Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole – An Easy Low-Carb Recipe The Family Will Love!

When you are trying to eat a low-carb diet, but need to feed a family, there is no better recipe than this Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole. Tender chunks of chicken and broccoli tossed in a cheesy bacon ranch sauce then topped with shredded cheese and more bacon!

Then it is put in the oven to bake until it is hot and bubbly and the top layer of cheese melts and begins to turn golden brown. Best of all, it is SUPER EASY to make!

In fact, with the help of a few prepared ingredients, you can have this casserole prepared and in the oven in a matter of minutes. Then in just over 30 minutes, a complete and filling dinner is ready to be on your table.

It is one of those recipes that has been a life saver for me on more than one on occasion. Whenever I am in a time crunch and don’t know what to make for dinner, but still want to keep on track with eating low carb foods, I pull out this recipe.

With the help of a rotisserie chicken, a package of frozen broccoli, real bacon bits and a packet of dry Ranch dressing mix I can have this casserole mixed and ready for the oven in under 10 minutes!

However, you can also make it using fresh chicken breasts and your own spices, and I have included the instructions in the recipe below. However you decide to make it, I am sure it will become a new favorite meal no matter if you are on low-carb diet or if you are just looking for a delicious dinner recipe to feed the family!

Chicken Options For Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

When deciding what type of chicken to use in your low-carb chicken bacon ranch casserole or this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Casserole you have several options. Depending on your preference and the amount of time that you have available to spend in the kitchen, you have various options.

Rotisserie chicken: This is a super time-saving option, as the chicken is already cooked and flavorful. Simply shred it with your hands or forks and you’re good to go.

Leftover baked or grilled chicken: If you have any leftover chicken from another meal, this is a great way to reuse it. Shred or chop it to the desired size for your casserole.

Canned chicken breasts: While not the most flavorful option, canned chicken can be a convenient choice if you’re short on time. Drain and shred the chicken before adding it to your casserole.

Fresh boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: These can be baked, grilled, poached or pan-fried until cooked through, then chopped or shredded for the casserole. This gives you the most control over the flavor and texture of the chicken.

Ground chicken: Ground chicken cooks quickly and can be seasoned to your liking. While it might not have the same texture as chunks of chicken, it can still be delicious in your Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole.

*The chicken does not need to be hot when it gets combined with the other ingredients. However it should have been cooked to the safe consumption temperature of 165°F prior to it being chilled or canned.

How To Soften Cream Cheese Quickly

Although this recipe can come together in just a few minutes, it is crucial that the cream cheese is softened to room temperature prior to being mixed with the other ingredients. However, this process can take up to an hour if you simply set it on the counter.

Therefore, I have included other methods that you can use to get the bar of cream cheese to soften in less time.

Warm Water Bath:

• Leave the cream cheese unopened in its foil wrapper and place it in a bowl of warm water (not hot). Replace the water every 10-15 minutes for even softening. It should be ready in 15-20 minutes.

Microwave:

• This is the fastest method, but requires more attention. Unwrap the cream cheese from both the box and foil. Then cut it into smaller pieces and place it on a microwave safe plate.
• Microwave on high in 10-15 second bursts, stopping to check for softness after each one. Stop as soon as it’s easily indented with your finger, as overcooking can lead to a melty disaster.

Room Temperature (Quicker Trick):

• This isn’t as fast as the others, but it’s still quicker than simply leaving it out in its original package. Cut the cream cheese into small cubes or slices and spread them on a plate. This increases the surface area exposed to the warm air, speeding up the softening process by 10-15 minutes.

Homemade Dry Ranch Dressing Mix (Optional)

When it comes to seasoning the Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole, a packet of dry Ranch dressing mix comes to the rescue. You can find a these little envelopes of dry seasoning in the salad dressing aisle of the grocery store.

However you can also purchase a larger plastic container of the mix if you use the dry Ranch dressing mix frequently. I use it to make Ranch Potatoes, Ranch Pork Chops and even make my own homemade Ranch dressing to drizzle over my Loaded French Fries.

To use the mix substitute 3 tablespoons of dry Ranch dressing powder for 1 packet. However, you can also make your own version of the common Ranch dressing mix. It requires just a few common spices that you most likely already have in your cabinet:

• 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons dried dill weed
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper

Simply mix everything together and use it in place of the dry mix.

Bacon Crumble Options

This recipe calls for 1⁄4 + 2 Tablespoons of cooked bacon crumbles. Instead of frying up raw bacon, you can save time by keeping REAL Bacon Bits on hand.

No, these are not the red color bacon bits that are hard as a rock. There are several products at the grocery store that contain cooked real bacon bits. And any of those products will work great in this recipe.

However, if you have fresh bacon in the kitchen you can definitely cook the bacon and use it in this Chicken Bacon Ranch casserole recipe. Although bacon comes in various lengths and thickness, you will need approximately 4-6 strips of bacon.

But, let’s be honest, no one ever complained of having too much bacon in a recipe!!!

Low-Carb Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe

*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.

INGREDIENTS

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1⁄2 cup sour cream
• 1⁄2 cup mayo
• 1 package of dry Ranch Dressing Mix
• 1 1⁄2 lb. cooked chicken, cubed or shredded
• 1 lb. frozen broccoli, thawed and drained
• 1 package of dry Ranch Dressing Mix
• ¼ cup + 2 tablespoon bacon crumbles
• 8 oz. shredded cheddar

INSTRUCTIONS (Low-Carb Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole)

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spay. Set aside.

In a large bowl add the cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, and all of the seasonings and mix thoroughly. 

Add the cooked chicken, broccoli, ¾ of the cheese, and ¼ cup of the bacon crumbles to the cream cheese mixture. Mix until well incorporated. Spread the mixture in the prepared baking dish and even out the top.

Sprinkle the remaining cheese and the remaining 2 tablespoons of the cooked bacon crumbles on top. 

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake until hot and bubbly around the edges, approximately 35-45 minutes.

Remove the dish from the oven and let sit for 2-3 minutes before serving.

ENJOY! Mary

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