Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole: The Ultimate Low Carb Comfort

Need a weeknight dinner that is easy to assemble and completely satisfying? This Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is the perfect solution! It packs tender chicken, savory bacon, and crisp broccoli into a creamy, cheesy, ranch-flavored sauce. Best of all, this low-carb chicken casserole is a dump-and-bake recipe, meaning minimal prep and maximum flavor, making it a reliable comfort food for your keto lifestyle.

Ingredients for a Creamy Keto Casserole

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Used for the protein base; they are naturally higher in fat than breasts, which is ideal for a keto chicken casserole.
• Bacon: Chopped and cooked alongside the chicken to render fat and provide a salty, smoky flavor.
• Broccoli: Cut into small florets; it adds texture and essential low-carb fiber to the dish.
• Garlic: Both minced garlic and garlic powder are used to provide aromatic depth throughout the recipe.
• Onion powder: Adds a foundational, savory onion flavor without the carbs of fresh onion.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the flavor of the chicken.
• Ranch dressing: Provides the classic, creamy flavor and moisture for the bake; ensure it is a high-fat, sugar-free ranch for keto compliance.
• Mozzarella cheese: Shredded; melts beautifully for a stringy, gooey texture.
• Cheddar cheese: Shredded; adds a sharp, savory flavor and golden color when baked.

How to Make Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

This casserole uses a simple two-step bake process to ensure the chicken is cooked through before the cheese melts into a golden crust.

1. Prep and Initial Bake

This phase gets the meat and vegetables started in the oven to ensure the chicken cooks fully.

1. Prep Ingredients: Gather and prep all ingredients. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut Meat: Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes using kitchen shears or a sharp knife. Cut the bacon into small pieces as well, then set aside.
3. Season: Season the chicken thighs with onion powder, garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
4. Initial Bake: In a casserole dish, add the chicken, bacon, broccoli, and minced garlic. Gently toss together, then bake for 15-20 minutes.

2. Finishing with Cheese and Serving

The final phase adds the creamy elements and creates the irresistible cheesy topping.

1. Add Cream and Cheese: Pour the ranch dressing and about half of each cheese into the casserole dish. Mix together until everything is well combined.
2. Final Bake: Top with the remaining cheese and return to the oven to bake for an additional 13-18 minutes. The goal is for the cheese to be melted and bubbling, and the filling to be hot throughout.
3. Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool before serving. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes and Serving Suggestions

• Ranch Choice: The flavor of this dish heavily depends on the ranch dressing. Therefore, we recommend using your favorite high-quality, full-fat dressing. Be sure to check the label for added sugars to keep the carb count minimal.
• Serving Size: This recipe makes a total of 6 servings of Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch. Since it is very rich, a standard serving is hearty enough for a complete meal.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It reheats well in the microwave or oven, though the cheesy topping may lose some crispness.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve this easy keto dinner with a simple side of mixed greens or, for a heartier meal, over cauliflower rice.