FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook
- Why You’ll Love My Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
- Ingredients & Substitutions
- How To Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
- My Recipe Tips
- Storage Instructions
- Serving Suggestions
- More Chicken Casserole Recipes
- My Casserole Dish For This Recipe
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole (Fast & Easy) Recipe card
- Recipe Reviews
The only thing I might love more than quick, healthy meals and comfort food recipes is when I get to combine them in a dish that uses ingredients I have on hand. And low carb casseroles — like loaded cauliflower casserole , eggplant lasagna , and my personal favorite, this chicken bacon ranch casserole recipe — are perfect for just that.
The beauty of this one is that it doesn’t taste like good-for-you food at all . Cheese! Bacon! Ranch! What’s not to love? My whole family gets excited about this easy, real food dinner . But secretly? It’s packed with protein and veggies.
Why You’ll Love My Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
- Chicken, bacon, and ranch – Need I say more? They’re the flavors so many of us know and love. And it’s probably why my chicken bacon ranch casserole recipe has been so popular over the years.
- Simple, customizable ingredients – The best part is how common and flexible the ingredients are. You can easily adjust this recipe to use up whatever you have on hand. I often use it to clean out my refrigerator!
- Delicious way to enjoy protein and veggies – This chicken casserole feels like a total “mom win” for me. It’s one of the ways that my kids come around to new vegetables! With all the creamy, cheesy flavors, even your picky eaters will enjoy it.
- Healthy & low carb – It’s not just comforting and flavorful. It’s also keto-friendly (just 4.4 grams net carbs per serving using the broccoli option), gluten-free, and has plenty of vegetables. You can totally add starch if you want, though.
- Easy one-pan dinner – One of my favorite things about low carb casseroles is that your meal can be complete in just a baking dish. This one is a lifesaver on my busiest of days!
- Great for meal prep – Assemble it ahead of time and bake when needed, making your weeknights smoother. I love having it ready in the fridge, so dinner is just 15 minutes away.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for my keto chicken bacon ranch casserole, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .
- Chicken Breast – It needs to be cooked, and seasoned with at least salt and pepper, but otherwise any kind of chicken will do! Somehow I always have extra cooked chicken, so I usually use leftover baked chicken breast , shredded Instant Pot chicken breast , roasted chicken , or pan seared chicken . This recipe is also a great way to use up ranch chicken , since the flavors are the same. For a shortcut, buy a rotisserie chicken and shred it. And if you prefer beef, see my beef casserole that I developed based on this one.
- Bacon – I prefer to make bacon in the oven because it makes a large batch to use for multiple recipes, but you could also make air fryer bacon , stovetop bacon in a large skillet, or microwave bacon . For a lighter alternative, use baked turkey bacon instead. If you want convenience, buy precooked bacon bits.
- Ranch Dressing – This makes up the sauce for the chicken casserole. I was excited to find another use for homemade ranch dressing , and it will only take you 5 minutes to whip it up! If you prefer to buy it instead, I recommend the kind in the refrigerated section next to the produce — it usually tastes better, is thicker, and has cleaner ingredients. For a variation, try substituting my Alfredo sauce or Caesar dressing instead of the ranch.
- Garlic – Buy fresh garlic and mince it yourself, or use jarred garlic (or even 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder) to save time.
- Shredded Cheese – Choose your favorite, because this easy low carb casserole works well with any kind! I always have cheddar and mozzarella cheese around, so that’s what I usually use. These are reliable for the most family-friendly version, but feel free to branch out to fancy sharp cheeses (check out my cheese list for ideas!).
- Veggies – They can be fresh or frozen, as long as you pre-cook them. You’ve got so many options here! I first made this dish using frozen spinach, which you’ll enjoy if you like creamed spinach , but I know not everyone is a fan. So, I made this chicken bacon ranch casserole with broccoli for my kids one day, and we all loved it so much that I updated the recipe to add that option. See my chart below for other vegetables you can use — I’ve tried so many combos over the years and they’ve all turned out great.
| Low Carb Options | Higher Carb Options |
|---|---|
| Asparagus | Carrots |
| Bell Peppers | Corn |
| Broccoli | Pasta (penne pasta is a popular choice) |
| Brussels Sprouts | Potatoes |
| Cauliflower (either as roasted cauliflower florets or cauliflower rice ) | Rice |
| Green Beans | Sweet Potatoes |
| Mushrooms | |
| Spinach | |
| Veggie Medley |
How To Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .
- Cook the veggies. I do this with broccoli and most other vegetables, so that they don’t make the chicken casserole watery. You can simply steam like I did below, but if you’ve got the time, roasted broccoli or sauteed broccoli tastes even better. If you’re using frozen spinach, you don’t even have to cook it — just drain it and squeeze well.
- Mix all the ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked bacon, cooked veggies, shredded cheeses, minced garlic, and ranch salad dressing.
- Assemble the chicken bacon ranch casserole. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish ( this one is a perfect size ) and sprinkle with more cheese. (You can spray the pan with cooking spray or coat with butter, but I usually don’t find this necessary.)
- Bake until hot and bubbly. Voila! Your low carb meal is here to save your busy weeknight. I added a bit more crumbled bacon on top at the end this time, but green onions would also pair well with these flavors.
Below is an older photo of my original chicken casserole made with spinach, alongside a newer photo of the broccoli version. Both are delicious!
My Recipe Tips
- Use the right amount of vegetables. My rule of thumb is 4 cups of chicken and 4 cups of vegetables (or 2 cups of cooked down greens, like spinach or kale). You can use the 4-cup rule as well if you are adding in pasta, roasted potatoes , or rice. If you want a more veggie-heavy casserole, increase the veggies to 6 cups and add an extra 1/4 cup of ranch dressing.
- Always precook your chicken, bacon, and veggies. This casserole bakes only for long enough to heat it and melt the cheese, not long enough to cook raw foods. Besides, adding raw meats or vegetables will mess up the texture. You can use any method to cook them, or even buy them pre-cooked. Which brings me to my next tip…
- You can take shortcuts with store-bought items. I’m not a fan of processed pre-made foods, but for this shredded chicken casserole, finding clean ingredients is easy. Grab a rotisserie chicken, a bottle of ranch, and some bacon bits, and this recipe becomes a breeze. You can even buy pre-cut veggies!
