I make this keto chicken bacon ranch casserole whenever I want a cozy, delicious meal that still fits into a low-carb lifestyle. It's creamy, cheesy, and packed with all the flavors you'd expect like chicken, bacon, and ranch which are the perfect trio.
You'll love this casserole because it's family-friendly, high in protein, and simple to prep. Everything comes together in one baking dish, and it's perfect for using up leftover chicken or bacon. It's comfort food that works for busy weeknights or meal prep.
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Things to Know Before Making Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
- Use full-fat ingredients: They add richness and help keep you full longer.
- Melt the cream cheese slowly: This prevents lumps and helps the sauce turn smooth and creamy.
- Use freshly shredded cheese: It melts better than pre-shredded cheese, which can contain anti-caking agents.
- Adjust the ranch mix: Store-bought ranch mixes vary in saltiness, so taste and adjust if needed.
I've been creating easy keto and high-protein casseroles since 2018, helping home cooks simplify dinner without giving up flavor.
If you enjoy this dish, try a few of these reader favorites next: Chicken Parm Casserole, Keto Chicken Broccoli Casserole, Low Carb Chicken Enchilada Casserole.
Ingredients Overview
• Cooked chicken: Diced for even baking. You can also use shredded chicken or rotisserie.
• Bacon: Adds savory flavor and crunch. Cook until crisp before crumbling.
• Frozen broccoli florets: Defrosted and drained for less moisture in the casserole.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
• Ranch seasoning mix: The key flavor that ties the casserole together.
• Colby Jack cheese: Melts beautifully and gives a creamy, mild flavor.
• Almond milk: Lightens the sauce without adding carbs.
• Cream cheese: Softened to create a smooth, creamy base for the sauce.
Full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
How to Make Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x9-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5-6 minutes, until softened and fragrant. Defrost the broccoli in the microwave while the onions cook.
Step 3: Turn the heat down to medium-low and pour in the almond milk. Once warm, stir in the softened cream cheese and mix until melted and smooth. Add the ranch seasoning mix and stir to combine.
Step 4: Add the cooked chicken, broccoli, and crumbled bacon to the skillet. Stir until everything is evenly coated in the creamy ranch sauce.
Step 5: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top. Bake for 20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. If your chicken was cold, you may need to bake for an additional 5 minutes.
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap Colby Jack for cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a spicy pepper jack for a different flavor.
- Use fresh broccoli instead of frozen-steam lightly before mixing.
- Replace chicken with turkey or cooked ground chicken for variety.
- Add a sprinkle of crushed pork rinds or parmesan on top for crunch.
- Add Different Vegetables: While our recipe uses frozen broccoli, you could substitute steamed fresh broccoli or add other keto-friendly vegetables like cauliflower, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Add some heat to the casserole with a dash of hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or some chopped jalapenos.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake right before serving.
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Definitely. Steam it lightly before adding so it doesn't overcook in the oven.
What kind of ranch seasoning is best?
Simply Organic is great for clean ingredients, while Hidden Valley offers a zero-carb classic flavor.
Can I use shredded chicken instead of diced?
Yes, shredded chicken works perfectly and absorbs the creamy sauce even better.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, our keto chicken bacon ranch casserole recipe is gluten-free since it doesn't contain any pasta, rice, or other sources of gluten. However, always check the labels of your ingredients, especially the ranch seasoning packet to make sure it doesn't sneak in gluten. You can also swap a store-bought package for homemade ranch seasoning mix.
More Low Carb Casseroles
- High Protein Taco Casserole
- Chicken green chili casserole
- Easy Pizza Casserole
- Low Carb Philly Cheese Steak Casserole
- Big Mac Casserole
- Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole
- Hamburger Green Bean Casserole with Mushrooms
- 30 Easy Low Carb Casseroles
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Recipe
Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chicken diced
- 5 slices cooked bacon crumbled
- 16 oz frozen broccoli florets defrosted
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 oz Ranch seasoning mix
- 1.5 cups Colby Jack cheese shredded (from a block)
- ½ cup almond milk
- 4 oz cream cheese cubed and at room temperature
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375F.
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil.
- Saute the onion until soft, which takes about 5-6 minutes. Meanwhile, defrost the frozen broccoli in the microwave.
- Turn the stovetop temperature down to medium-low and the almond milk in the pan. Once heated, stir in the room-temperature cream cheese and combine until melted.
- Add the Ranch seasoning packet and combine.
- Add chicken, broccoli, and bacon, and combine all ingredients.
- Put the chicken ranch casserole ingredients in a 9x9 baking dish and top with the cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until heated through. If your chicken was cold, it could add an extra 5 mins or so to the cooking time. Enjoy!
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