Ultimate Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole – One-Pan Comfort Food That Actually Fits Your Macros
KEY INFO
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Difficulty level: Easy
Dietary tags: Keto, Low-carb, Gluten-free
Contents
EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
- Large mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch baking dish (or 8×8 for smaller batch)
- Skillet for bacon
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Simple alternatives: Use microwave-safe bowl, any oven-safe dish that fits your portions
INGREDIENTS:
Main Components:
- 1.5 lbs cooked chicken breast, cubed (680g) [rotisserie works perfectly]
- 8 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled (8 oz/225g) [turkey bacon acceptable]
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (16 oz/450g) [mix with mozzarella if preferred]
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (225g) [must be room temperature]
- 1/2 cup sour cream (120ml) [Greek yogurt works]
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (120ml) [avocado mayo for cleaner option]
- 3 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix [not bottled dressing]
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed (300g) [cauliflower or spinach work]
Seasonings:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill [or 1 teaspoon dried]
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper [optional heat]
METHOD:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease your baking dish generously.
- Cook your bacon in the skillet until crispy, then crumble and set aside. Save a handful for topping.
- Steam broccoli for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Don’t overcook – it continues cooking in the oven.
- Create your ranch cream base by whisking together softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and ranch seasoning until completely smooth. No lumps allowed here.
- Season the sauce with garlic, dill, parsley, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust – this is your flavor foundation.
- Fold in the cubed chicken, most of the bacon (save some for topping), steamed broccoli, and 1.5 cups of cheese. Mix gently but thoroughly.
- Transfer everything to your prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Top with remaining cheese and reserved bacon.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbling at the edges. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Optional: Broil for 2 minutes to get those gorgeous golden-brown spots on top.
- Rest for 5 minutes before serving – this prevents a molten cheese disaster.
CRUCIAL TIPS:
- Soften cream cheese completely – cold cream cheese creates lumps you’ll never fix
- Don’t skip the ranch seasoning mix – bottled dressing makes it watery
- Steam vegetables just until crisp-tender – they finish cooking in the casserole
- Use full-fat everything – low-fat dairy separates and tastes terrible
- Let it rest – cutting immediately creates a sloppy mess
STORAGE & SCALING:
Storage:
- Refrigerate leftovers 3-4 days in airtight containers
- Freeze portions up to 3 months (wrap tightly)
- Reheat at 325°F until hot throughout
Scaling Tips:
- Double the recipe: Use two dishes or one very deep pan, add 10-15 minutes baking time
- Half the recipe: Use 8×8 dish, reduce baking time to 15-20 minutes
- Meal prep: Divide into individual containers before baking
COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID:
- Using cold cream cheese (lumpy disaster)
- Overcooking broccoli (mushy texture)
- Using bottled ranch dressing instead of seasoning mix
- Skipping the rest time after baking
- Over-salting (bacon and ranch mix are already salty)
VARIATIONS:
- Protein swaps: Rotisserie chicken, turkey, leftover pork
- Veggie options: Cauliflower, spinach, bell peppers, asparagus
- Cheese blends: Mix cheddar with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gruyere
- Heat levels: Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or extra cayenne
- Air fryer method: 325°F for 12-15 minutes in smaller portions
This casserole delivers 4-5g net carbs per serving while packing 30g protein and 45g healthy fats.
I’ve made this dozens of times, and the secret is really in that ranch seasoning mix – it concentrates the flavor without adding carbs like bottled dressing does.
The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility.
Got leftover rotisserie chicken? Perfect.
Only have frozen broccoli? Works great.
Want to prep it Sunday for busy weeknight dinners? Absolutely.
Your family won’t believe something this satisfying fits into keto macros. Mine certainly didn’t.
