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Carb Chicken Casserole Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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