Low-carb crack chicken casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle. Packed with shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich cream cheese sauce, this casserole is a crowd-pleasing dinner option that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly: Perfect for those watching their carb intake.
- Easy to Prepare: Comes together quickly with simple ingredients.
- Rich and Flavorful: Creamy cheese, savory bacon, and tender chicken make this dish irresistible.
- Family-Friendly: A comfort food that everyone will enjoy, even those not on a low-carb diet.
- Great for Meal Prep: Tastes just as good reheated, making it ideal for leftovers.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- Cream cheese, softened
- Sour cream
- Cheddar cheese, shredded
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Ranch seasoning mix (store-bought or homemade)
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt and pepper
- Green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make the Creamy Mixture: In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Combine the Ingredients: Fold the shredded chicken, half of the cheddar cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the crumbled bacon into the creamy mixture. Stir until evenly distributed.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Add Bacon and Garnish: Sprinkle the remaining crumbled bacon on top and garnish with sliced green onions if desired. Serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6–8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Vegetable Additions: Add low-carb veggies like broccoli, spinach, or cauliflower rice for extra nutrition.
- Spicy Version: Mix in diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cream cheese, sour cream, and cheese alternatives.
- Turkey Option: Substitute shredded turkey for chicken.
- Individual Portions: Bake in smaller ramekins for personalized servings.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or microwave individual portions until heated through.
- Freezing: Freeze the casserole in a freezer-safe dish before baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
FAQs
1. Can I use precooked chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken works perfectly.
2. What’s in ranch seasoning mix?
A typical mix includes dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You can use store-bought or make your own.
3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
4. Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Broccoli, spinach, or zucchini are excellent low-carb additions.
5. Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your ranch seasoning mix is gluten-free.
6. What can I serve with this casserole?
Pair it with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed cauliflower for a complete meal.
7. Can I use turkey bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon is a leaner alternative that works well in this recipe.
8. Can I use a different cheese?
Feel free to experiment with cheeses like Monterey Jack, gouda, or pepper jack for different flavors.
9. How do I prevent the casserole from being too greasy?
Use leaner cuts of chicken and drain the bacon well before adding it to the casserole.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply use a larger baking dish and adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
Conclusion
Low-carb crack chicken casserole is a deliciously creamy and cheesy dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. With its savory chicken, crispy bacon, and rich ranch-flavored sauce, this casserole is comfort food at its finest. Simple to make and packed with flavor, it’s a recipe that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Try it today and enjoy this easy, low-carb favorite!
PrintLow-Carb Crack Chicken Casserole
This creamy and cheesy Low-Carb Crack Chicken Casserole is packed with shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich ranch-flavored sauce. Perfect for keto or low-carb diets, it’s a comforting dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 lbs cooked chicken, shredded (about 4 cups)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, ranch seasoning mix, and chicken broth. Stir until smooth.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- Add the shredded chicken, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of the crumbled bacon to the sauce. Mix until everything is evenly combined.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and remaining cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle with the remaining crumbled bacon and chopped green onions. Serve hot.
Notes
- For added texture, stir in 1 cup of steamed broccoli or cauliflower florets before baking.
- To save time, use a store-bought rotisserie chicken for the shredded chicken.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.