Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole With Broccoli

This Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole recipe combines juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and ranch seasoning in a creamy sauce. Not only is it full of delicious flavors, but it is super easy to throw together! One-pan dinners and casserole meals are some of my favorite parts of following the Keto diet plan.

Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole (with Broccoli)

The classic chicken bacon ranch casserole is a beloved dish known for its delicious combination of flavors. However, this traditional recipe often contains ingredients that are high in carbohydrates, which may not fit into a low-carb or keto lifestyle.

Fortunately, our chicken bacon ranch casserole version offers a healthier alternative that is both low in carbs and easy to make at home. By using simple, easy, and quick recipes, we have made sure that anyone can enjoy this delectable dish without compromising their dietary preferences or goals.

Instead of using carb-heavy ingredients like pasta or potatoes, our keto chicken bacon ranch casserole replaces these with low-carb alternatives such as broccoli, heavy whipping cream, and cream cheese for the yummy base of the casserole.

This recipe is made without mayo or canned condensed soup. Instead, our keto chicken casserole recipe uses fresh, whole ingredients to ensure maximum nutritional value.

Why you’ll love this casserole

✔️ Great Mix of Flavors: This dish combines juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch for a satisfying taste.
✔️ Low-Carb Option: It’s perfect if you’re looking for a meal low on carbs.
✔️ Easy Preparation: You can make it easily without any complicated steps.
✔️ Elevated Comfort Food: This recipe gives a tasty twist to your usual comfort food favorites

Ingredients for Chicken Bacon Ranch  Casserole Recipe

Shredded Chicken Breast: Adds a hearty protein base to the casserole.

Butter: Butter adds richness and flavor to the casserole.

Ranch Seasoning Mix: Ranch seasoning mix adds a savory and tangy flavor to the casserole.

Cream Cheese: Cream cheese adds a creamy texture and richness to the casserole.

Heavy Whipping Cream: Heavy whipping cream contributes to the creaminess of the casserole.

Broccoli: Provides a fresh and slightly crunchy contrast.

Chicken Broth: Chicken broth adds moisture and flavor to the casserole.

Crumbled Bacon: Bacon adds a smoky and savory taste to the casserole.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar cheese adds a rich and tangy flavor to the casserole.

How To Make Keto Chicken Broccoli Casserole with Bacon

One-skillet meals are the best, and my favorite is a well-seasoned cast iron skillet. I have several that were my grandmothers that are over 50 years old. Don’t have a cast-iron skillet? You can use any oven-safe skillet or a casserole dish instead.

The full recipe with detailed instructions and measurements is at the bottom of this post in the recipe card; however, don’t miss the helpful tips and process pictures below.

Step 1: The first thing you want to do is prepare your chicken. I used boneless skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. You can also use boneless or bone-in chicken thighs if you prefer. Cooking-wise, you have several options.

• Cook your chicken in a slow cooker for a few hours until cooked through and tender. Check out these step-by-step instructions for how to make shredded chicken in the crock pot.
• Boil the chicken on the stove until it is cooked through and tender.
• Put your Instant Pot to work if you are in a hurry to cook the chicken.
• Purchase a store-bought rotisserie chicken.

Then shred your chicken removing bones if necessary.

Step 2: Add butter, ranch seasoning, softened cream cheese, whipping cream, chicken broth, bacon, and cheese to your skillet.

Step 3: Whisk together and simmer on low until thick and creamy.

Tip: Simmering the sauce on low with the lid off reduces the liquid. If you find it isn’t thick enough, keep simmering.

Step 4: Add steamed broccoli and shredded chicken to your skillet or casserole dish and stir to combine all ingredients. Top with the rest of the shredded cheese and more bacon crumbles.

Step 5: Bake the casserole for about 20-25 minutes. Then finish by broiling the surface until the cheese and bacon are golden brown. Serve hot!