- Use a thicker dressing if you can. This coats the chicken and vegetables better than ones that are very runny.
- Leftover vegetables work great. Chicken bacon ranch casserole is the perfect match for leftover veggies! I make it all the time to use up extra sauteed or roasted vegetables .
- For a more intense ranch flavor, add 2 tablespoons of ranch seasoning. You can make my homemade ranch seasoning mix or use store-bought.
- Bake the casserole until it’s melty and bubbly. If it starts to brown too much on top, just cover it with foil. On the other hand, if you want to brown the cheese more, broil it.
Storage Instructions
- Store: Keep your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. They taste amazing reheated for lunch all week!
- Meal prep: I meal prep this chicken bacon ranch casserole All. The. Time. You can assemble the whole thing, cover with foil, and keep it in the fridge for a few days. You can freeze it. You can portion it individually. It’s fantastic in all the ways.
- Reheat: To reheat the entire casserole, cover it with foil and bake at 350 degrees F for about 20 minutes. You can also warm up individual portions in the microwave.
- Freeze: Since everything is already precooked, I recommend freezing this chicken casserole before baking. Assemble it and freeze right in the covered baking dish for up to 3 months. You can bake from frozen, but it will heat faster and more evenly if you thaw in the fridge overnight. I recommend giving it a good stir after baking, or halfway through.
Serving Suggestions
One of the reasons I adore this chicken bacon ranch casserole is that it’s a full meal by itself! But if you’re in the mood for something extra, pair it with one of my low carb salads or a bowl of soup as a starter.
More Chicken Casserole Recipes
Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Zucchini Chicken Casserole
Pesto Chicken Casserole
My Casserole Dish For This Recipe
This baking dish (shown in my pictures) transitions right from the oven to my dinner table, not to mention it’s the perfect size. And you can even pop it in the freezer if you’re prepping ahead. So, no extra dishes to wash!
Recipe Video
Ingredients
Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.
Base Ingredients:
- 4 cups Boneless skinless chicken breasts (cooked, cubed or shredded) ▢
- 8 slices Bacon (cooked, chopped) ▢
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced) ▢
- 1 cup Ranch dressing ▢
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese (shredded, divided) ▢
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese (shredded, divided) ▢
Version 1 with Broccoli:
- 5 cups Broccoli (cut into florets) ▢
Version 2 with Spinach:
- 1 lb Frozen spinach (thawed, squeezed to drain well) ▢
Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (191 degrees C).
- If using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze to drain first. If using broccoli, place it into a pot of water and bring to a boil. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until bright green.
- Combine the chicken, bacon, drained spinach or broccoli, garlic, ranch dressing, and half of the shredded cheeses in a large bowl. Stir until well incorporated. Transfer to a 9×13 in (23×33 cm) glass or stoneware casserole dish . (Alternatively, you can mix everything directly in the casserole dish.) Optional tip: If you like extra ranch flavor, add 1-3 teaspoons of ranch seasoning mix , in addition to the dressing.
- Top with remaining shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.
- Bake for about 15 minutes , until hot and bubbly.
LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!
Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 cup
Nutrition info is based on my homemade ranch dressing , and version 1 with broccoli. Version 2 with spinach has similar nutrition info, but slightly different due to the spinach.
- Tips & substitutions: See the details in the post above! I’ve got lots of substitution options and shortcuts, as well as tips about the consistency.
- Store leftovers: 3-5 days in the fridge.
- Meal prep: Assemble ahead and refrigerate for a few days, or freeze for later.
- Freeze it: Up to 3 months in the freezer, before or after baking.
📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Keto Freezer Meal System , Healthy Ebook Bundle , Keto Ebook Bundle , and Winter Ebook Bundle !
I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .
Add Your NotesYour Notes
© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List
- Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
- The Basic Keto Meal Formula
- Understanding Macros
- Keto Food Swaps
- Keto Food List
- Electrolyte Basics
- Keto Diet Types
- Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
- Recipe Reviews
Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.
You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).
Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:
- Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
- Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
- Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
- Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
- Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
- Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
- Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
- Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
- FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.
Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System + EBooks (Only $37)
The Basic Keto Meal Formula
Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.
Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.
Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.
| Pick A Protein | Pick A Veggie | Add Fat |
|---|---|---|
| Beef Chicken Pork Eggs Lamb Turkey Fish Shellfish Protein powder Venison | Cauliflower Broccoli Zucchini Leafy Greens Cucumbers Brussels Sprouts Cabbage Asparagus Radishes Bell Peppers Jicama Celery | Butter Avocado Oil Cheese Bacon Avocado Lard Ghee Mayo Nuts MCT Oil |
Understanding Macros
Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.
You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.
Carbs Are A Limit.
Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.
A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.
“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.
A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.
Protein Is A Goal.
Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].
“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.
Fat Is A Lever.
Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.
A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).
Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.
Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.
“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.
Keto Food Swaps
One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.
So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .
