A warm, creamy, and satisfying casserole that’s low-carb and packed with chicken, veggies, and melty cheese—perfect for a fuss-free, weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is a one-dish wonder: simple to assemble, comforting in flavor, and carb-conscious. With ranch-dressed chicken, garlic, vegetables, and gooey cheese, it’s hearty without the carbs. Plus, it’s perfect for customizing and prepping ahead—just bake and enjoy.
Ingredients
Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
For the casserole:
- 4 cups cooked chicken breast (diced or shredded)
- 5 cups broccoli florets OR 1 lb frozen spinach, thawed & well-drained
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the topping:
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Optional:
- 1–3 tsp ranch seasoning mix (for extra flavor)
Directions
- Prepare vegetables:
- Broccoli: Preheat oven to 375 °F (191 °C). Boil florets 1–2 minutes until bright, then drain well.
- Spinach: Thaw fully, then squeeze out all excess water.
- Combine main ingredients:
In a large bowl (or directly in casserole dish), mix chicken, prepared vegetables, minced garlic, ranch dressing, mozzarella, cheddar, and optional ranch seasoning. Stir until evenly combined. - Assemble:
Transfer mixture (if not already in dish) into a greased 9×13″ casserole dish. - Add topping:
Distribute remaining mozzarella and cheddar evenly over the top. - Bake:
Bake at 375 °F (191 °C) for 20–25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese topping is melted and slightly golden. - Serve:
Let rest 5 minutes before serving warm. Enjoy!
Servings and timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Bake time: 20–25 minutes
- Total time: 30–35 minutes
Variations
- Veggie swaps: Use cauliflower, green beans, or mixed vegetables in place of broccoli or spinach.
- Flavor boost: Stir in 1–3 tsp ranch seasoning mix or ½ tsp garlic powder or onion powder.
- Extra crunch: Top with crushed pork rinds, almond flour, or low-carb breadcrumbs before baking.
- Cheesy upgrade: Use pepper jack or gouda instead of cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Protein option: Substitute chicken with cooked turkey, ground beef, or sausage.
Storage/reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Microwave individual servings or reheat in a 350 °F oven (175 °C) for 10–15 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes—assemble the casserole, cover with foil, refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake when ready.
2. What can I use instead of ranch dressing?
Creamy Greek yogurt or sour cream mixed with ranch seasoning works well as a substitute.
3. Do I need to cook the chicken first?
Yes—use cooked shredded or diced chicken (rotisserie chicken works great) for quick prep.
4. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes—sauté 8 oz fresh spinach until wilted, cool slightly, then squeeze dry before adding to the mix.
5. How low in carbs is this casserole?
Most carbs come from the vegetables and ranch dressing—using broccoli makes it significantly low-carb, likely under 10 g net carbs per serving.
6. Can I skip the cheese topping?
You can—but the melted cheese on top adds a satisfying golden finish and creamy texture.
7. Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes—if your ranch dressing is gluten-free. Be sure any added seasoning or toppings are safe.
8. Can I make this spicy?
Absolutely—add ½ tsp chili powder, crushed red pepper, or diced jalapeños to the mixture.
9. How can I make it more filling?
Serve alongside a fresh green salad dressed in vinaigrette or over cauliflower rice.
10. What’s the best dish size for baking?
A 9×13″ casserole dish works perfectly; feel free to use an 8×8″ dish for thicker casserole (adjust bake time accordingly).
Conclusion
This Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole is a go-to for simple, satisfying, and healthy dinners. Juicy chicken, vibrant veggies, and cheesy, creamy sauce come together in one dish—ideal for busy nights or meal prep. Make it your own with your favorite low-carb tweaks and enjoy a deliciously easy dinner!
Print
Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole
- Total Time: 30–35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A creamy, cheesy, and low-carb casserole featuring tender chicken, broccoli (or spinach), and gooey cheese—perfect for a comforting and healthy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
For the casserole:
4 cups cooked chicken breast (diced or shredded)
5 cups broccoli florets (or 1 lb frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup ranch dressing
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the topping:
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Optional:
1–3 tsp ranch seasoning mix
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (191°C). Boil broccoli florets for 1–2 minutes until bright, then drain well. If using spinach, thaw and squeeze out excess water.
- In a large bowl, combine chicken, vegetables, garlic, ranch dressing, mozzarella, cheddar, and optional ranch seasoning. Stir until evenly combined.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13″ casserole dish.
- Distribute remaining mozzarella and cheddar evenly on top.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and the cheese topping is melted and slightly golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use cauliflower or green beans instead of broccoli or spinach for a veggie variation.
- For added flavor, mix in ranch seasoning or garlic powder.
- For extra crunch, top with crushed pork rinds or low-carb breadcrumbs before baking.
- Substitute chicken with turkey, ground beef, or sausage for a different protein option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg