Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Warm, creamy, and loaded with protein and flavor, this Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is the cozy fall and winter dinner your weeknights need. Juicy chicken wrapped in ranch-spiced cottage cheese, crispy bacon, tender roasted broccoli and cauliflower, all bubbling under a blanket of golden, melty cheese. This protein-packed casserole satisfies every craving. 

This casserole isn’t just another keto dish. It’s a high-protein, low-carb cottage cheese dinner that feels indulgent but fits your goals. With 71.5g of muscle-building protein and just 6.7g net carbs, it’s total comfort in every bite. This is the kind of meal you’ll make once and then dream about next time the weather cools.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding your whole family, this protein-rich, low carb casserole is always a hit.

Why This Deserves a Spot in Your Weekly Lineup

• Creamy, tangy ranch flavor melts into every bite of juicy chicken
• Golden cheese crust gives you that bubbly, stretchy, straight-from-the-oven goodness
• Crispy bacon bits add salty crunch in every forkful
• Roasted veg soaks up all that ranchy-cheesy love
• High protein, low carb comfort that actually fills you up (no sad salads here)
• Perfect for meal prep or cozy dinners

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts – cubed for quick cooking
• Cottage cheese ranch marinate – creamy, tangy, and protein-rich
• Broccoli florets – adds crunch and color
• Cauliflower florets – mild, low carb veggie filler
• Streaky bacon – air-fried or pan-fried for extra flavor
• Shredded mozzarella cheese or cheddar cheese – melts into cheesy goodness
• Salt and pepper – optional, to taste

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375°F / 190°C.
• Make the cottage cheese ranch marinade (dip) and blend until smooth and creamy. Or, for a shortcut, mix 1/2 cup full-fat cottage cheese with a packet of ranch seasoning mix like Hidden Valley.
• Prep and marinate the chicken: Cut the chicken into small bite-size pieces. Toss with the cottage cheese ranch marinade. Let it sit while you prep the rest (longer marinating = deeper ranch flavor).
• Cook the bacon: Air fry at 375°F for 6–8 minutes or pan-fry until crisp. Drain on a paper towel and cut into small pieces.
• Chop the veggies: Cut broccoli and cauliflower into small, bite-size florets.
• Assemble the casserole: In a baking dish or casserole dish, mix the marinated chicken mixture, cooked bacon, and chopped veggies.
• Top with cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella, cheddar, or both over the top.
• Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (165°F inside) and the top is golden brown and bubbly. 
• Rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps it thicken slightly and keeps it extra creamy.
• Optional: sprinkle chopped green onions on top before serving for a pop of colour.

Expert Tips

• Want a stronger ranch taste? Marinate the chicken longer (even overnight).
• Crispier bacon = better flavor. Air fry or pre-cook it before adding.
• New to blending cottage cheese? Use a stick blender for less mess.
• Cooking for one? This recipe makes two hearty servings, so stash the second in an airtight container. Perfect for a no-effort lunch or next-day comfort fix.
• Try it on the stove: Cook chicken and veg in a large skillet with olive oil, add ranch, then top with cheese and cover to melt.
• Air fryer method: Use a foil-lined tray and cook at 375°F for about 20–25 minutes (check for doneness).

Ingredient Swaps

• Use rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken to save time (flavor will be milder). 
• No cauliflower? Double the broccoli or use green beans or zucchini.
• Sharp cheddar cheese for punchy flavor, mozzarella for meltiness. Use what you love.

Storage Tips

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Microwave or bake until hot. Add extra cheese if it looks dry.

What to Serve With

Make this high protien low carb casserole a low carb meal with:

• Tear-and-dip soft rolls: keto cottage cheese bread rolls or these keto bread rolls
• Crunchy dippers for cheesy sauce: Keto Cottage Cheese Breadsticks

Conclusion

Make this low carb chicken casserole once and it’ll be your new go-to for cozy nights. This chicken bacon ranch casserole recipe is rich, creamy, salty, cheesy, everything comfort food should be, without the carb crash.

I’ve been living the keto life since 2019 and lost 50 lbs by eating real, satisfying meals like this one. No boring bowls. No diet-y sadness. Just good food that loves you back.

If you try this keto casserole, drop a comment! I seriously can’t wait to see your version!

More Low Carb Casseroles to Try

If you love this cheesy comfort, you’ll want to check out my full collection of keto casseroles and bakes. These easy, high protein dinners are made for busy weeknights and cozy weekends.

• Keto Chicken Gyro Casserole – Juicy chicken with Greek-inspired flavors baked into a creamy, low carb dish.
• Keto Ground Beef Casserole – Rich, cheesy, and packed with veggies.
• Keto Chicken Gyros Enchiladas Casserole – A fun mashup with bold flavor in every bite.
• Keto Chicken Liver Casserole – A hearty, nutrient-dense option for true comfort food lovers.
• Keto Pesto Chicken Bake – Fragrant basil pesto takes baked chicken to a whole new level.

FAQ

Q: Can I use sour cream instead of cottage cheese?

A: You can, but it lowers the protein. Cottage cheese keeps it high-protein and creamy.

Q: Can I make this ahead?

A: Yes! Assemble it raw in the morning, cover, and bake at night.

Q: How do I know when the chicken is done?

A: Use a meat thermometer. It should be 165°F inside when cooked.

Q: Can I use cream cheese instead of cottage cheese?

Yes, but the texture will be heavier and not as light. Plus, you’ll miss out on that high-protein boost cottage cheese gives.

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely. Boneless, skinless thighs stay juicier and give the casserole even more flavor. Just keep the bite-size cut the same so cooking time doesn’t change.