Enjoy this Clean Keto Bacon Ranch Chicken and Rice Casserole, an irresistible twist on a classic chicken and rice casserole. This recipe transforms a traditional favorite into a low-carb meal. Imagine the savory taste of crispy bacon ranch, all wrapped up in a nutritious, cheesy, keto-friendly package made from all-natural ingredients. Trust me, its to die for!
My passion is creating delicious meals in a healthy way. And I love casseroles! Bacon and ranch, a match made in flavor heaven, often come with a heavy health cost with added highly processed ingredients.
So, I rolled up my sleeves to recreate these beloved flavors using clean, wholesome ingredients.
My version of ranch dressing is a blend of coconut cream, fresh dill, and apple cider vinegar, offering a creamy base without the worry.
We opt for organic, uncured bacon to keep away preservatives and nitrates, using its grease to sauté onions and garlic.
It's not just a dish; it's keto comfort food at its finest.
Our passion for keto casserole recipes runs deep. From Chicken Enchilada Casserole to the Italian Turkey Broccoli Casserole, and the indulgent Keto Buffalo Chicken Casserole, we've explored a world of flavors.
But don't worry, this isn't only for keto dieters, you can enjoy the low carb casserole creations even if you don't follow a strict low carb diet. In fact, our whole family loves this keto chicken casserole.
Setting healthy intentions can transform the way we eat, bringing mindfulness to our meals. To delve deeper into this transformative practice, check out our free guide on setting intentions.
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Ingredients
Shredded Rotisserie Chicken: Cutting up a rotisserie makes it so much easier. Opt for a leftover rotisserie chicken or roast your own, ensuring it's organic for the best quality.
Cauliflower, Riced: This is often the best substitute for white rice in a low-carb recipe. You can make your own cauliflower rice by pulsing cauliflower chunks in a food processor or by using a box grater, or purchase it pre-riced and frozen from your grocery store.
Almond Flour: This gluten-free topping adds a nutty flavor and crunch similar to panko bread crumbs. It's my favorite secret low-carb swap!
Organic Free-Range Chicken Broth: A base for our creamy sauce, organic, free-range chicken broth is best.
Coconut Cream: A luscious alternative to heavy cream, coconut cream offers richness and creaminess. Look for versions with minimal additives to maintain a clean keto diet.
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV): Look for Apple Cider Vinegar that has "the mother" in it to retain its benefits.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: For the best quality and flavor, buy a block of cheese and shred it yourself. This avoids the extra starches and additives found in pre-shredded cheese.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Grate it yourself for the freshest taste and to avoid unnecessary additives.
Chopped Onions
Minced Garlic
Smoked Paprika
Finely Chopped Dill: Essential in creating the ranch flavor.
Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust the amount to your preference for a spicy kick in your cauliflower casserole.
Fresh Spinach: Incorporating spinach boosts the nutritional value, ensuring your keto chicken casserole is as healthy as it is delicious.
Uncured Bacon: Opt for organic, uncured bacon to avoid preservatives and nitrates, and use the grease for sautéing to infuse more bacon flavor into the dish. Check out our guide to the best bacon for a keto diet!
Sea Salt and Black Pepper
Instructions
Fry the Aromatics: Heat your large skillet and fry the onions, garlic, and a dash of red pepper flakes in either the bacon grease or a bit of avocado oil for a couple of minutes.
Incorporate Cauliflower and Spinach: Toss in the riced cauliflower and sauté over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes. Follow by mixing in the spinach and cook until it's just wilted.
Blend the Casserole Ingredients: Grab a large bowl and combine the shredded chicken, the sautéed cauliflower and spinach mixture, organic chicken broth, coconut cream, a splash of apple cider vinegar, freshly chopped dill, and half of your shredded cheddar cheese. Don't forget to add the crumbled bacon for that smoky flavor. Season well with salt and pepper to your taste.
Assemble in Casserole Dish: Carefully transfer this mixture into your baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Baking: First, get your oven up to the temperature of 350°F (175°C). Create a crunchy topping by mixing the almond flour with the rest of your cheddar cheese and the grated Parmesan. Evenly sprinkle this over the casserole. Let it bake for 25-30 minutes, or until you see the top turn a lovely golden brown.
Final Touches and Serving: Once out of the oven, embellish your casserole with some fresh parsley. For an extra burst of freshness, feel free to top it with some diced tomatoes and slices of avocado.
Hint: When cooking with bacon grease, keep in mind the amount can vary. If your pan seems dry, don’t hesitate to add a bit of avocado oil. Conversely, if there’s too much grease, simply spoon out the excess. This ensures your sautéed veggies are perfectly flavored without being too greasy or dry. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious keto creation!
