recipe freezes really well, which makes it perfect for batch cooking. I wrap the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and then cover it with foil before freezing. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven for best results. The texture stays creamy and the flavors hold up nicely.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 15–20 minutes to keep the cheese topping intact and prevent it from drying out. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works too—just be mindful to cover it to lock in moisture and stir halfway through heating.

FAQs

  1. Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon in this casserole?

    Absolutely! Regular bacon works great and adds a deeper smoky flavor. Just be mindful that it’s fattier, so you might want to drain extra grease before adding it to keep the casserole from getting too oily.

  2. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

    Yes, it’s perfect for meal prepping. You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and bake it fresh or fully bake and then refrigerate or freeze portions for quick meals during the week.

  3. Can I make this casserole dairy-free?

    You can try substituting the cheese with dairy-free alternatives and use a dairy-free ranch dressing. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will differ, but it’s worth experimenting if you have dietary restrictions.

  4. What’s the best way to avoid a watery casserole?

    Draining the broccoli well after steaming and using cooked, rather than raw, chicken helps reduce moisture. Also, don’t skip the resting time after baking so excess liquid absorbs or evaporates.

  5. Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?

    Definitely! Veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach can be great additions. Just adjust cooking times and moisture levels accordingly, and remember to chop veggies so they cook evenly with the rest of the casserole.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole with Broccoli and Bacon Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it marries convenience with comfort so effortlessly. It’s a dish I’m proud to serve both on hectic weeknights and casual gatherings. Once you try it, I think you’ll agree it’s the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory, with just enough green goodness to keep you feeling great. Give it a shot—you might just have found your new favorite casserole recipe!

Print

Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole with Broccoli and Bacon Recipe

This Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole with Broccoli and Bacon is a comforting and satisfying dish featuring tender chicken, crisp broccoli, smoky turkey bacon, and a blend of creamy cheeses and ranch dressing. Perfect for a low-carb meal, it’s easy to prepare, baked to golden bubbly perfection, and great for meal prep or family dinners.

  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Carb

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 5 cups broccoli florets
  • 8 slices cooked turkey bacon, chopped
  • 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Cheese and Dressing

  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar
  • 1 cup ranch dressing
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar (for topping)
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  2. Cook broccoli: Steam or blanch the broccoli florets until they are just tender but still crisp, then drain thoroughly to remove excess moisture.
  3. Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, chopped turkey bacon, minced garlic, shredded mozzarella, shredded cheddar, and ranch dressing. Mix everything well to evenly distribute the flavors.
  4. Assemble casserole: Spread the combined mixture evenly inside the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform layer.
  5. Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the additional half cup of shredded cheddar and half cup of shredded mozzarella evenly over the top of the casserole for a melty, golden crust.
  6. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the dish is hot throughout and the cheese topping is bubbly and lightly browned.
  7. Rest and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld and the dish to set for easier slicing.

Notes

  • For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream or sour cream before baking.
  • Using rotisserie chicken can save you prep time without sacrificing flavor.
  • Cauliflower or roasted zucchini can be substituted for broccoli for a different vegetable twist.
  • This casserole freezes well; wrap tightly and thaw before reheating for convenient leftovers.

Keywords: low carb chicken casserole, creamy chicken casserole, broccoli casserole, turkey bacon recipe, low carb dinner, cheesy chicken bake

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