Keto Swaps For Breakfast
| Instead Of This… | Eat This |
|---|---|
| Pancakes | Almond flour pancakes or coconut flour pancakes |
| Oatmeal | Keto oatmeal with hemp seeds |
| Cinnamon rolls | Fathead cinnamon rolls |
| Cereal | Keto nut granola |
| Muffins | Almond flour muffins or coconut flour muffins |
| Donuts | Almond flour donuts |
| Scones | Almond flour scones |
| High-sugar smoothies | Smoothie with berries or avocado |
| Hash browns | Cauliflower hash browns |
| Breakfast casserole | Breakfast casserole with no potatoes |
| Egg whites | Whole eggs |
| Turkey bacon | Bacon |
| Waffles | Chaffles |
Keto Swaps For Bread
| Instead Of This… | Eat This |
|---|---|
| Bagels | Fathead bagels |
| English muffin | Almond flour English muffin |
| White bread | Keto white bread |
| Multigrain bread | Coconut flour bread with seeds |
| Tortillas for wraps | Coconut flour tortillas |
| Corn taco shells | Cheddar cheese taco shells |
| Burger buns | Oopsie rolls , portobello mushroom caps |
| Breadsticks | Cauliflower breadsticks |
| Biscuits | Almond flour biscuits |
| Cornbread | Almond flour cornbread |
| Croutons | Parmesan crisps |
| Rice | Cauliflower rice , konjac rice |
Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes
| Instead Of This… | Eat This |
|---|---|
| Breaded wings | Crispy air fryer wings (unbreaded) |
| Low-fat meat & poultry | High-fat cuts, or cook low-fat cuts with fat |
| Mashed potatoes | Mashed cauliflower |
| Roasted potatoes | Roasted or fried radishes |
| Tacos | Taco salad |
| Pizza | Fathead crust , chicken crust , or cauliflower crust pizza |
| Lasagna | Eggplant lasagna |
| Potato salad | Cauliflower “potato” salad |
| French fries | Jicama , rutabaga , or zucchini fries |
| Tater tots | Cauliflower tots |
| Wraps | Lettuce wraps , almond flour tortillas |
| Sushi | Naruto-style or homemade rice-free sushi |
| Breaded chicken or fish | Breaded cuts with almond flour or pork rinds |
| Spaghetti | Zoodles , spaghetti squash , shirataki noodles, kelp noodles |
Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces
| Instead Of This… | Eat This |
|---|---|
| Nachos | Cheese crisps |
| High-sugar fruit | Berries & other keto fruits |
| Crackers | Almond flour crackers |
| Hummus | Cauliflower hummus |
| Soft pretzels | Fathead pretzels |
| Popcorn | Puffed cheese |
| Granola bars | Grain-free granola bars |
| Jam | Sugar-free berry chia jam |
| Sweet fruity yogurt | Full-fat plain Greek yogurt with berries |
| Sweet salad dressing | Ranch , blue cheese , or plain vinaigrette |
| Ketchup | Mustard and/or sugar-free ketchup |
| BBQ sauce | Sugar-free BBQ sauce |
| Sweetened peanut butter | Natural, sugar-free nut butters |
| Light mayo | Avocado oil mayo |
| Maple syrup | Sugar-free, maple flavored syrup |
| Potato chips | Zucchini chips , pepperoni chips , pork rinds |
Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking
| Instead Of This… | Eat This |
|---|---|
| Sugar | Monk fruit or allulose |
| Powdered sugar | Powdered monk fruit or allulose |
| White flour | Almond or Coconut flour (use in tested recipes) |
| Making baked goods soft/chewy | Xanthan gum, flax seed meal, psyllium husk powder |
| Breadcrumbs | Pork rinds or almond flour |
| Margarine | Butter, coconut oil, or ghee |
| Vegetable oil | Olive or avocado oil |
| Bananas | Banana extract |
| Chocolate chips | Sugar-free chocolate chips |
| Cornstarch or flour roux | Xanthan gum or gelatin powder (used at the end) |
| Simple syrup | Dissolve monk fruit allulose blend in water over heat |
Keto Swaps For Drinks
| Instead Of This… | Eat This |
|---|---|
| Lemonade | Water with lemon |
| Soda | Flavored sparkling water |
| Milk | Almond milk, coconut milk, heavy cream |
| Latte | Butter coffee |
| Coffee creamer | Heavy cream |
| Sweet wine | Dry wine |
| Beer | Ultra light beer |
| Mixed drinks | Hard liquor with soda + lemon |
If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .
Keto Food List
When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.
The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!
Foods To Eat On Keto
- Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
- Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
- Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
- Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
- Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
- Avocados
- Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
- Almond flour and coconut flour
- Eggs
- Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.
Foods To Avoid On Keto
- White flour & sugar
- Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
- Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
- Cereal
- Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
- Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
- Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
- Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
- Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
- Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.
That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:
Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)
Electrolyte Basics
Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.
For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .
The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.
Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:
| Sodium | Magnesium | Potassium |
|---|---|---|
| Bone broth Boullion cubes Bacon Salted nuts Pickles | Seaweed Seeds Nuts Avocado Leafy greens | Potassium chloride Avocado Bone broth Spinach Broccoli Mushrooms Beef Pork |
Keto Diet Types
People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.
Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.
Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!
- Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
- Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
- Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
- Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.
For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!
Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:
- Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
- Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
- Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
- Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
- Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
- Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
- Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
- Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
- FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.
Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole (Fast & Easy)
Your whole family will love this easy chicken bacon ranch casserole! It’s fast, creamy, cheesy, low carb, and needs just 7 common ingredients.
Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/recipes/chicken-bacon-ranch-casserole-recipe-easy-low-carb/
Ingredients
Base Ingredients:
- 4 cups Boneless skinless chicken breasts (cooked, cubed or shredded)
- 8 slices Bacon (cooked, chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 cup Ranch dressing
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese (shredded, divided)
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese (shredded, divided)
Version 1 with Broccoli:
- 5 cups Broccoli (cut into florets)
Version 2 with Spinach:
- 1 lb Frozen spinach (thawed, squeezed to drain well)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (191 degrees C).
- If using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze to drain first. If using broccoli, place it into a pot of water and bring to a boil. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until bright green.
- Combine the chicken, bacon, drained spinach or broccoli, garlic, ranch dressing, and half of the shredded cheeses in a large bowl. Stir until well incorporated. Transfer to a 9x13 in (23x33 cm) glass or stoneware casserole dish . (Alternatively, you can mix everything directly in the casserole dish.) Optional tip: If you like extra ranch flavor, add 1-3 teaspoons of ranch seasoning mix , in addition to the dressing.
- Top with remaining shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.
- Bake for about 15 minutes , until hot and bubbly.
Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 cup
Nutrition info is based on my homemade ranch dressing , and version 1 with broccoli. Version 2 with spinach has similar nutrition info, but slightly different due to the spinach.
- Tips & substitutions: See the details in the post above! I’ve got lots of substitution options and shortcuts, as well as tips about the consistency.
- Store leftovers: 3-5 days in the fridge.
