Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole with Broccoli and Bacon is one of those cozy, crowd-pleasing dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. This recipe brings together tender cooked chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, savory turkey bacon, and a luxuriously creamy ranch-cheese sauce for a satisfying low carb main that’s perfect for chilly evenings and seasonal family dinners. If you love easy weeknight casseroles that taste indulgent but won’t derail your wellness goals, this one deserves a spot in your regular rotation. For more comforting, creamy recipes to pair with this casserole’s vibe, you might also enjoy this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup — a rich and creamy comfort meal.
Ingredients & Equipment
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)
Notes
- The recipe calls for cooked chicken — use roasted leftovers, poached breasts, or a rotisserie bird (skin removed). Shredded or diced both work; shredding blends into the creamy base, while diced pieces give more texture.
- Turkey bacon keeps this casserole halal-friendly while preserving that smoky, savory character many crave in comfort casseroles.
- Ranch dressing is an easy shortcut for a creamy, herby base. For a homemade twist, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, a little lemon, and dried herbs.
Helpful tools
- 9×13-inch baking dish (or similar casserole pan)
- Steamer basket or pot for blanching/steaming broccoli
- Large mixing bowl
- Oven-safe spatula or spoon
- Kitchen thermometer (optional, to check internal temperature)
- Aluminum foil (optional, for covering while baking)
- Optional: blender or immersion blender if you want an ultra-smooth sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions (with tips)
Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Tip: A light coating of oil or nonstick spray prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.Steam or blanch broccoli until just tender, then drain well.
Tip: To blanch, boil for 1–2 minutes then immediately plunge broccoli into an ice bath to stop cooking and lock in color. If you prefer more caramelized flavor, roast florets at 425°F for 10–12 minutes before adding to the casserole.In a large bowl, mix chicken, broccoli, turkey bacon, garlic, mozzarella, cheddar, and ranch dressing.
Tip: Toss gently so the cheese and dressing evenly coat the ingredients. If your mixture seems dry, add 1–2 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt or a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up.Spread mixture evenly in baking dish.
Tip: Press lightly so the casserole holds together when scooped.Sprinkle the top with additional cheddar and mozzarella.
Tip: For an extra golden top, broil for the last 1–2 minutes — watch carefully to avoid burning.Bake for 25–30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Tip: If you like a creamier interior, bake covered with foil for the first 15 minutes, then uncover to brown the top. Use a thermometer to ensure the center reaches at least 165°F if reheating from chilled.Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
Tip: Resting helps the casserole set and makes serving cleaner slices.
Variations and swaps
- Make it stovetop-first: Sauté the mixture in a large skillet, then transfer to the baking dish just to melt the topping cheeses. This shortens oven time.
- Veg swap: Swap some broccoli for cauliflower florets for a slightly different texture and a milder flavor.
- Cheese mix: Swap half the mozzarella for a Mexican blend, pepper jack, or smoked gouda for a flavor twist.
- Ranch alternative: Use a dill-herb yogurt sauce or a light cream cheese mixture for a richer texture.
For a quicker, lighter option, you can use pre-shredded rotisserie chicken and frozen broccoli (thawed and well-drained). If you prefer a crispier, roasted finish, broil the casserole on high for 1–3 minutes at the end. If you enjoy chicken-and-broccoli flavor combinations in other formats, check this easy chicken and broccoli stir-fry recipe for a speedy weeknight variant.
Storage, Freezing & Make-Ahead Tips
Storing leftovers
- Refrigerator: Cool the casserole to room temperature within two hours, then store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole dish in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Freezing
- To freeze: Bake the casserole as directed, allow to cool, then wrap the entire dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil or transfer portions to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2–3 months.
- To reheat from frozen: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat covered at 350°F for 25–35 minutes, uncovering for the last 10 minutes to refresh the topping. If reheating from fully frozen, increase bake time and cover with foil for the first 30–40 minutes to prevent over-browning.
Make-ahead
- Prep ahead: Assemble the casserole in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the topping cheeses right before baking for the best texture.
- Portioning: Divide the casserole into single-serving containers before freezing for grab-and-go lunches or school/work dinners. This also makes reheating quicker and more even.