Chicken Casserole Variations

You can easily change this recipe up to make it your own. Here are some simple variations to the recipe:

• You can use chicken thighs or whole chicken thighs instead of boneless skinless chicken breasts.
• Feel free to use any cheese you have on hand or like! Cheddar is my favorite cheese for this recipe, but Monterey, Parmesan, Gouda, Gruyere, Mozzarella, or a mixture of cheeses would work!
• If you don’t have broccoli or someone doesn’t like it, you can easily switch it out for another keto-friendly precooked. Try Brussels sprouts, asparagus, bell peppers, spinach, green beans, or cauliflower!
• You can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth if you prefer.
• You can use a homemade ranch mix instead that is more keto-friendly and without additives. Here is an excellent homemade ranch mix.
• You can add a crunchy topping using keto bread to make breadcrumbs, precooked butter, then sprinkled over top or keto cracker crisps crumbled on top.
• You can add mushrooms and/or riced cauliflower to the casserole. If you aren’t eating low-carb or keto, rice will also work.
• Add vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, mushroom, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrients and fiber.
• Incorporate diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Add a smoky or spicy flavor using smoked paprika or cayenne pepper.

Tips For Making This Recipe Quicker

• Use a store-bought pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, so you don’t have to cook the chicken yourself. It will save you a few hours!
• Use steamed bags of broccoli (or another veggie), so you can quickly steam them in the microwave for a few minutes.
• Cook everything in an oven-safe skillet from start to finish so you won’t have to spend time cleaning dishes or transferring food.
• Use precooked real bacon! You can buy the large bags at Costco like I do or, for meal prep, cook 1-2 pounds of bacon ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer. This will save you another 10-15 minutes!
• Use a store-bought ranch packet for convenience. They do have some additives, but it does help save you time. If you want to make your own mix, check out the link in the recipe card at the bottom of this post!

How To Make This Dinner Ahead of Time

This is another excellent make-ahead meal I like to make the day before or the morning of. To prepare this in advance, assemble the casserole in a dish or skillet, as stated in the directions below. Then, before you bake, cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate. Bake the casserole within 1-2 days. Remember that your baking time may need to increase a bit since all the ingredients will be colder.

How long does it last in the refrigerator?

You can store it in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container.

How To Freeze Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Prepare the Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole, as stated in the directions below. Before baking, transfer everything to a freezer-safe dish and cover with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake the next day. Baking time may be a little longer since the casserole will be colder or slightly frozen.

What’s a good homemade substitute for ranch seasoning mix?

You can mix dried herbs like dill, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder for a DIY ranch flavor. Here is a recipe that might be helpful.

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cheddar?

Sure thing! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses for a twist.

Is it okay to skip the bacon if I’m not a fan?

Of course! Bacon adds flavor, but you can skip it or replace it with something else you love.

What side dishes would go well with this casserole?

A simple green salad or cheesy garlic chaffle bread would be perfect companions.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be; make sure your ranch seasoning mix and chicken broth are gluten-free.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Pop a serving in the microwave or heat it in the oven until it’s warmed through.

What can I do if the sauce is too thick?

Just add a splash of chicken broth or cream to thin it out to your desired consistency.

What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?

You can transfer the mixture to a baking dish before baking. Amazon has great prices on cast iron skillets; They are incredibly long-lasting and affordable. I love that they go from stove to oven for recipes like this.

Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Turkey bacon is a leaner option that works well here.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, pre-shredded cheese can be used if you’re short on time; however, freshly shredded is always better. 

More Keto Casserole Recipes:

• Best Keto Taco Casserole
• Chicken Bacon Caesar Keto Casserole
• Easy Low Carb Keto Cheeseburger Casserole
• Cheesy Ground Beef & Cauliflower Casserole
• Keto Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken Recipe 
• Keto Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli Bake

Looking for more than low-carb chicken casserole recipes? This list of 37 Easy Keto Casserole recipes has a large variety!