Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole – Creamy, Cheesy, and Low-Carb Comfort

This casserole is the kind of comforting, weeknight-friendly meal that checks all the boxes. It’s creamy, savory, and loaded with ranch flavor, without piling on the carbs. If you’re craving something hearty that still fits your goals, this recipe hits the sweet spot.

It’s great for families, meal prep, or those nights when you want dinner to basically cook itself. Plus, it uses simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.

What Makes This Special

This isn’t just another chicken casserole. It’s a balanced mix of juicy chicken, crisp bacon, and a creamy ranch sauce that doesn’t feel heavy.

Broccoli adds bite and color, while cheddar ties everything together. The ranch seasoning adds that familiar, herby zing, and a touch of cream cheese gives the sauce a silky texture. It’s the kind of meal that tastes indulgent while staying low-carb and gluten-free.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 3 cups broccoli florets, lightly steamed or blanched
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp ranch seasoning (store-bought or homemade, sugar-free)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for sautéing)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh chives or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prep the oven and dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

   Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or olive oil.

2. Cook the bacon: In a skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels and crumble. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan if you like extra flavor.
3. Par-cook the broccoli: Steam or blanch broccoli for 2–3 minutes until just tender and bright green.

   Drain well to avoid a watery casserole.

4. Make the sauce base: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat (add a bit of olive oil or bacon fat if needed). Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add cream and cream cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and add the cream cheese. Whisk until smooth and lightly thickened, 2–3 minutes.
6. Season it: Stir in ranch seasoning, black pepper, and smoked paprika.

   Taste and add salt if needed. The ranch mix may be salty, so go slow.

7. Cheese it up: Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar and the Parmesan. Whisk until melted and creamy.
8. Combine the filling: In a large bowl, mix chicken, broccoli, and most of the crumbled bacon (save some for topping).

   Pour the sauce over and toss to coat.

9. Assemble: Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar and the reserved bacon.
10. Bake: Bake for 18–22 minutes, until bubbling around the edges and the cheese is melted with golden spots.
11. Finish and serve: Let it rest 5 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley.

    Serve hot.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat covered at 325°F (165°C) for 10–15 minutes, or microwave in short bursts.
• Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Make-ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate.

  Add 5–8 minutes to baking time if cold.

Why This is Good for You

• Low in carbs, high in fat: Ideal for keto, with a satisfying mix of protein and fat to keep you full.
• Protein-packed: Chicken and cheese support muscle maintenance and steady energy.
• Nutrient boost: Broccoli adds fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants without adding many carbs.
• Gluten-free and grain-free: No pasta or breadcrumbs, just real-food ingredients.

What Not to Do

• Don’t skip draining the broccoli: Extra water will make the sauce thin and the casserole soggy.
• Don’t over-salt early: Ranch seasoning, bacon, and cheese are already salty. Taste the sauce first.
• Don’t overbake: Too long in the oven can dry out the chicken and make the cheese greasy.
• Don’t use sweetened ranch mixes: Some packets contain sugar or starch. Choose a sugar-free brand or make your own.

Alternatives

• Protein swaps: Use turkey, leftover roast chicken, or diced ham.

  For a richer take, try shredded rotisserie thighs.

• Veggie swaps: Swap broccoli for cauliflower, zucchini (sautéed to reduce moisture), or green beans.
• Cheese options: Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack, provolone, or a blend works well. Add a sprinkle of mozzarella for extra stretch.
• Dairy-light version: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a lactose-free cream cheese. Flavor with extra herbs and a squeeze of lemon.
• Homemade ranch seasoning: Mix 1 tsp dried dill, 1 tsp dried parsley, 1 tsp dried chives, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp salt.

  Adjust to taste.

• Add heat: Stir in red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños. A drizzle of hot sauce over each serving is great too.

FAQ

Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?

Yes, but cook it first for best texture and food safety. Dice or shred cooked chicken breasts or thighs.

If starting with raw, cube and sauté until fully cooked before assembling the casserole.

How many carbs are in a serving?

It varies by brand and portion size, but a typical serving is around 4–6g net carbs. Check labels on ranch seasoning and cream cheese, and use broccoli or cauliflower to keep carbs low.

Can I make this without bacon?

Absolutely. Leave it out or replace with turkey bacon or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for that savory note.

You can also add sautéed mushrooms for extra umami.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?

Use mascarpone or full-fat ricotta for a similar creamy effect. You may need to simmer the sauce a bit longer to thicken.

How do I avoid a greasy casserole?

Use full-fat cheese but don’t overbake. Drain bacon well, and whisk the sauce until smooth before mixing.

If your cheese is very oily, add a spoonful more cream to balance.

Can I meal prep this?

Yes. Portion into containers after baking and cooling. It reheats well and keeps its texture for several days, making it great for lunch or grab-and-go dinners.

Is there a way to add more veggies?

Fold in baby spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or riced cauliflower.

Just cook off excess moisture first so the sauce stays thick and creamy.

What size baking dish should I use?

A 9×13-inch dish works best for even baking and a good sauce-to-filling ratio. If using a smaller dish, increase the bake time slightly and watch for bubbling edges.

Wrapping Up

Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is the kind of dinner that feels like comfort food but still supports your goals. It’s simple to make, easy to customize, and even better the next day.

Keep it in your rotation for busy nights or when you want a no-fuss, satisfying meal. With creamy ranch sauce, crispy bacon, and plenty of protein, it’s a crowd-pleaser you’ll come back to again and again.