Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Carb Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy dish packed with tender chicken, bacon, and nutritious greens. It’s an easy, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

Ingredients

• 4 cups diced or shredded cooked chicken breast
• 8 slices cooked and chopped bacon
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 5 cups broccoli florets OR 1 pound thawed frozen spinach (well-drained)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the vegetables. Preheat your oven to 375°F (191°C). If using frozen spinach, thaw completely and squeeze out excess water. If using fresh broccoli, boil for 1–2 minutes until bright green, then drain.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, chopped bacon, prepared vegetables, minced garlic, ranch dressing, and half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Mix everything well. You can also mix ingredients directly in the casserole dish to save cleanup.
3. Step 3: Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly over the top of the casserole.
5. Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, until the cheese topping is hot and bubbly. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of ranch seasoning to the mixture before baking.
• Swap broccoli for cauliflower florets if preferred.
• Use homemade ranch dressing or a low-carb alternative for a fresher taste.
• Add chopped onions or bell peppers for a bit more texture and flavor complexity.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals to avoid drying out the casserole.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh spinach can be used. Sauté it lightly and drain well before mixing to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.

Is this casserole low-carb friendly?

Yes, this casserole is suitable for low-carb diets, especially when using ingredients like chicken, bacon, cheese, and low-carb vegetables such as broccoli or spinach.

Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 91 reviews

This Carb Chicken Casserole is a hearty and flavorful baked dish featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables like broccoli or spinach, garlic, ranch dressing, and a melty cheese topping. It’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a comforting family meal, combining creamy textures with savory elements in a convenient one-dish bake.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Carb

Ingredients

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Protein & Dairy

• 4 cups diced or shredded cooked chicken breast
• 8 slices cooked and chopped bacon
• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided: 1/2 cup for mixing, 1/2 cup for topping)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided: 1/2 cup for mixing, 1/2 cup for topping)

Vegetables

• 5 cups broccoli florets OR 1 pound thawed frozen spinach (well-drained)
• 3 cloves minced garlic

Instructions

1. Prepare Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 375°F (191°C). If you are using frozen spinach, thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water to avoid sogginess. If you opt for fresh broccoli, boil the florets for 1 to 2 minutes until they turn bright green, then drain them thoroughly.
2. Combine the Main Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced or shredded cooked chicken, chopped cooked bacon, prepared vegetables (broccoli or spinach), minced garlic, ranch dressing, and half of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses (1/2 cup each). Mix everything thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavors. Optionally, you can add ranch seasoning to enhance the flavor. To minimize cleanup, you can alternatively mix all these ingredients directly in the casserole dish.
3. Transfer to Casserole Dish: Spoon the combined mixture into a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
4. Add the Cheese Topping: Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole to create a deliciously melty cheese crust when baked.
5. Bake and Serve: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the top is hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted and slightly golden. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Ensure spinach is well-drained to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
• Using fresh broccoli requires blanching to retain color and tenderness.
• Optional ranch seasoning can be added for extra flavor.
• This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; increase bake time slightly if baking from cold.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: chicken casserole, bacon, broccoli, spinach, ranch dressing, cheese casserole, low carb dinner