Description
This Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, low-carb comfort dish perfect for anyone following a ketogenic diet. Featuring tender chicken, crisp broccoli, smoky turkey bacon, and a rich ranch-inspired sauce, this casserole is both hearty and flavorful, making it an ideal meal for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Protein
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 4 slices turkey bacon (cooked and crumbled)
Dairy
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasonings & Oils
- 2 teaspoons garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ¾ teaspoon dried chives
- ¾ teaspoon dried dill weed
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Blanch the broccoli: Boil a pot of water and immerse the broccoli florets for 5 minutes to soften slightly. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and preserve color.
- Prepare the casserole base: Grease a casserole dish and layer the blanched broccoli evenly at the bottom.
- Cook the chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with garlic powder, dried parsley, chives, dill weed, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté the chicken until fully cooked and lightly browned.
- Add garlic to chicken: During the last minute of cooking, add minced garlic to the skillet to infuse flavor. Then combine the cooked chicken with the broccoli in the casserole dish.
- Make the creamy sauce: In the same skillet, whisk heavy whipping cream over medium heat until it thickens. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Combine sauce with casserole: Pour the cheese sauce over the chicken and broccoli mixture in the casserole dish, gently tossing to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and the crumbled cooked turkey bacon evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
Notes
- You can substitute turkey bacon with regular bacon if preferred, but keep in mind the fat content will increase.
- For extra crispiness, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after baking.
- Ensure the broccoli is well drained after blanching to prevent a watery casserole.
- This dish can be prepared a day in advance and baked just before serving.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