- Meal prep: Assemble ahead and refrigerate for a few days, or freeze for later.
- Freeze it: Up to 3 months in the freezer, before or after baking.
📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Keto Freezer Meal System , Healthy Ebook Bundle , Keto Ebook Bundle , and Winter Ebook Bundle !
I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .
© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)
FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook
- Why You’ll Love My Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
- Ingredients & Substitutions
- How To Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
- My Recipe Tips
- Storage Instructions
- Serving Suggestions
- More Chicken Casserole Recipes
- My Casserole Dish For This Recipe
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole (Fast & Easy) Recipe card
- Recipe Reviews
The only thing I might love more than quick, healthy meals and comfort food recipes is when I get to combine them in a dish that uses ingredients I have on hand. And low carb casseroles — like loaded cauliflower casserole , eggplant lasagna , and my personal favorite, this chicken bacon ranch casserole recipe — are perfect for just that.
The beauty of this one is that it doesn’t taste like good-for-you food at all . Cheese! Bacon! Ranch! What’s not to love? My whole family gets excited about this easy, real food dinner . But secretly? It’s packed with protein and veggies.
Why You’ll Love My Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
- Chicken, bacon, and ranch – Need I say more? They’re the flavors so many of us know and love. And it’s probably why my chicken bacon ranch casserole recipe has been so popular over the years.
- Simple, customizable ingredients – The best part is how common and flexible the ingredients are. You can easily adjust this recipe to use up whatever you have on hand. I often use it to clean out my refrigerator!
- Delicious way to enjoy protein and veggies – This chicken casserole feels like a total “mom win” for me. It’s one of the ways that my kids come around to new vegetables! With all the creamy, cheesy flavors, even your picky eaters will enjoy it.
- Healthy & low carb – It’s not just comforting and flavorful. It’s also keto-friendly (just 4.4 grams net carbs per serving using the broccoli option), gluten-free, and has plenty of vegetables. You can totally add starch if you want, though.
- Easy one-pan dinner – One of my favorite things about low carb casseroles is that your meal can be complete in just a baking dish. This one is a lifesaver on my busiest of days!
- Great for meal prep – Assemble it ahead of time and bake when needed, making your weeknights smoother. I love having it ready in the fridge, so dinner is just 15 minutes away.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for my keto chicken bacon ranch casserole, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .
- Chicken Breast – It needs to be cooked, and seasoned with at least salt and pepper, but otherwise any kind of chicken will do! Somehow I always have extra cooked chicken, so I usually use leftover baked chicken breast , shredded Instant Pot chicken breast , roasted chicken , or pan seared chicken . This recipe is also a great way to use up ranch chicken , since the flavors are the same. For a shortcut, buy a rotisserie chicken and shred it. And if you prefer beef, see my beef casserole that I developed based on this one.
- Bacon – I prefer to make bacon in the oven because it makes a large batch to use for multiple recipes, but you could also make air fryer bacon , stovetop bacon in a large skillet, or microwave bacon . For a lighter alternative, use baked turkey bacon instead. If you want convenience, buy precooked bacon bits.
- Ranch Dressing – This makes up the sauce for the chicken casserole. I was excited to find another use for homemade ranch dressing , and it will only take you 5 minutes to whip it up! If you prefer to buy it instead, I recommend the kind in the refrigerated section next to the produce — it usually tastes better, is thicker, and has cleaner ingredients. For a variation, try substituting my Alfredo sauce or Caesar dressing instead of the ranch.
- Garlic – Buy fresh garlic and mince it yourself, or use jarred garlic (or even 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder) to save time.
- Shredded Cheese – Choose your favorite, because this easy low carb casserole works well with any kind! I always have cheddar and mozzarella cheese around, so that’s what I usually use. These are reliable for the most family-friendly version, but feel free to branch out to fancy sharp cheeses (check out my cheese list for ideas!).
- Veggies – They can be fresh or frozen, as long as you pre-cook them. You’ve got so many options here! I first made this dish using frozen spinach, which you’ll enjoy if you like creamed spinach , but I know not everyone is a fan. So, I made this chicken bacon ranch casserole with broccoli for my kids one day, and we all loved it so much that I updated the recipe to add that option. See my chart below for other vegetables you can use — I’ve tried so many combos over the years and they’ve all turned out great.
| Low Carb Options | Higher Carb Options |
|---|---|
| Asparagus | Carrots |
| Bell Peppers | Corn |
| Broccoli | Pasta (penne pasta is a popular choice) |
| Brussels Sprouts | Potatoes |
| Cauliflower (either as roasted cauliflower florets or cauliflower rice ) | Rice |
| Green Beans | Sweet Potatoes |
| Mushrooms | |
| Spinach | |
| Veggie Medley |
How To Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .
- Cook the veggies. I do this with broccoli and most other vegetables, so that they don’t make the chicken casserole watery. You can simply steam like I did below, but if you’ve got the time, roasted broccoli or sauteed broccoli tastes even better. If you’re using frozen spinach, you don’t even have to cook it — just drain it and squeeze well.
- Mix all the ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked bacon, cooked veggies, shredded cheeses, minced garlic, and ranch salad dressing.
- Assemble the chicken bacon ranch casserole. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish ( this one is a perfect size ) and sprinkle with more cheese. (You can spray the pan with cooking spray or coat with butter, but I usually don’t find this necessary.)
- Bake until hot and bubbly. Voila! Your low carb meal is here to save your busy weeknight. I added a bit more crumbled bacon on top at the end this time, but green onions would also pair well with these flavors.
Below is an older photo of my original chicken casserole made with spinach, alongside a newer photo of the broccoli version. Both are delicious!
My Recipe Tips
- Use the right amount of vegetables. My rule of thumb is 4 cups of chicken and 4 cups of vegetables (or 2 cups of cooked down greens, like spinach or kale). You can use the 4-cup rule as well if you are adding in pasta, roasted potatoes , or rice. If you want a more veggie-heavy casserole, increase the veggies to 6 cups and add an extra 1/4 cup of ranch dressing.
