Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: 55–60 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Difficulty: Medium
Cuisine: American / Comfort Food / Keto-Friendly Option
Category: Casserole / Dinner / Main Course

---

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie or poached)

• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

• 1 teaspoon dried dill (optional)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

• Optional: 1 cup broccoli florets or chopped green beans for added veggies

• Optional topping: Extra shredded cheese or crushed pork rinds for keto-friendly crunch

---

Equipment Needed

• Oven

• Baking dish (9×13 inches recommended)

• Mixing bowl

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Knife and cutting board

• Cheese grater (if shredding your own cheese)

---

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven (Intensity: Very Easy, Time: 5 min)

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Grease your baking dish lightly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Tip: Preheating ensures even cooking and helps the casserole bake evenly.

---

Step 2: Prepare Chicken and Bacon (Intensity: Medium, Time: 10 min)

1. If not using pre-cooked chicken, poach or bake chicken breasts until fully cooked (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).

2. Shred or cube the cooked chicken.

3. Cook bacon until crispy, then crumble into small pieces.

4. Optional: If adding veggies, lightly steam broccoli or green beans to soften slightly.

Tip: Using rotisserie chicken speeds up prep time without sacrificing flavor.

---

Step 3: Make Ranch Cream Sauce (Intensity: Medium, Time: 5 min)

1. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, dill, salt, and black pepper.

2. Mix until smooth and creamy.

3. Gradually stir in chicken broth to thin the sauce slightly.

Tip: Adjust thickness with more or less broth depending on preference. A thinner sauce blends more with rice or pasta if adding a carb base.

---

Step 4: Combine Ingredients (Intensity: Medium, Time: 3 min)

1. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheeses (reserve a small portion for topping).

2. Add ranch cream sauce and mix thoroughly until all ingredients are coated evenly.

3. Optional: Fold in steamed vegetables if using.

Tip: Mixing gently ensures the casserole holds together while baking, preventing the cheese from separating.

---

Step 5: Assemble Casserole (Intensity: Medium, Time: 2 min)

1. Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish.

2. Spread evenly and sprinkle the reserved shredded cheese or crushed pork rinds on top for added texture.

Tip: Layering ensures every bite has a mix of chicken, bacon, cheese, and sauce.

---

Step 6: Bake the Casserole (Intensity: Medium, Time: 35–40 min)

1. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

2. If topping with cheese, you can broil for the last 2–3 minutes for a crisp, golden finish.

Tip: Keep an eye on the top to avoid burning. Oven temperatures may vary, so adjust time as needed.

---

Step 7: Cool and Serve (Intensity: Very Easy, Time: 5 min)

1. Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

2. Cut into portions and serve warm.

Tip: Cooling slightly allows the casserole to set, making it easier to serve.

---

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a lighter meal.

• Pair with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly low-carb option.

• Top with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for added color and flavor.

• Leftovers make a great next-day lunch and can be reheated in the microwave or oven.

---

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days.

• Freezer: Freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm.

• Reheating Tip: Cover casserole with foil to prevent cheese from burning while reheating.

---

Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

Note: Nutrition may vary slightly depending on the type of cheese, bacon, and optional vegetables used.

---

Cooking Intensities Recap

• Preheat Oven: Very Easy – 5 minutes, minimal effort.

• Prepare Chicken and Bacon: Medium – 10 minutes, includes cooking and chopping.

• Make Ranch Cream Sauce: Medium – 5 minutes, requires mixing and seasoning.

• Combine Ingredients: Medium – 3 minutes, gentle folding to maintain texture.

• Assemble Casserole: Medium – 2 minutes, layering evenly.

• Bake Casserole: Medium – 35–40 minutes, monitor for golden top.

• Cool and Serve: Very Easy – 5 minutes, minimal effort.

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Flavorful: Bacon, cheese, and ranch cream sauce make this casserole incredibly savory and satisfying.

• Protein-Packed: High in protein thanks to chicken and cheese, perfect for dinner or meal prep.

• Customizable: Easily add low-carb vegetables or swap cheeses for variety.

• Keto-Friendly Option: Low in carbohydrates while still indulgent and comforting.

• Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser suitable for busy weeknights or special occasions.

---

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

1. Use Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken works perfectly to save time and add flavor.

2. Don’t Overcook: Bake until bubbly; overcooking can dry out chicken and cheese.

3. Crispy Bacon: Slightly overcook bacon before adding for extra crunch.

4. Add Veggies: Broccoli, cauliflower, or green beans add nutrients and color.

5. Adjust Creaminess: More sour cream or cream cheese can be added for a richer sauce.

---

Optional Variations

1. Extra Cheesy Casserole: Add more mozzarella or cheddar on top before baking.

2. Spicy Version: Add 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.

3. Low-Fat Version: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and sour cream.

4. Pasta-Based: Mix with cooked low-carb pasta for a hearty casserole.

5. Breadcrumb Topping: For non-keto, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan cheese for a crunchy topping.

---

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining savory chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch sauce, and melty cheese into one irresistible dish. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or entertaining friends, and the recipe is highly adaptable to suit low-carb, keto, or traditional diets.

With only 3 grams of net carbs per serving and packed with protein and healthy fats, this casserole satisfies cravings without compromising dietary goals. The combination of textures—creamy, cheesy, and slightly crispy bacon—ensures every bite is rich, flavorful, and utterly satisfying.

Whether you serve it fresh from the oven or enjoy leftovers, this casserole is a convenient, flavorful, and wholesome option for busy weeknights or special occasions.