Pro tip: Drain the broccoli and pat dry on paper towels before mixing to avoid a watery casserole. If using frozen broccoli, squeeze out excess moisture to prevent dilution of flavor.
How to Use / Serve This Dish
Serving ideas
- Simple sides: Pair with a crisp green salad or a platter of fresh cucumber and tomato to balance the creamy richness. Steamed green beans or a lemony arugula salad are also lovely.
- Low-carb sides: Serve with cauliflower rice or a light zucchini noodle salad to keep the meal low carb and refreshing.
- Garnishes: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, chives, or a squeeze of lemon to brighten flavors. A light dusting of smoked paprika can add color and warmth.
Meal occasions
- Weeknight dinner: The casserole is great for busy evenings — minimal hands-on time and satisfying comfort-food vibes.
- Potlucks & family gatherings: It transports well when kept warm, and the flavors are crowd-pleasing. If bringing to an event, consider baking in a foil pan for easier transport.
- Make-ahead holiday sides: This casserole is a hearty, low carb option for holiday tables alongside roasted vegetables and rice-free sides.
Creative variations
- Mediterranean twist: Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and swap ranch for a herby Greek yogurt mixed with oregano and lemon zest.
- Spicy kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the cheese mix for heat.
- Herb-forward: Fold in fresh dill, basil, or cilantro depending on the flavor profile you prefer.
If you’re seeking lighter broth-forward chicken comfort, this Aromatic Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup is a lovely companion idea for chilly days or when you want something soothing alongside the casserole.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
A: Yes. Replace the shredded cheeses with dairy-free alternatives that melt well (look for mozzarella-style and cheddar-style plant-based shreds). Use a dairy-free ranch or make a creamy sauce from blended silken tofu or cashew cream seasoned with herbs.
Q: What can I use instead of turkey bacon?
A: For a halal-friendly, savory alternative, try smoked chicken sausage (sliced), turkey sausage, or even seasoned roasted mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. Avoid pork products to keep the recipe halal.
Q: How long will leftovers keep in the fridge?
A: Properly stored in an airtight container, leftovers will keep well for 3–4 days. Reheat only what you plan to eat to maintain texture.
Q: Can I reduce the carbs further?
A: Yes — reduce the amount of cheese topping if desired, or increase the ratio of broccoli to chicken. Serving the casserole over cauliflower rice instead of bread or pasta keeps the meal lower in carbs while adding volume.
Conclusion
This Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole with Broccoli and Bacon is comfort food that fits easily into a low carb, halal-friendly lifestyle — creamy, cheesy, and full of homey flavor without complicated steps. If you’d like to explore similar casseroles or ways to adapt this dish for different tastes, there are excellent recipe ideas that share the same cozy spirit like Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole – Easy & Cheesy, a great resource for variations and tips. For another broccolli-forward take, this Keto Chicken Bacon Broccoli Casserole offers an alternate approach worth comparing. And if you’re curious about different ingredient swaps and techniques, this Keto Broccoli Chicken Casserole With Bacon Recipe can spark ideas to make the recipe your own.
Try this casserole the next time you’re craving something warm and satisfying — then come back and tell me how it turned out or what creative twists you made. Happy cooking!
Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole with Broccoli and Bacon
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 5 cups broccoli florets Steam or blanch until just tender.
- 8 slices cooked turkey bacon, chopped Keeps the casserole halal-friendly.
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced Use roasted leftovers, poached breasts, or rotisserie chicken.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Adds flavor to the casserole.
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella For the creamy base.
- ½ cup shredded cheddar For the creamy base.
- 1 cup ranch dressing Shortcut for a creamy, herby base.
- ½ cup shredded cheddar (for topping) Sprinkle on top before baking.
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella (for topping) Sprinkle on top before baking.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Steam or blanch broccoli until just tender, then drain well.
- In a large bowl, mix chicken, broccoli, turkey bacon, garlic, mozzarella, cheddar, and ranch dressing.
- Spread mixture evenly in baking dish.
- Sprinkle the top with additional cheddar and mozzarella.
Baking
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