- Always precook your chicken, bacon, and veggies. This casserole bakes only for long enough to heat it and melt the cheese, not long enough to cook raw foods. Besides, adding raw meats or vegetables will mess up the texture. You can use any method to cook them, or even buy them pre-cooked. Which brings me to my next tip…
- You can take shortcuts with store-bought items. I’m not a fan of processed pre-made foods, but for this shredded chicken casserole, finding clean ingredients is easy. Grab a rotisserie chicken, a bottle of ranch, and some bacon bits, and this recipe becomes a breeze. You can even buy pre-cut veggies!
- Use a thicker dressing if you can. This coats the chicken and vegetables better than ones that are very runny.
- Leftover vegetables work great. Chicken bacon ranch casserole is the perfect match for leftover veggies! I make it all the time to use up extra sauteed or roasted vegetables .
- For a more intense ranch flavor, add 2 tablespoons of ranch seasoning. You can make my homemade ranch seasoning mix or use store-bought.
- Bake the casserole until it’s melty and bubbly. If it starts to brown too much on top, just cover it with foil. On the other hand, if you want to brown the cheese more, broil it.
Storage Instructions
- Store: Keep your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. They taste amazing reheated for lunch all week!
- Meal prep: I meal prep this chicken bacon ranch casserole All. The. Time. You can assemble the whole thing, cover with foil, and keep it in the fridge for a few days. You can freeze it. You can portion it individually. It’s fantastic in all the ways.
- Reheat: To reheat the entire casserole, cover it with foil and bake at 350 degrees F for about 20 minutes. You can also warm up individual portions in the microwave.
- Freeze: Since everything is already precooked, I recommend freezing this chicken casserole before baking. Assemble it and freeze right in the covered baking dish for up to 3 months. You can bake from frozen, but it will heat faster and more evenly if you thaw in the fridge overnight. I recommend giving it a good stir after baking, or halfway through.
Serving Suggestions
One of the reasons I adore this chicken bacon ranch casserole is that it’s a full meal by itself! But if you’re in the mood for something extra, pair it with one of my low carb salads or a bowl of soup as a starter.
More Chicken Casserole Recipes
Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Zucchini Chicken Casserole
Pesto Chicken Casserole
My Casserole Dish For This Recipe
This baking dish (shown in my pictures) transitions right from the oven to my dinner table, not to mention it’s the perfect size. And you can even pop it in the freezer if you’re prepping ahead. So, no extra dishes to wash!
Recipe Video
Ingredients
Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.
Base Ingredients:
- 4 cups Boneless skinless chicken breasts (cooked, cubed or shredded) ▢
- 8 slices Bacon (cooked, chopped) ▢
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced) ▢
- 1 cup Ranch dressing ▢
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese (shredded, divided) ▢
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese (shredded, divided) ▢
Version 1 with Broccoli:
- 5 cups Broccoli (cut into florets) ▢
Version 2 with Spinach:
- 1 lb Frozen spinach (thawed, squeezed to drain well) ▢
Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (191 degrees C).
- If using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze to drain first. If using broccoli, place it into a pot of water and bring to a boil. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until bright green.
- Combine the chicken, bacon, drained spinach or broccoli, garlic, ranch dressing, and half of the shredded cheeses in a large bowl. Stir until well incorporated. Transfer to a 9×13 in (23×33 cm) glass or stoneware casserole dish . (Alternatively, you can mix everything directly in the casserole dish.) Optional tip: If you like extra ranch flavor, add 1-3 teaspoons of ranch seasoning mix , in addition to the dressing.
- Top with remaining shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.
- Bake for about 15 minutes , until hot and bubbly.
LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!
Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 cup
Nutrition info is based on my homemade ranch dressing , and version 1 with broccoli. Version 2 with spinach has similar nutrition info, but slightly different due to the spinach.
- Tips & substitutions: See the details in the post above! I’ve got lots of substitution options and shortcuts, as well as tips about the consistency.
- Store leftovers: 3-5 days in the fridge.
- Meal prep: Assemble ahead and refrigerate for a few days, or freeze for later.
- Freeze it: Up to 3 months in the freezer, before or after baking.
📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Keto Freezer Meal System , Healthy Ebook Bundle , Keto Ebook Bundle , and Winter Ebook Bundle !
I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .
Add Your NotesYour Notes
© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook
- Why You’ll Love My Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
- Ingredients & Substitutions
- How To Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
- My Recipe Tips
- Storage Instructions
- Serving Suggestions
- More Chicken Casserole Recipes
- My Casserole Dish For This Recipe
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole (Fast & Easy) Recipe card
- Recipe Reviews
The only thing I might love more than quick, healthy meals and comfort food recipes is when I get to combine them in a dish that uses ingredients I have on hand. And low carb casseroles — like loaded cauliflower casserole , eggplant lasagna , and my personal favorite, this chicken bacon ranch casserole recipe — are perfect for just that.
The beauty of this one is that it doesn’t taste like good-for-you food at all . Cheese! Bacon! Ranch! What’s not to love? My whole family gets excited about this easy, real food dinner . But secretly? It’s packed with protein and veggies.
Why You’ll Love My Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
- Chicken, bacon, and ranch – Need I say more? They’re the flavors so many of us know and love. And it’s probably why my chicken bacon ranch casserole recipe has been so popular over the years.
- Simple, customizable ingredients – The best part is how common and flexible the ingredients are. You can easily adjust this recipe to use up whatever you have on hand. I often use it to clean out my refrigerator!
- Delicious way to enjoy protein and veggies – This chicken casserole feels like a total “mom win” for me. It’s one of the ways that my kids come around to new vegetables! With all the creamy, cheesy flavors, even your picky eaters will enjoy it.
- Healthy & low carb – It’s not just comforting and flavorful. It’s also keto-friendly (just 4.4 grams net carbs per serving using the broccoli option), gluten-free, and has plenty of vegetables. You can totally add starch if you want, though.
- Easy one-pan dinner – One of my favorite things about low carb casseroles is that your meal can be complete in just a baking dish. This one is a lifesaver on my busiest of days!
- Great for meal prep – Assemble it ahead of time and bake when needed, making your weeknights smoother. I love having it ready in the fridge, so dinner is just 15 minutes away.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for my keto chicken bacon ranch casserole, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .
- Chicken Breast – It needs to be cooked, and seasoned with at least salt and pepper, but otherwise any kind of chicken will do! Somehow I always have extra cooked chicken, so I usually use leftover baked chicken breast , shredded Instant Pot chicken breast , roasted chicken , or pan seared chicken . This recipe is also a great way to use up ranch chicken , since the flavors are the same. For a shortcut, buy a rotisserie chicken and shred it. And if you prefer beef, see my beef casserole that I developed based on this one.
- Bacon – I prefer to make bacon in the oven because it makes a large batch to use for multiple recipes, but you could also make air fryer bacon , stovetop bacon in a large skillet, or microwave bacon . For a lighter alternative, use baked turkey bacon instead. If you want convenience, buy precooked bacon bits.
- Ranch Dressing – This makes up the sauce for the chicken casserole. I was excited to find another use for homemade ranch dressing , and it will only take you 5 minutes to whip it up! If you prefer to buy it instead, I recommend the kind in the refrigerated section next to the produce — it usually tastes better, is thicker, and has cleaner ingredients. For a variation, try substituting my Alfredo sauce or Caesar dressing instead of the ranch.
- Garlic – Buy fresh garlic and mince it yourself, or use jarred garlic (or even 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder) to save time.
- Shredded Cheese – Choose your favorite, because this easy low carb casserole works well with any kind! I always have cheddar and mozzarella cheese around, so that’s what I usually use. These are reliable for the most family-friendly version, but feel free to branch out to fancy sharp cheeses (check out my cheese list for ideas!).
- Veggies – They can be fresh or frozen, as long as you pre-cook them. You’ve got so many options here! I first made this dish using frozen spinach, which you’ll enjoy if you like creamed spinach , but I know not everyone is a fan. So, I made this chicken bacon ranch casserole with broccoli for my kids one day, and we all loved it so much that I updated the recipe to add that option. See my chart below for other vegetables you can use — I’ve tried so many combos over the years and they’ve all turned out great.
| Low Carb Options | Higher Carb Options |
|---|---|
| Asparagus | Carrots |
| Bell Peppers | Corn |
| Broccoli | Pasta (penne pasta is a popular choice) |
| Brussels Sprouts | Potatoes |
| Cauliflower (either as roasted cauliflower florets or cauliflower rice ) | Rice |
| Green Beans | Sweet Potatoes |
| Mushrooms | |
| Spinach | |
| Veggie Medley |
How To Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .
- Cook the veggies. I do this with broccoli and most other vegetables, so that they don’t make the chicken casserole watery. You can simply steam like I did below, but if you’ve got the time, roasted broccoli or sauteed broccoli tastes even better. If you’re using frozen spinach, you don’t even have to cook it — just drain it and squeeze well.
- Mix all the ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked bacon, cooked veggies, shredded cheeses, minced garlic, and ranch salad dressing.
- Assemble the chicken bacon ranch casserole. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish ( this one is a perfect size ) and sprinkle with more cheese. (You can spray the pan with cooking spray or coat with butter, but I usually don’t find this necessary.)
- Bake until hot and bubbly. Voila! Your low carb meal is here to save your busy weeknight. I added a bit more crumbled bacon on top at the end this time, but green onions would also pair well with these flavors.
Below is an older photo of my original chicken casserole made with spinach, alongside a newer photo of the broccoli version. Both are delicious!
My Recipe Tips
- Use the right amount of vegetables. My rule of thumb is 4 cups of chicken and 4 cups of vegetables (or 2 cups of cooked down greens, like spinach or kale). You can use the 4-cup rule as well if you are adding in pasta, roasted potatoes , or rice. If you want a more veggie-heavy casserole, increase the veggies to 6 cups and add an extra 1/4 cup of ranch dressing.
- Always precook your chicken, bacon, and veggies. This casserole bakes only for long enough to heat it and melt the cheese, not long enough to cook raw foods. Besides, adding raw meats or vegetables will mess up the texture. You can use any method to cook them, or even buy them pre-cooked. Which brings me to my next tip…
- You can take shortcuts with store-bought items. I’m not a fan of processed pre-made foods, but for this shredded chicken casserole, finding clean ingredients is easy. Grab a rotisserie chicken, a bottle of ranch, and some bacon bits, and this recipe becomes a breeze. You can even buy pre-cut veggies!
- Use a thicker dressing if you can. This coats the chicken and vegetables better than ones that are very runny.
- Leftover vegetables work great. Chicken bacon ranch casserole is the perfect match for leftover veggies! I make it all the time to use up extra sauteed or roasted vegetables .
- For a more intense ranch flavor, add 2 tablespoons of ranch seasoning. You can make my homemade ranch seasoning mix or use store-bought.
- Bake the casserole until it’s melty and bubbly. If it starts to brown too much on top, just cover it with foil. On the other hand, if you want to brown the cheese more, broil it.
Storage Instructions
- Store: Keep your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. They taste amazing reheated for lunch all week!
- Meal prep: I meal prep this chicken bacon ranch casserole All. The. Time. You can assemble the whole thing, cover with foil, and keep it in the fridge for a few days. You can freeze it. You can portion it individually. It’s fantastic in all the ways.
- Reheat: To reheat the entire casserole, cover it with foil and bake at 350 degrees F for about 20 minutes. You can also warm up individual portions in the microwave.
- Freeze: Since everything is already precooked, I recommend freezing this chicken casserole before baking. Assemble it and freeze right in the covered baking dish for up to 3 months. You can bake from frozen, but it will heat faster and more evenly if you thaw in the fridge overnight. I recommend giving it a good stir after baking, or halfway through.
Serving Suggestions
One of the reasons I adore this chicken bacon ranch casserole is that it’s a full meal by itself! But if you’re in the mood for something extra, pair it with one of my low carb salads or a bowl of soup as a starter.
