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Low Carb Crack Chicken Casserole - Creamy, Cheesy, and Crowd-Pleasing

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie works great)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (low carb)
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream (or unsweetened almond milk for lighter)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (or 1/2 cup real bacon bits)
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning (about 1 oz) or 2 tbsp homemade ranch mix
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups low-carb veggies (optional): small broccoli florets, cauliflower rice, or sliced zucchini
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon butter or avocado oil (for sautéing veggies, if using)

Method
 

  1. Prep your oven and pan: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish or similar baking pan.
  2. Cook the bacon: In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Drain on a paper towel and crumble. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon fat if you plan to sauté veggies.
  3. Optional veggie step: If using broccoli or cauliflower, lightly sauté in butter or bacon fat for 3–4 minutes to soften slightly. If using zucchini, sauté just 2 minutes to avoid excess moisture.
  4. Make the creamy base: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream. Mix until smooth.
  5. Season it: Stir in ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  6. Add the stars: Fold in cooked chicken, half of the crumbled bacon, 1½ cups of the shredded cheddar, and any sautéed veggies. Mix until evenly coated.
  7. Assemble the casserole: Spread the mixture into the prepared dish. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar and the rest of the bacon.
  8. Bake: Bake uncovered for 18–22 minutes, until hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted with lightly golden spots.
  9. Finish and serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with sliced green onions. Serve as-is or with a crisp side salad.