Low-Carb Crack Chicken Casserole Recipe

Irresistible Low-Carb Crack Chicken Casserole Recipe

A creamy, cheesy low-carb crack chicken casserole that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Comfort food just got a healthier makeover without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.

Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly among rich, velvety sauce and melted cheese.

Zero guilt accompanies each delightful bite of this protein-packed marvel.

Ranch seasoning adds that irresistible zingy punch that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Weeknight dinners transform into something special when this crowd-pleasing dish hits the table.

You’ll find yourself craving this simple yet spectacular meal that comes together faster than ordering takeout.

Grab a fork and get ready to savor every single mouthwatering spoonful!

Pairing Ideas For Low-Carb Crack Chicken Casserole

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to cut through the rich, creamy casserole and balance its savory flavors.
  • Serve with Zesty Side Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a fresh, tangy contrast to the decadent chicken dish.
  • Complement with Roasted Vegetables: Prepare garlic-roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts to add a crisp, nutritious element that enhances the casserole's hearty profile.
  • Enjoy with Sparkling Water: Choose a citrus-infused sparkling water to cleanse the palate and add a refreshing touch to the meal's richness.

Low-Carb Crack Chicken Casserole With A Twist

  • Spicy Buffalo Chicken Bake: Transform the classic recipe by adding hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture and topping with blue cheese crumbles for a zesty kick.
  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken Casserole: Incorporate dried oregano, basil, and sun-dried tomatoes into the sauce, then garnish with crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley.
  • Smoky BBQ Chicken Fusion: Mix barbecue sauce into the cream cheese blend, use smoked gouda instead of cheddar, and sprinkle with crispy fried onions for extra crunch.
  • Green Chile Chicken Melt: Stir roasted green chiles into the sauce, swap ranch seasoning for taco blend, and top with pepper jack cheese for a southwestern-inspired version.

FAQs About Low-Carb Crack Chicken Casserole

The recipe uses ingredients like cream cheese, chicken, and cheese that are naturally low in carbohydrates, making it perfect for those following a ketogenic or low-carb diet.

  • Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works great and can save you time in preparing the shredded chicken for the casserole.

  • Is this dish spicy?

The ranch seasoning mix adds flavor, but the casserole isn’t inherently spicy. If you want more heat, you can add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the mixture.

  • How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?

Make sure to drain excess liquid from the shredded chicken and use full-fat dairy products to help maintain a thick, creamy consistency.

Why Low-Carb Crack Chicken Casserole Is Full Of Flavor

  • Savor Creamy Comfort: This casserole delivers rich, velvety textures that melt in your mouth, combining cream cheese, sour cream, and multiple cheese layers for an indulgent experience.
  • Speed Up Dinner Prep: With just 10 minutes of preparation and 30 minutes of baking, this low-carb recipe offers a quick, hassle-free meal solution for busy families and hungry weeknight crowds.
  • Customize with Ease: The versatile recipe allows simple ingredient swaps or additions, making it perfect for accommodating different dietary preferences or using leftover chicken and ingredients you have on hand.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Protein Power: Packed with shredded chicken and crispy bacon, this dish provides a satisfying protein punch that keeps hunger at bay while delivering incredible flavor combinations that everyone will love.

Ingredients Needed For Low-Carb Crack Chicken Casserole

Protein Base:
  • Chicken: Shredded meat provides the main protein for the casserole, best when cooked and pulled apart.
  • Bacon: Crispy meat adds smoky flavor and crunchy texture, can be thick-cut or regular cut.
Dairy Components:
  • Cream Cheese, Sour Cream, Mayonnaise: Creamy ingredients create a rich, smooth sauce base.
  • Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheeses add flavor and create golden, bubbly topping, sharp or mild cheddar works well.
Seasoning and Herbs:
  • Ranch Seasoning Mix: Provides classic tangy and herbal flavor profile for the dish.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and enhances overall chicken flavor.
  • Green Onions: Fresh garnish that brings light onion taste and color, can use chives as alternative.
  • Black Pepper, Salt: Optional seasonings to enhance overall taste, adjust to personal preference.