More Chicken Casserole Recipes
Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Zucchini Chicken Casserole
Pesto Chicken Casserole
My Casserole Dish For This Recipe
This baking dish (shown in my pictures) transitions right from the oven to my dinner table, not to mention it’s the perfect size. And you can even pop it in the freezer if you’re prepping ahead. So, no extra dishes to wash!
Recipe Video
Ingredients
Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.
Base Ingredients:
- 4 cups Boneless skinless chicken breasts (cooked, cubed or shredded) ▢
- 8 slices Bacon (cooked, chopped) ▢
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced) ▢
- 1 cup Ranch dressing ▢
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese (shredded, divided) ▢
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese (shredded, divided) ▢
Version 1 with Broccoli:
- 5 cups Broccoli (cut into florets) ▢
Version 2 with Spinach:
- 1 lb Frozen spinach (thawed, squeezed to drain well) ▢
Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (191 degrees C).
- If using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze to drain first. If using broccoli, place it into a pot of water and bring to a boil. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until bright green.
- Combine the chicken, bacon, drained spinach or broccoli, garlic, ranch dressing, and half of the shredded cheeses in a large bowl. Stir until well incorporated. Transfer to a 9×13 in (23×33 cm) glass or stoneware casserole dish . (Alternatively, you can mix everything directly in the casserole dish.) Optional tip: If you like extra ranch flavor, add 1-3 teaspoons of ranch seasoning mix , in addition to the dressing.
- Top with remaining shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.
- Bake for about 15 minutes , until hot and bubbly.
LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!
Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 cup
Nutrition info is based on my homemade ranch dressing , and version 1 with broccoli. Version 2 with spinach has similar nutrition info, but slightly different due to the spinach.
- Tips & substitutions: See the details in the post above! I’ve got lots of substitution options and shortcuts, as well as tips about the consistency.
- Store leftovers: 3-5 days in the fridge.
- Meal prep: Assemble ahead and refrigerate for a few days, or freeze for later.
- Freeze it: Up to 3 months in the freezer, before or after baking.
📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Keto Freezer Meal System , Healthy Ebook Bundle , Keto Ebook Bundle , and Winter Ebook Bundle !
I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .
Add Your NotesYour Notes
© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook
- Why You’ll Love My Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
- Ingredients & Substitutions
- How To Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
- My Recipe Tips
- Storage Instructions
- Serving Suggestions
- More Chicken Casserole Recipes
- My Casserole Dish For This Recipe
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole (Fast & Easy) Recipe card
- Recipe Reviews
The only thing I might love more than quick, healthy meals and comfort food recipes is when I get to combine them in a dish that uses ingredients I have on hand. And low carb casseroles — like loaded cauliflower casserole , eggplant lasagna , and my personal favorite, this chicken bacon ranch casserole recipe — are perfect for just that.
The beauty of this one is that it doesn’t taste like good-for-you food at all . Cheese! Bacon! Ranch! What’s not to love? My whole family gets excited about this easy, real food dinner . But secretly? It’s packed with protein and veggies.
Why You’ll Love My Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
- Chicken, bacon, and ranch – Need I say more? They’re the flavors so many of us know and love. And it’s probably why my chicken bacon ranch casserole recipe has been so popular over the years.
- Simple, customizable ingredients – The best part is how common and flexible the ingredients are. You can easily adjust this recipe to use up whatever you have on hand. I often use it to clean out my refrigerator!
- Delicious way to enjoy protein and veggies – This chicken casserole feels like a total “mom win” for me. It’s one of the ways that my kids come around to new vegetables! With all the creamy, cheesy flavors, even your picky eaters will enjoy it.
- Healthy & low carb – It’s not just comforting and flavorful. It’s also keto-friendly (just 4.4 grams net carbs per serving using the broccoli option), gluten-free, and has plenty of vegetables. You can totally add starch if you want, though.
- Easy one-pan dinner – One of my favorite things about low carb casseroles is that your meal can be complete in just a baking dish. This one is a lifesaver on my busiest of days!
- Great for meal prep – Assemble it ahead of time and bake when needed, making your weeknights smoother. I love having it ready in the fridge, so dinner is just 15 minutes away.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for my keto chicken bacon ranch casserole, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .
- Chicken Breast – It needs to be cooked, and seasoned with at least salt and pepper, but otherwise any kind of chicken will do! Somehow I always have extra cooked chicken, so I usually use leftover baked chicken breast , shredded Instant Pot chicken breast , roasted chicken , or pan seared chicken . This recipe is also a great way to use up ranch chicken , since the flavors are the same. For a shortcut, buy a rotisserie chicken and shred it. And if you prefer beef, see my beef casserole that I developed based on this one.
- Bacon – I prefer to make bacon in the oven because it makes a large batch to use for multiple recipes, but you could also make air fryer bacon , stovetop bacon in a large skillet, or microwave bacon . For a lighter alternative, use baked turkey bacon instead. If you want convenience, buy precooked bacon bits.
- Ranch Dressing – This makes up the sauce for the chicken casserole. I was excited to find another use for homemade ranch dressing , and it will only take you 5 minutes to whip it up! If you prefer to buy it instead, I recommend the kind in the refrigerated section next to the produce — it usually tastes better, is thicker, and has cleaner ingredients. For a variation, try substituting my Alfredo sauce or Caesar dressing instead of the ranch.
- Garlic – Buy fresh garlic and mince it yourself, or use jarred garlic (or even 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder) to save time.
- Shredded Cheese – Choose your favorite, because this easy low carb casserole works well with any kind! I always have cheddar and mozzarella cheese around, so that’s what I usually use. These are reliable for the most family-friendly version, but feel free to branch out to fancy sharp cheeses (check out my cheese list for ideas!).
