Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Introduction
The Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is a delicious, hearty meal that combines the flavors of chicken, bacon, and ranch dressing with tender broccoli. Perfect for anyone following a keto diet, this casserole is easy to make and will satisfy your cravings without sabotaging your health goals.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is great for several reasons. First, it’s low in carbs, making it ideal for those on a keto diet. Second, it is packed with protein and healthy fats, which can keep you full and energized. Lastly, the combination of chicken, bacon, and ranch flavor makes it a crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week.
How to Make Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Making this casserole is simple and straightforward. Just follow these steps to enjoy a tasty keto meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 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
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded and divided
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 4 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Place the broccoli florets in a pot of water over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil and blanch for 5 minutes. Immediately rinse in cold water and drain.
- Add the broccoli to the bottom of a well-greased 9×9 casserole dish.
- Mix the chicken pieces with chives, parsley, dill weed, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss to coat completely.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken to the heated skillet and sauté until completely cooked through.
- Place 2 teaspoons of minced garlic into the pan with the chicken and sauté for 30 seconds longer.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it into the casserole dish with the broccoli.
- Reduce the heat on the stove to medium. Add the heavy whipping cream to the same skillet and use a whisk to scrape the browned bits off the bottom of the pan.
- Cook the heavy cream for a few minutes until it begins to thicken.
- Add ½ cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and the mozzarella cheese to the skillet. Mix in salt and pepper to taste if desired.
- Pour the thickened cheese mixture over the broccoli and chicken in the casserole dish. Toss to coat well.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the mixture in the casserole dish.
- Top the casserole with crumbled bacon and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes until browned and bubbling.
- Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Serve the casserole warm, straight from the oven. You can enjoy it on its own or with a side salad for a complete meal.
How to Store Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Tips to Make Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
- Make sure to cut the chicken into even pieces for quicker cooking.
- Adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences.
- Feel free to add extra low-carb vegetables, like bell peppers or spinach, for added nutrition.
Variations
You can swap the chicken for turkey or use a mix of different cheeses for different flavors. If you’re not a fan of broccoli, you can substitute it with cauliflower or green beans.
FAQs
1. Can I use cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use leftover cooked chicken. Just add it to the casserole after mixing the cheese sauce.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is gluten-free as it does not contain any flour or bread.
3. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
Enjoy making this comforting Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole! It’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