How To Cook Low-Carb Crack Chicken Casserole Easily

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375F (190C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Whip Up The Creamy Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend these creamy ingredients until they become a smooth, dreamy mixture:
  • Softened cream cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Mayonnaise
  • Ranch seasoning mix
  • Chicken broth

Stir with enthusiasm until everything looks silky and well-combined.

Step 3: Mix In The Protein And Flavor

Toss into the creamy sauce:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Half of the cheddar cheese
  • Half of the crispy bacon bits

Fold and mix until each ingredient is perfectly distributed throughout the sauce.

Step 4: Create The Casserole Canvas

Spread the chicken mixture evenly across your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella and remaining cheddar cheese on top, creating a beautiful cheesy landscape.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let it transform for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns golden brown and the edges start bubbling with deliciousness.

Step 6: Garnish And Serve With Flair

Pull the casserole out of the oven and immediately shower it with the remaining bacon crumbles and freshly chopped green onions. Serve piping hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Helpful Tips For Low-Carb Crack Chicken Casserole

  • Customize Cheese Blend: Swap out cheddar and mozzarella with your favorite low-carb cheese varieties like pepper jack or gouda for a unique flavor profile.
  • Boost Protein Power: Add extra protein by mixing in diced cooked bacon or chopped rotisserie chicken for more substantial texture and flavor.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, store covered in the refrigerator, and bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
  • Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Replace ranch seasoning mix with homemade low-carb seasoning blend to reduce hidden carbohydrates and control sodium intake.
  • Vegetable Boost: Incorporate finely chopped spinach or cauliflower rice into the mixture for added nutrients and volume without significantly increasing carbohydrates.

How To Store And Reheat Low-Carb Crack Chicken Casserole

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freeze: Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350F. Cover dish with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
  • Microwave Option: Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chicken reaches 165F internal temperature.
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Low-Carb Crack Chicken Casserole Recipe

Low-Carb Crack Chicken Casserole Recipe


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4.8 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comfort meets health in this low-carb crack chicken casserole recipe, blending creamy textures with zesty flavors. Cheesy, protein-packed goodness promises a satisfying meal that delivers bold taste without compromising wellness goals.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 lbs (907 g) cooked chicken, shredded
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Cheese and Creamy Components:

  • 8 ounces (227 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
  • 1 ½ cups (170 g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 cup (113 g) shredded mozzarella cheese

Seasoning and Liquid Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
  • 1 packet (1 ounce/28 g) ranch seasoning mix
  • ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
  • ¼ cup chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 375°F (190°C) and coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a light grease layer to prevent sticking.
  2. Create a creamy sauce foundation by whisking together softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, ranch seasoning, and chicken broth until achieving a silky, uniform texture.
  3. Integrate shredded chicken into the sauce mixture, ensuring each protein strand is thoroughly coated with the rich, tangy blend.
  4. Fold in half of the cheddar cheese and half of the crumbled bacon, distributing ingredients evenly throughout the mixture to guarantee consistent flavor in every bite.
  5. Transfer the combined chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it carefully to create an uniform layer that will cook evenly.
  6. Strategically sprinkle mozzarella and remaining cheddar cheese across the surface, creating a melty, golden blanket that will develop a crispy, appetizing crust.
  7. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the edges bubble and the cheese transforms into a gorgeous golden-brown landscape.
  8. Once cooked, extract the casserole from the oven and immediately garnish with remaining bacon fragments and freshly chopped green onions for a vibrant, textural finish.
  9. Allow the dish to rest momentarily before serving, which helps the ingredients settle and intensifies the overall flavor profile.

Notes

  • Swap out high-carb ingredients like regular cream cheese for low-fat or Greek yogurt alternatives to reduce overall calorie content.
  • For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream instead of sour cream and dairy-free cheese substitutes that melt well.
  • Boost protein and nutrition by adding chopped spinach or cauliflower rice directly into the chicken mixture for extra vegetables.
  • Control sodium levels by using homemade ranch seasoning mix or choosing a low-sodium chicken broth to make the dish heart-friendly.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 45 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 40 g
  • Cholesterol: 180 mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

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