Cheesy Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole with Broccoli
This Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole recipe brings together juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and ranch seasoning in a creamy sauce.
Servings: 8
Calories: 351kcal
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded chicken breast (3 small chicken breasts)
- 2 tbsp of butter
- 1 pack ranch seasoning mix
- OR homemade ranch mix (make your own instead)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 1/2 cup fresh broccoli (or a 10.8oz steam bag)
- 2/3 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup crumbled bacon
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
For the Topping
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup crumbled bacon
Instructions
- Prepare your chicken first by cooking it in a slow cooker on high for 3 hrs or low for 6 hours with a bit of chicken broth and salt/pepper. Remove from the slow cooker and shred. (If using a rotisserie chicken, shred that.)
- Preheat the oven to 350° F.
- In an oven-safe skillet or cast iron pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Next, add ranch seasoning, cream cheese, heavy whipping cream, chicken broth, 1/4 cup crumbled bacon, and 1/2 cup shredded cheese.
- Use a whisk to combine ingredients and cook on low for 5 minutes.
- If using a steam bag of broccoli, follow directions on the bag to steam. Otherwise, steam fresh broccoli in the microwave until it reaches desired tenderness while the ranch mixture is simmering.
- Add shredded chicken and steamed broccoli to the ranch mixture and stir to combine.
- Sprinkle 2 cups cheese and 1/2 cup crumbled bacon on top.
- Cook in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted, then move to the top rack.
- Broil for 1-3 minutes until cheese is bubbly and bacon is browned.
Video
Notes
How To Make Ahead of Time
To make this ahead of time, assemble in a casserole dish (or skillet) as stated in the directions above. Then, before you bake, cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate. When ready, bake the casserole at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes. (Must bake within 1-2 days.) How To Freeze Your Casserole Prepare the casserole as stated; 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 bit longer since the casserole may be colder or slightly frozen. Chicken Casserole Variations
You can easily change this recipe up to make it your own. Here are some simple variations to the recipe:
To make this ahead of time, assemble in a casserole dish (or skillet) as stated in the directions above. Then, before you bake, cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate. When ready, bake the casserole at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes. (Must bake within 1-2 days.) How To Freeze Your Casserole Prepare the casserole as stated; 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 bit longer since the casserole may be colder or slightly frozen. Chicken Casserole Variations
You can easily change this recipe up to make it your own. Here are some simple variations to the recipe:
- 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 vegetable.
- 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.
- You can add a crunchy topping using keto bread to make breadcrumbs, mixed with butter, then sprinkled over top or keto cracker crisps crumbled on top. Crushed pork rinds are another alternative.
- You can add mushrooms and/or riced cauliflower to the casserole (if you aren't eating low-carb or keto, rice works).
- 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.
- Use a store-bought precooked 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.
Nutrition
Calories: 351kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 105mg | Sodium: 595mg | Potassium: 321mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 859IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 283mg | Iron: 1mg