- Veggies – They can be fresh or frozen, as long as you pre-cook them. You’ve got so many options here! I first made this dish using frozen spinach, which you’ll enjoy if you like creamed spinach , but I know not everyone is a fan. So, I made this chicken bacon ranch casserole with broccoli for my kids one day, and we all loved it so much that I updated the recipe to add that option. See my chart below for other vegetables you can use — I’ve tried so many combos over the years and they’ve all turned out great.
| Low Carb Options | Higher Carb Options |
|---|---|
| Asparagus | Carrots |
| Bell Peppers | Corn |
| Broccoli | Pasta (penne pasta is a popular choice) |
| Brussels Sprouts | Potatoes |
| Cauliflower (either as roasted cauliflower florets or cauliflower rice ) | Rice |
| Green Beans | Sweet Potatoes |
| Mushrooms | |
| Spinach | |
| Veggie Medley |
How To Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .
- Cook the veggies. I do this with broccoli and most other vegetables, so that they don’t make the chicken casserole watery. You can simply steam like I did below, but if you’ve got the time, roasted broccoli or sauteed broccoli tastes even better. If you’re using frozen spinach, you don’t even have to cook it — just drain it and squeeze well.
- Mix all the ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked bacon, cooked veggies, shredded cheeses, minced garlic, and ranch salad dressing.
- Assemble the chicken bacon ranch casserole. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish ( this one is a perfect size ) and sprinkle with more cheese. (You can spray the pan with cooking spray or coat with butter, but I usually don’t find this necessary.)
- Bake until hot and bubbly. Voila! Your low carb meal is here to save your busy weeknight. I added a bit more crumbled bacon on top at the end this time, but green onions would also pair well with these flavors.
Below is an older photo of my original chicken casserole made with spinach, alongside a newer photo of the broccoli version. Both are delicious!
My Recipe Tips
- Use the right amount of vegetables. My rule of thumb is 4 cups of chicken and 4 cups of vegetables (or 2 cups of cooked down greens, like spinach or kale). You can use the 4-cup rule as well if you are adding in pasta, roasted potatoes , or rice. If you want a more veggie-heavy casserole, increase the veggies to 6 cups and add an extra 1/4 cup of ranch dressing.
- Always precook your chicken, bacon, and veggies. This casserole bakes only for long enough to heat it and melt the cheese, not long enough to cook raw foods. Besides, adding raw meats or vegetables will mess up the texture. You can use any method to cook them, or even buy them pre-cooked. Which brings me to my next tip…
- You can take shortcuts with store-bought items. I’m not a fan of processed pre-made foods, but for this shredded chicken casserole, finding clean ingredients is easy. Grab a rotisserie chicken, a bottle of ranch, and some bacon bits, and this recipe becomes a breeze. You can even buy pre-cut veggies!
- Use a thicker dressing if you can. This coats the chicken and vegetables better than ones that are very runny.
- Leftover vegetables work great. Chicken bacon ranch casserole is the perfect match for leftover veggies! I make it all the time to use up extra sauteed or roasted vegetables .
- For a more intense ranch flavor, add 2 tablespoons of ranch seasoning. You can make my homemade ranch seasoning mix or use store-bought.
- Bake the casserole until it’s melty and bubbly. If it starts to brown too much on top, just cover it with foil. On the other hand, if you want to brown the cheese more, broil it.
Storage Instructions
- Store: Keep your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. They taste amazing reheated for lunch all week!
- Meal prep: I meal prep this chicken bacon ranch casserole All. The. Time. You can assemble the whole thing, cover with foil, and keep it in the fridge for a few days. You can freeze it. You can portion it individually. It’s fantastic in all the ways.
- Reheat: To reheat the entire casserole, cover it with foil and bake at 350 degrees F for about 20 minutes. You can also warm up individual portions in the microwave.
- Freeze: Since everything is already precooked, I recommend freezing this chicken casserole before baking. Assemble it and freeze right in the covered baking dish for up to 3 months. You can bake from frozen, but it will heat faster and more evenly if you thaw in the fridge overnight. I recommend giving it a good stir after baking, or halfway through.
Serving Suggestions
One of the reasons I adore this chicken bacon ranch casserole is that it’s a full meal by itself! But if you’re in the mood for something extra, pair it with one of my low carb salads or a bowl of soup as a starter.
More Chicken Casserole Recipes
Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Zucchini Chicken Casserole
Pesto Chicken Casserole
My Casserole Dish For This Recipe
This baking dish (shown in my pictures) transitions right from the oven to my dinner table, not to mention it’s the perfect size. And you can even pop it in the freezer if you’re prepping ahead. So, no extra dishes to wash!
Recipe Video
Ingredients
Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.
Base Ingredients:
- 4 cups Boneless skinless chicken breasts (cooked, cubed or shredded) ▢
- 8 slices Bacon (cooked, chopped) ▢
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced) ▢
- 1 cup Ranch dressing ▢
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese (shredded, divided) ▢
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese (shredded, divided) ▢
Version 1 with Broccoli:
- 5 cups Broccoli (cut into florets) ▢
Version 2 with Spinach:
- 1 lb Frozen spinach (thawed, squeezed to drain well) ▢
Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (191 degrees C).
- If using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze to drain first. If using broccoli, place it into a pot of water and bring to a boil. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until bright green.
- Combine the chicken, bacon, drained spinach or broccoli, garlic, ranch dressing, and half of the shredded cheeses in a large bowl. Stir until well incorporated. Transfer to a 9×13 in (23×33 cm) glass or stoneware casserole dish . (Alternatively, you can mix everything directly in the casserole dish.) Optional tip: If you like extra ranch flavor, add 1-3 teaspoons of ranch seasoning mix , in addition to the dressing.
- Top with remaining shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.
- Bake for about 15 minutes , until hot and bubbly.
LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!
Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 cup
Nutrition info is based on my homemade ranch dressing , and version 1 with broccoli. Version 2 with spinach has similar nutrition info, but slightly different due to the spinach.
- Tips & substitutions: See the details in the post above! I’ve got lots of substitution options and shortcuts, as well as tips about the consistency.
- Store leftovers: 3-5 days in the fridge.
- Meal prep: Assemble ahead and refrigerate for a few days, or freeze for later.
- Freeze it: Up to 3 months in the freezer, before or after baking.
📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Keto Freezer Meal System , Healthy Ebook Bundle , Keto Ebook Bundle , and Winter Ebook Bundle !
I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .
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Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
