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
- 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.
- 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.
- Integrate shredded chicken into the sauce mixture, ensuring each protein strand is thoroughly coated with the rich, tangy blend.
- 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.
- Transfer the combined chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it carefully to create an uniform layer that will cook evenly.
- Strategically sprinkle mozzarella and remaining cheddar cheese across the surface, creating a melty, golden blanket that will develop a crispy, appetizing crust.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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