Keto Crack Chicken Casserole – Creamy, Cheesy, and Crowd-Pleasing

This Keto Crack Chicken Casserole is the kind of cozy, weeknight dinner that makes everyone happy. It’s rich, creamy, and loaded with flavor, yet it fits neatly into a low-carb lifestyle. Think tender chicken, smoky bacon, melty cheese, and a ranch kick—all baked until bubbly.

It’s simple enough for busy nights and satisfying enough to serve to guests. Best of all, it reheats like a dream.

Keto Crack Chicken Casserole - Creamy, Cheesy, and Crowd-Pleasing

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings 6 servings

Ingredients

  

• 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie works great)
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 packet ranch seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade, no sugar added)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 8 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (plus more for garnish)
• 2 cups small broccoli florets (lightly steamed or blanched)
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional, for a looser sauce)
• Salt to taste (start light; ranch and bacon add salt)
• Butter or avocado oil for greasing the dish

Instructions

 

• Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or oil.
• Prep the bacon and broccoli. Cook bacon until crisp, then crumble. Steam or blanch broccoli just until bright green and slightly tender; drain well.
• Make the creamy base. In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and heavy cream if using. Stir until smooth.
• Add the chicken and veggies. Fold in the shredded chicken, broccoli, half the bacon, half the green onions, 1 cup cheddar, and all the mozzarella. Taste and add salt only if needed.
• Assemble the casserole. Spread the mixture into the prepared dish. Top with the remaining cheddar and the rest of the bacon.
• Bake until bubbly. Bake for 18–22 minutes, until the edges are bubbling and the cheese is melted and golden in spots.
• Finish and serve. Let it rest 5–10 minutes so it sets. Sprinkle with remaining green onions and serve warm.

What Makes This Special

This casserole checks all the boxes for flavor and convenience. The combination of cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, and ranch seasoning creates that signature “crack” flavor—savory, tangy, and just a little addictive.

It’s also a great use for leftover or rotisserie chicken, which cuts prep time. You get plenty of protein and fat without a heavy carb load, keeping you full and energized. And since it’s baked in one pan, cleanup is easy.

Ingredients

• 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie works great)
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 packet ranch seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade, no sugar added)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 8 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (plus more for garnish)
• 2 cups small broccoli florets (lightly steamed or blanched)
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional, for a looser sauce)
• Salt to taste (start light; ranch and bacon add salt)
• Butter or avocado oil for greasing the dish

How to Make It

1. Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or oil.
2. Prep the bacon and broccoli. Cook bacon until crisp, then crumble.

   Steam or blanch broccoli just until bright green and slightly tender; drain well.

3. Make the creamy base. In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and heavy cream if using. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the chicken and veggies. Fold in the shredded chicken, broccoli, half the bacon, half the green onions, 1 cup cheddar, and all the mozzarella. Taste and add salt only if needed.
5. Assemble the casserole. Spread the mixture into the prepared dish.

   Top with the remaining cheddar and the rest of the bacon.

6. Bake until bubbly. Bake for 18–22 minutes, until the edges are bubbling and the cheese is melted and golden in spots.
7. Finish and serve. Let it rest 5–10 minutes so it sets. Sprinkle with remaining green onions and serve warm.

How to Store

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts.
• Freezer: Freeze tightly wrapped portions for up to 2 months.

  Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. For best texture, reheat in the oven.

• Meal prep tip: Portion into individual containers for easy lunches. Add a side salad for balance.

Why This is Good for You

• Low in carbs: It keeps net carbs in check by skipping pasta and using low-carb mix-ins like broccoli.
• High in protein: Chicken provides a solid protein base for satiety and muscle support.
• Satisfying fats: Cream cheese, cheddar, and bacon deliver the richness that helps reduce cravings on keto.
• Customizable veggies: Broccoli adds fiber and micronutrients while staying keto-friendly.

Pitfalls to Watch Out For

• Hidden sugars in ranch packets: Some blends sneak in sugar or maltodextrin.

  Check labels or make your own.

• Too salty: Bacon, cheese, and ranch are salty. Season at the end to avoid overdoing it.
• Watery casserole: If broccoli isn’t drained well, the sauce can thin out. Pat it dry and avoid overcooking.
• Greasy texture: Extra-fatty bacon or added oils can make it heavy.

  Drain bacon on paper towels.

• Overbaking: Long bake times can dry out the chicken. Bake just until bubbly and heated through.

Variations You Can Try

• Buffalo twist: Add 2–3 tablespoons buffalo hot sauce to the creamy base and swap mozzarella for pepper jack.
• Jalapeño popper style: Stir in 1–2 fresh chopped jalapeños (seeds removed for less heat) and a handful of diced bell pepper.
• Ranch herb upgrade: Use fresh dill, chives, and parsley instead of packaged ranch for a cleaner flavor.
• Bacon swap: Use pancetta or turkey bacon to change the flavor profile.
• Veggie mix-ins: Try cauliflower florets, spinach (well-squeezed), or zucchini (salt and pat dry to reduce moisture).
• Dairy-light option: Replace some cream cheese with full-fat Greek yogurt and use less cheddar; adjust seasoning to taste.
• Skillet version: Mix everything in an oven-safe skillet and bake directly in the pan for fewer dishes.

FAQ

Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?

Yes, but cook it first. Sauté bite-size pieces in a little oil with salt and pepper until just done, or bake chicken breasts at 400°F until they reach 165°F, then shred.

Using pre-cooked chicken keeps the bake time short and prevents dryness.

Is this casserole spicy?

Not by default. The smoked paprika adds warmth without heat. If you like spice, add crushed red pepper, jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce.

What can I use instead of ranch seasoning?

Mix 1 teaspoon dried dill, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, 1 teaspoon dried chives, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

Adjust to taste and add a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

How do I make it even lower in carbs?

Use only meat and cheese with low-carb seasonings, and choose the lowest-carb ranch blend. Keep veggie add-ins to very low-carb options like cauliflower or skip them entirely. Portion control also helps you hit your macros.

Can I assemble it ahead of time?

Absolutely.

Assemble up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add 5–10 extra minutes to the bake time since it will be cold.

What sides go well with it?

Keep it simple with a crisp green salad, roasted asparagus, or sautéed zucchini. If you want something heartier for non-keto guests, offer cauliflower mash or a small side of rice on the side.

How many servings does this make?

A 9×13-inch dish makes about 6–8 servings, depending on appetite.

For macro tracking, divide into equal squares and calculate based on your exact ingredients.

Can I make it without mayonnaise?

Yes. Replace the mayonnaise with extra sour cream or more cream cheese plus a tablespoon or two of heavy cream to keep the sauce smooth.

In Conclusion

Keto Crack Chicken Casserole is a dependable, flavorful dinner that feels like comfort food without the carb crash. It’s simple to prepare, flexible with add-ins, and reheats beautifully for busy weeks.

With creamy ranch flavor, crispy bacon, and plenty of cheese, it’s a dish you’ll want in your regular rotation. Keep the pantry staples on hand, and you can pull this off any night.