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In my world, cold weather means quick low carb meals and comfort food recipes. Especially low carb casseroles, like loaded cauliflower casserole, big mac casserole, and my personal favorite, this cheesy chicken bacon ranch casserole recipe. The beauty of it is that it doesn’t taste like health food at all (Cheese! Bacon! Ranch!)… the whole family will devour this easy dinner. But secretly? Yep, it’s actually a low carb keto chicken casserole.
Low carb chicken casserole recipes are one of the best easy low carb dinners. You can throw them together in advance or make them last minute. The prep time is typically minimal, especially if you have some basic staples in your fridge already. Besides, the ability to customize a basic chicken casserole recipe for various ingredients you might have is a huge advantage. That’s why I have two ways to make this one (and lots of substitution options) below.
Why You’ll Love Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
- Cheesy bacon and ranch flavor
- Creamy cheese, tender chicken
- Just 5 minutes to prep
- Cooks in 15 minutes
- Just 4.4 grams net carbohydrates per serving

What Is Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole?
Chicken bacon ranch casserole is a casserole made of yummy chicken, bacon, and ranch flavors. The base is made of chicken, bacon, ranch dressing, and cheese and then you can decide what vegetables you want to add.
So what makes this one of the best low carb chicken meals? The preparation is seriously the easiest thing ever. You cannot get it wrong.
If you have the chicken and bacon pre-cooked, and ranch dressing pre-made, then the prep time for this low carb chicken casserole literally takes just five minutes. You can even save more time by using rotisserie chicken, pre-cooked bacon bits, and store bought ranch.
Ingredients & Substitutions
This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for keto chicken bacon ranch casserole, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.
Basic Ingredients For Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole:
The common, simple ingredients are the best part of this low carb casserole. I often have them on hand, and I’ll bet you do too. And like many easy keto recipes, there are some options for customizing this one.
Here is what you’ll need for virtually any healthy chicken bacon ranch casserole recipe, and some customization options:
- Chicken Breast – It needs to be cooked, and seasoned with at least salt and pepper, but otherwise any kind of chicken will do! I usually use baked chicken breast, shredded chicken made in the Instant Pot, or pan seared chicken breast. This recipe is also a great way to use up leftover chicken you already have, or for a shortcut, buy a rotiserrie chicken… and (boom!) you get one of the easiest keto shredded chicken recipes ever.
- Bacon – Also needs to be pre-cooked until crispy, but there are several options here. 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. If you want convenience, buy pre-cooked bacon bits.
- Garlic – You can buy fresh garlic and mince it yourself, or use jarred garlic to save time.
- Ranch Dressing – If possible, choose a dressing that’s on the thicker side for best results. I was excited to share another use for homemade ranch dressing, so that’s what I used. Making your own only takes a few minutes to whisk together, and stores well in a jar in the fridge, so try it if you can! But if you prefer to buy dressing, you’ll love this store-bought ranch, made with natural ingredients. You can even add some extra homemade ranch seasoning mix to the casserole if you want a stronger ranch flavor. For a variation, try substituting alfredo sauce or caesar dressing instead of the ranch.
- Vegetables – They can be fresh or frozen, but there are so many options here that I decided to cover them in a separate section below.
- Shredded cheese – Choose your fave cheese! This easy low carb casserole works well with any kind. I had cheddar and mozzarella cheese around, as always. Feel free to use some fancy sharp cheeses if you like those (check out the cheese list for ideas!), but mozzarella and cheddar cheese are reliable options for the most family-friendly version.

Vegetable & Other Filling Options:
I originally made this keto chicken bacon ranch casserole using frozen spinach. For the most part, readers have been happy with it (you’ll love it if you like creamed spinach!), but I know some people don’t like spinach as much as I do. The most common variation I heard people making was a chicken bacon ranch casserole with broccoli, so I updated the recipe card with a 2nd version to show you how to do that.
Ultimately, this is your casserole, so make it yours, using vegetables you like. Here are some ideas:
Healthy 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 florets or cauliflower rice) | Rice |
Green Beans | Sweet Potatoes |
Mushrooms | |
Spinach | |
Veggie Medley |
No matter what veggies you use, there are three main things to know:
- Use the right amount. A good rule of thumb to use for this recipe is 4 cups of most 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 few tablespoons of ranch dressing.
- Precook your veggies. Vegetables will not cook through in the assembled casserole, and doing so can make the dish very watery, so avoid these issues by cooking your veggies before adding them to your chicken bacon casserole mixture. (The exception is frozen spinach, because this is already blanched and just needs to be drained.) When I make chicken bacon ranch casserole with broccoli, I simply cook the broccoli in boiling water and this works great. But if you prefer and have the time, you can also pan fry or roast your vegetables instead.
- Leftover vegetables work great. Low carb chicken casseroles are the perfect match for leftover veggies! If you have leftovers of sauteed or roasted vegetables, toss them into the casserole to use them up.
Below is an older photo of the version of this keto chicken casserole made with spinach, alongside a newer photo of the broccoli version. Both are delicious!


How To Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
This section shows how to make this chicken bacon ranch casserole recipe, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.
- Cook veggies. This applies to broccoli and most other vegetables. If you’re using frozen spinach, you don’t even have to do that — just drain it and squeeze with paper towel.
- Mix. In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, cooked bacon, cooked veggies, shredded cheeses, minced garlic, and ranch dressing.
TIP: If you like extra ranch flavor, add 1-3 teaspoons of ranch seasoning mix, in addition to the dressing.


- Assemble. Transfer your keto chicken casserole 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. Baking time takes only about 15 minutes, just until the chicken bacon casserole is hot and bubbly. Voila! This will be one of your favorite low carb meals for a busy weeknight. (I added a bit more crumbled bacon on top at the end.)

How To Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Ahead
Like many casserole recipes, you can make this one ahead or freeze it. This chicken bacon ranch casserole is great for meal prep! Here are your options for storing this easy meal:
- Assemble ahead of time: You can assemble the whole thing, cover with foil, and keep it in the fridge for a few days. Then, simply bake right before serving.
- Freeze: Assemble it the same way, and freeze right in the casserole dish. You can bake it from frozen, but it will cook more evenly if you let it thaw in the fridge first. You may need to give it a good stir after baking, or midway through.
- Meal prep: Assemble in individual containers and heat individually for lunch. Since all the ingredients are pre-cooked, you can even reheat in the microwave if needed.
- Store leftovers: If you already baked the keto chicken casserole and have leftovers, simply store them in the fridge for 3-5 days.

More Keto Chicken Casserole Recipes
If you like this keto chicken bacon ranch casserole, you might also like some of these other keto chicken casseroles:
- Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole
- Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
- Chicken Zucchini Casserole
- Pesto Chicken Cauliflower Casserole
- Buffalo Chicken Casserole
If you prefer a simpler chicken dinner with a side dish on the side, try crispy air fryer chicken wings, warming coconut curry chicken, or easy creamy Crock Pot chicken.
Tools I Use For This Recipe
- Baking Dish – Assemble and cook the keto chicken casserole right in this baking dish. It goes from oven to table beautifully, is an ideal size, and you can even freeze it if you want to prep the casserole ahead.
Video Showing How To Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole with Spinach:
Tap here to jump to the video for this recipe -- it's located directly above the ingredients list. It's the easiest way to learn how to make Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole with Spinach!
This video shows how to make chicken bacon ranch casserole with spinach. You can see the version with broccoli on the recipe card below.
Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole (Fast & Easy)
The whole family will love cheesy chicken bacon ranch casserole! This fast, easy low carb chicken casserole needs just 7 common ingredients.
Recipe Video
Tap on the image below to watch the video.Like this video? Subscribe to my YouTube cooking channel for healthy recipes weekly! (Click the bell icon to be notified when I post a new video.)
Ingredients
Tap underlined ingredients to see where to get them. Please turn Safari reader mode OFF to view ingredients.
Main Ingredients for Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Version 1 with Broccoli
Version 2 with Spinach
Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions below to start a kitchen timer while you cook.
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Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (191 degrees C).
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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.
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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.
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Top with remaining shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.
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Bake for about 15 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
Last Step: Leave A Rating!
Share your recipe picture by tagging @wholesomeyum and hashtag it #wholesomeyum on Instagram – I’d love to see it!
Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 cup
Nutrition info is based on this homemade ranch dressing, and version 1 with broccoli. Version 2 with spinach has similar nutrition info, but slightly different due to the spinach.
Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see our nutrition policy.
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620 Comments
Amber
0I made this for dinner and even our non low carb eater love it! Easy family meal, who doesn’t love bacon, ranch, or cheese! Thanks for another hit!
Sharryne Brown
0This was so good for keto or otherwise! I love the tips provided & the different variations I can try to make the recipe one’s own!!
Jim
0Keeper. Made this three times now. Keep adding things we like. Bell peppers green onions red pepper flakes. Gets better every time.
Tara H.
0I wasn’t sure about this recipe initially, but it was a winner! I did add 1/4 more of the homemade ranch dressing because I wanted a bit more creamy and used cauliflower as I had it on hand. I will definitely be making this again with broccoli next time.😋🤗
Jessica
0This is absolutely amazing! Even my husband liked it. Will definitely be making again. Can’t wait to try some of your other casserole dishes.
Susan Thornton
0Delicious! Absolutely loved the simplicity and the deliciousness of this recipe!
Elaine
0We really like this recipe. To make it even easier I shred my chicken in a food processor after cooking in an instant pot. After I remove the chicken, I make 1/2 of your ranch dressing in the processor and add the bacon as well. I buy frozen broccoli in 1#steam bags that I cook in the microwave for 4 minutes and drain then add to the food processor with the ranch. Makes it so easy just to mix everything together. (my husband and I both have braces on our teeth so we need our food chopped a little finer). It is also nice to have leftovers for the next day. too.
Scott
0This is a great base recipe for a Clean Out the Fridge Casserole. I added a leek, some kale, some scallions, and a red pepper. Upped the garlic a bit, added a few more strips of bacon, and tossed it all with enough ranch dressing to cover all of it. Then added the cheese — more than this recipe called for — and baked it. It was great! (And I have room in my crisper!)
Andrea
0Excellent! I made mine with Ken’s Steakhouse Buttermilk Ranch. The dish was saltier than I would have liked, but that might be because of the dressing. When I make it again, I’m going to try the ranch recipe that’s within the ingredient card and see if that helps.
Lauren
0Always on the lookout for low carb recipes that will appeal to my “traditional” husband. Followed the recipe as written and was definitely a keeper.
Tiffany
0Great recipe! I seasoned the chicken and added penne pasta and it was delicious! Family loved and requested that I add it to our rotation.
Caroline
0This was good! BUT, I don’t like cooked ranch dressing, so next time I will sub 1/2 C sour cream, 4 oz cream cheese, 2 TBS ranch dressing/dip mix. I calculated the total carbs at 4.6 for 6 servings (because 1 cup is only enough to make my husband mad 🙂 )
Kacy
0I made this over the weekend using your baked chicken and homemade ranch recipes. For veggies, I roasted a mix of cauliflower and green beans because that’s what we had on hand. The entire recipe came together beautifully and was so flavorful. My husband was raving about it and said it should be in our regular rotation for sure. It was so good. The chicken came out very moist and the ranch flavor hit the spot. Thank you so much! I’m having leftovers for lunch today and already cannot wait to make it again.
Km
0I just (blessedly) stumbled onto you and I am so glad that I have! I have promised myself that for my 60th birthday this September I’d get back down to a 120 lbs from my presently 59 year old 163 pounds, but wasn’t looking forward to Atkinson induction old school, (successfully executed in the past, but difficult to stick to), so your GORGEOUS, RECIPES that an old kitchen phobe like me could even follow, have given me hope that I can eat REAL FOOD, while keeping a promise to myself to return to health and fitness Ala “pre-covid boredom eating” era. Thank you for sharing! This will be my first recipe to try for tomorrow nights dinner…!
Annemarie
0Very good!
Brenda
0Can this be made using chicken thighs?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Brenda, Yes you can use chicken thighs.
Robert Ross
0On the nutrition ledger, there is no sodium content listed.
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Robert, Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations? Please see our nutrition policy.
Carla
0My daughter has asked me repeatedly to make this for her. She loves it! The ranch dressing is amazing!
Michael
0Hi. Has anyone tried bag of steamed broccoli in this?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Michael, Yes that should work for you.
Kathy
0This was very tasty meal. My husband loved it. It gave me a quick dinner recipe.
Skillet
0First time I made this it was a SUPER HIT!!!! Fantastic flavors and KETO as well…… All the way around a De-Lish-US meal…
Beth Smith
0Just made this recipe. Soo very good thank you so much.
Ashley
0Hi! What are the measurements for all the ingredients? Especially the Ranch. I did not see them. Hoping to try this dish tonight! 🙂
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Ashley, You can find that info in the recipe card right above where you just left this comment.
Jen
0Could this be frozen after cooking for a good work lunch?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Jen, There is a whole section in the post about making the casserole ahead of time.
Nick&Nora
0I didn’t use Ranch dressing, but rather I added dried Ranch Powder into the Alfredo Sauce. No other liquids used, Broccoli and Cauliflower were steamed then well drained, but it still came out very runny, almost no body at all. I was disappointed in the result but not in the flavor! Would like to find a way to tighten up the sauce without adding carbs.
I’ll try this again, just need to work with it!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Nick and Nora, Sorry to hear it wasn’t what you expected. You can see from the pictures it doesn’t come out runny for me. It’s likely that your veggies needed to be cooked for longer prior to adding to the casserole, and must have released more water when the casserole baked. Hope this helps!
Chenee Lewis
0I love how easy and tasty this casserole is! I love it with both broccoli and spinach!
Gunjan
0Absolutely stunning recipe with delicious flavors. My family loved every bit of it.
Sil
0Nothing could be easier than this chicken, a love how fast is to prepare it, ideal for those busy nights when I don’t feel like making dinner.
Jacqueline Debono
0I love both spinach and broccoli so I’d love to try this chicken bacon ranch cassserole with both for extra goodness!
Sara Lafountain
0What a delicious casserole. I am doing low carb and my kids are not. It is hard to find recipes that we all can enjoy together!
Heather
0Such cheesy goodness!! Made it with broccoli and we both gobbled it up.
Rebecca
0We made this for dinner last night and it was fantastic! This is definitely going in our regular dinner-recipe rotation!
Cathleen
0I have all of the ingredients at home already!! So excited to try this recipe, I am sure it will be my new go-to comfort meal 🙂
Natalie
0Yum, that was delicious. I will make this again for sure.
Veenaazmanov
0One meal my family will never want to miss. This is so quick, easy, and delicious.
CindyWoo
0Hi! I do not use Pinterest. I saw your recipe on Facebook. How do I print it? There is no icon to “print”. Thank you, CindyWoo 🙂
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi CindyWoo, Right above the list of ingredients you will find a button for printing.
Angie
0Love this recipe! It has bacon, it’s easy and quick to make. No doubt, this recipe tastes amazing.
Amy L Huntley
0This is the easiest recipe to make. All family members love it too, so I consider that a win! Love that it is low-carb too.
Megan
0One of my all time favourites. Thanks so much for all the inspiration.
Karen Friend
0What is the serving size? I keep overlooking it
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Karen, The serving size is 1 cup.
Gwynn
0Such a delicious casserole recipe. My family loved it and I will definitely be making it again very soon!
Kristyn
0Everything about this meal makes me so happy & hungry! My kids will even eat it & they don’t usually like to eat broccoli!
wilhelmina
0I have made this a couple times now and it always hits the spot. They whole family loves it and it always smiles around the table when this is on the menu.
Liz
0I make a chicken bacon casserole very similar to this, just without broccoli. I love the idea of adding broccoli – gives some color to the dish! This is always a crowd pleaser!
Sierra
0This dinner recipe is so fun and easy to make – and it tastes delicious! Thank you for sharing this recipe!
Ann
0A yummy, easy to make casserole the whole family will love.
Scarlet
0Well, with ranch and bacon, I knew this casserole would be a family favorite and it sure was!
Toni
0This was a really huge hit at my house! Everyone loved it.
Brenda York
0Can you freeze this recipe?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Brenda, Yes, absolutely! Freezing instructions are in the post above.
Darlene McClenny
0This recipe is one of our favorites! I include Broccoli and about 4 oz of sauted sliced mushrooms. We also used grilled chicken that is always in our freezer. It’s almost better as leftovers!
Shelley Rice
0This recipe is a keeper! It has a great flavor. We used homemade dairy free ranch, broccoli and rotisserie chicken. I also topped it with some crushed up pork rinds for a little crunch. I love when I can make make a healthy meal quickly.