Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole with Broccoli and Bacon

There’s something deeply comforting about the scent of melted cheese, warm garlic, and sizzling bacon mingling in the oven—the kind of aroma that slows you down and makes the whole house feel like a hug. This creamy low carb chicken casserole pairs tender, savory shredded chicken with bright, just-tender broccoli and smoky turkey bacon, all wrapped in a tangy ranch-cheese sauce. The top browns to an irresistible golden crust while the interior stays luscious and spoonable. Each forkful offers contrast: creamy and cheesy, meaty and vegetal, with little pops of bacon crunch.

This casserole is perfect for chilly weeknights, potlucks, or a make-ahead weekend dinner when you want something substantial without fuss. It also works beautifully for a Sunday brunch, holiday buffet, or when you need a family-friendly dish that’s both satisfying and low in carbs. If you’re exploring other low-carb casserole ideas, you might enjoy this riff on a similar bake low-carb chicken casserole that plays with different seasonings and textures.

At a glance

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (active)
• Cook Time: 25–30 minutes (baking) + brief steaming/blanching time
• Total Time: ~45 minutes
• Servings: 6 generous portions
• Difficulty Level: Easy — great for beginner cooks and busy cooks alike

Nutrition Highlights

Nutrition estimates per serving (based on 6 servings). Values are approximations calculated from typical ingredient nutrition profiles using USDA FoodData Central values and standard product labels. For general health guidance, trusted resources such as the USDA and Mayo Clinic provide context on portioning and macronutrient needs.

• Calories: ~552 kcal
• Protein: ~48 g
• Total Carbohydrates: ~10 g
  • Dietary Fiber: ~2 g
  • Net Carbs: ~8 g
• Total Fat: ~37 g
• Sodium: variable (depends on bacon, ranch dressing, and cheese brands)

Notes:

• These estimates assume standard full-fat shredded cheeses and regular ranch dressing; using reduced-fat or homemade dressings will change totals.
• For individualized dietary guidance, consult a registered dietitian or reliable sources such as the Mayo Clinic and USDA.

Why You’ll Love It

This casserole earns its place in your repertoire for several reasons:

• Flavor & Aroma: A savory, cheesy base with garlicky brightness and smoky bacon undertones creates an irresistible aroma and layered taste profile.
• Ease & Speed: With mostly pantry and fridge staples and minimal hands-on time, it comes together quickly—perfect for busy nights.
• Health-forward: Low in carbs but high in protein, this casserole supports low-carb and keto-style eating while delivering vegetables and satisfying texture.
• Family-friendly & Crowd-pleasing: It’s comforting and familiar, yet feels special—ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or a casual holiday table.

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

Ingredients

• 5 cups broccoli florets
• 8 slices cooked turkey bacon, chopped
• 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella
• ½ cup shredded cheddar
• 1 cup ranch dressing
• ½ cup shredded cheddar (for topping)
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella (for topping)

Optional ingredients and substitutions:

• Substitute regular bacon for turkey bacon for a richer, smokier flavor.
• Use Greek yogurt (¾ cup) + ¼ cup mayonnaise instead of ranch to lower sodium and control sugar.
• Add ¼–½ cup chopped green onions or a pinch of smoked paprika for extra flavor.
• For a dairy-free version: use dairy-free shredded cheeses and a compliant ranch alternative (note: texture and nutrition will change).
• To make it lower-fat: swap full-fat cheeses to reduced-fat varieties and choose a light ranch or homemade vinaigrette-style dressing.

Equipment and oven:

• Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Steam or blanch the broccoli until just tender (about 2–3 minutes in boiling water or 4–5 minutes in the steamer). Drain well and pat dry to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, drained broccoli, chopped turkey bacon, minced garlic, ½ cup shredded mozzarella, ½ cup shredded cheddar, and 1 cup ranch dressing. Fold gently until evenly mixed — avoid overmixing to keep the broccoli and chicken pieces intact.
4. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
5. Sprinkle the top with the remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar and ½ cup shredded mozzarella for a golden, bubbly finish.
6. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the top is lightly browned. If you like a crispier top, broil for 1–2 minutes (watch carefully to prevent burning).
7. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving to thicken slightly and make portioning easier.

Practical tips while cooking:

• Make sure broccoli is well-drained — excess water will thin the sauce and make the casserole soggy.
• If your cooked chicken seems dry, toss it briefly with 1–2 tablespoons of ranch or a splash of chicken broth before mixing.
• Use a thermometer to check doneness: the casserole should reach at least 165°F (74°C) in the center for food safety.
• For an even browning, rotate the dish halfway through baking.

As you assemble and bake, consider other comforting casseroles for inspiration or weeknight rotation—this dish sits well alongside lighter bakes such as an angel chicken and rice casserole, which uses different textures and flavors.

Best Pairings

• Keep it simple: a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness.
• Low-carb sides: cauliflower rice or a roasted vegetable medley for more fiber and variety.
• Drinks: a chilled dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc) or a light sparkling water with a squeeze of lime.
• Brunch twist: serve alongside buttery scrambled eggs and hot coffee or tea for a hearty brunch spread.
• Garnish ideas: chopped fresh parsley, sliced green onions, or a light dusting of smoked paprika for color and aroma.

Keeping it Fresh

• Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours (per USDA food-safety recommendations).
• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Assemble and freeze before baking (cover tightly) for up to 2–3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 375°F until heated through (you may need 35–45 minutes).
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes on high, or reheat a whole dish covered with foil in a 350°F oven for 20–30 minutes (uncover the last 5–10 minutes to re-crisp the top).

Chef’s Advice

• Cheese choices: A blend of mozzarella (for melt and stretch) and cheddar (for sharp flavor) creates the best texture. Full-fat cheeses give the creamiest results.
• Dressing control: Ranch brands vary widely in calories and sodium; for cleaner nutrition and flavor control, make a quick homemade ranch using Greek yogurt, a little mayo, dried herbs, garlic powder, and lemon juice.
• Texture balance: Keep broccoli slightly firm — overcooked florets wilt and release water while baking.
• Doneness cues: Look for bubbling edges and a golden top; a knife inserted into the center should come out hot and the interior should not be runny.
• Make-ahead tip: The casserole flavors often deepen after sitting — you can assemble the dish a day ahead, keep it covered in the fridge, then bake when ready.

Creative Twists

1. Mediterranean Version

• Replace ranch with 1 cup Greek yogurt mixed with 2 tbsp lemon juice and 1 tsp dried oregano. Swap turkey bacon for chopped sun-dried tomatoes and add 2 tbsp chopped kalamata olives. Top with crumbled feta instead of cheddar.

2. Spicy Cajun

• Stir in 1–2 tsp Cajun seasoning to the chicken mixture and swap turkey bacon for spicy Andouille sausage slices. Add ¼ cup chopped bell pepper and a pinch of cayenne to the cheese blend for heat.

3. Keto “Loaded” Casserole

• Keep the original base but add ¼ cup cream cheese to the mixture for extra creaminess and richness. Top with sliced scallions and a sprinkle of pork rind crumbs (for crunch) before serving.

4. Vegetarian Swap

• Replace chicken and bacon with a mix of roasted cauliflower florets, diced smoked tempeh, or marinated tofu. Use dairy or plant-based cheeses and a vegan ranch alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?
A: Yes — if using raw chicken breasts, cube and sauté them until cooked through before mixing, or roast them in the oven first. Ensure the casserole reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Q: How can I reduce the sodium?
A: Use low-sodium turkey bacon (or omit bacon), choose a low-sodium ranch or make your own with Greek yogurt, and use lower-sodium cheeses. Rinsing and drying fresh broccoli helps avoid extra saltiness from added seasonings.

Q: My casserole is watery — what went wrong?
A: Most likely the broccoli wasn’t well drained or the cooked chicken had excess moisture. Blot steamed broccoli dry with paper towels and pat shredded chicken before mixing. Slightly increasing the baking time to allow evaporation can also help.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes, individual portions freeze well for 2–3 months. Cool completely, place in airtight freezer-safe containers, and label with the date.

Q: Is this suitable for keto?
A: Yes — with ~8 g net carbs per serving (depending on brands used), this aligns with many keto plans. Adjust dressings and ingredients to fit your specific carb target.

Conclusion

If you’re craving something comforting, low-carb, and crowd-pleasing, this creamy chicken, broccoli, and bacon casserole is a reliable winner—easy to assemble, flexible to customize, and built for sharing. Try it this week and let the aroma do the rest: your oven will broadcast a welcome that friends and family won’t ignore.

For another low-carb take on chicken, bacon, and ranch flavors see Wholesome Yum’s Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole (Fast & Easy), and if you want a keto-focused variation with extra tips check out Splash of Keto’s Keto Chicken Bacon Broccoli Casserole.

I’d love to hear how you make this recipe your own—share photos or swaps in the comments, and join our community of home cooks who love big flavor with fewer carbs.