Description
This Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is a hearty, low-carb dish combining tender chicken breast, steamed broccoli, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch-flavored cheese blend baked to perfection. It’s perfect for a comforting dinner that satisfies cravings while keeping carbs in check.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 24 ounces Chicken breast (cubed)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 12 ounces Broccoli florets (cut into bite sized pieces)
- 12 ounces Bacon (cooked and chopped into small pieces)
Cheese and Seasoning
- 5 ounces Cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 2 ounces Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 8 ounces Cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons Ranch seasoning
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: In a skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil, cubed chicken, and salt. Cook for approximately 10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Steam the Broccoli: Place cut broccoli florets in a microwave-safe bowl with 1 cup of water. Cover with a damp paper towel and microwave on high for about 3 minutes until the broccoli is fork-tender but not overcooked.
- Drain and Dry Broccoli: Drain the broccoli well and pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Set aside.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the ranch seasoning until smooth and evenly blended.
- Preheat Oven: Set oven temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to preheat while assembling the casserole.
- Assemble First Layer: In a casserole dish, layer half of the broccoli and half of the cooked chicken evenly across the bottom.
- Add Cream Cheese Dollops: Using a ½ teaspoon measuring spoon, evenly distribute ½ teaspoon-sized portions of the cream cheese mixture over the broccoli and chicken layer.
- Top Layer with Cheese and Bacon: Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the cooked bacon crumbles over the cream cheese layer.
- Build Second Layer: Repeat the layering process with the remaining broccoli, chicken, cream cheese mixture, shredded cheeses, and finish with the remaining bacon crumbles on top.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
- Ensure broccoli is not overcooked during steaming to prevent sogginess in the casserole.
- Patting the broccoli dry before assembling helps avoid excess moisture that can make the casserole watery.
- You can substitute ranch seasoning with homemade ranch spice mix if preferred.
- Cooking bacon ahead of time ensures it’s crispy and evenly distributed throughout the casserole.
- For an extra crispy topping, uncover the casserole during the last 5 minutes of baking to brown the cheese and bacon.