Substitutions and Variations
Vegetarian Options:
- Replace Chicken: Omit the chicken and bacon and increase the amount of vegetables. Consider adding green onions, bell peppers, or zucchini for added texture and flavor.
- Protein Substitutes: For protein, you could incorporate jackfruit or tofu, adjusting spices like garlic powder or onion powder to enhance the taste.
Vegan Alternatives:
- Cheese and Cream Substitutes: Use vegan cheese options and full-fat coconut milk as an alternative for richness. Nutritional yeast can also be added for a cheesy flavor.
Cauliflower Rice Substitutes:
- Roasted Cauliflower Florets: For a different texture, roast cauliflower florets until they are slightly crispy.
- Broccoli or Broccoli Rice: An equally nutritious alternative, broccoli can be riced or used as florets.
- Spaghetti Squash: A great low-carb option that adds a unique texture to the dish.
- Wild or Brown Rice: If carbs are not a concern, these rice varieties can add a nutty flavor and hearty feel to the dish.
Creamy Sauce Alternatives:
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Offers a richer and thicker consistency to the sauce.
- Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess, perfect for a ranch-like flavor.
- Full Fat Cream Cheese: For a thicker, creamier casserole, mix in some cream cheese.
- Greek Yogurt: A healthier alternative that adds creaminess.
Additional Spice Options:
- Chili Powder: Add a bit of chili powder for a subtle heat and depth of flavor.
- Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These can be used to enhance the flavor, especially if you're using less flavorful meat substitutes. The smoked paprika will give it a smoky bacon-like flavor.
Storage
Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature before storing it to maintain its texture and flavor. Transfer leftovers into an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Can be frozen for up to 4 months.
Top tip
When assembling your casserole, avoid overfilling the dish as it will bubble during baking. Also, scoop only the cream from the top of your coconut cream can, leaving the excess water behind - it's perfect for adding to your smoothie the next day!
FAQ
On a keto diet, traditional rice varieties, like white or brown rice, are typically avoided due to their high carbohydrate content. Instead, 'riced' vegetables such as cauliflower or broccoli rice are excellent substitutes, offering a similar texture with significantly fewer carbs.
Yes, cauliflower is excellent for a keto diet. It's low in carbs and highly versatile, making it a popular substitute for grains and legumes. Cauliflower can be riced, mashed, or used as a pizza crust, fitting well into various keto-friendly dishes.
Black wild rice, although containing more nutrients than white rice, is still high in carbohydrates. Therefore, it's not typically considered keto-friendly. Those on a strict keto diet usually avoid grains, including wild rice, to maintain ketosis.
On a keto diet, you can enjoy various types of chicken, including chicken breasts, thighs, and wings. Rotisserie chicken and other minimally processed chicken products are also great options. It's advisable to opt for chicken cooked with natural ingredients and avoid breaded or sugar-marinated versions.
More Keto Recipes
Looking for other healthy keto recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
This pairs well with a simple green salad!
Recipe
Clean Keto Bacon Ranch Chicken and "Rice" Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 lbs shredded rotisserie chicken
- Cauliflower riced (about 4 cups)
- 1 cup almond flour for topping
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup coconut cream
- 1 splash of apple cider vinegar ACV
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup chopped onions
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon finely chopped dill
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 cups fresh spinach chopped
- 6 slices uncured bacon cooked and crumbled (reserve grease)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Optional toppings: diced tomato and avocado
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Sauté onions, garlic, and red pepper flakes in bacon grease or avocado oil.
- Add Cauliflower and Spinach: Cook riced cauliflower for 5 minutes, then stir in spinach until wilted.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix chicken, cauliflower and spinach mixture, chicken broth, coconut cream, ACV, dill, 1 cup cheddar cheese, and bacon. Season with salt and pepper.
- Prepare Casserole Dish: Transfer mixture to a casserole dish.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix almond flour with remaining cheddar and Parmesan cheese, sprinkle over the chicken. Bake for 25-30 minutes until topping is golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley, add optional toppings if desired.
Notes
- If using bacon grease, adjust the amount based on preference and bacon fat yield.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute cheese with vegan alternatives.
- You can make your own riced cauliflower using a food processor for a fresher alternative to store-bought.
Nutrition
Final Thoughts
We hope you enjoy making and savoring this Clean Keto Bacon Ranch Chicken and "Rice" Casserole as much as we do! Your thoughts and experiences are valuable to us, so please feel free to leave a comment and share your take on this recipe. Don’t forget to save it for later and share it with friends and family who might appreciate a healthy and delicious meal idea.
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Be well,
Natalie
Century Foods says
Simple, easy but delicious! Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Natalie Perry says
Happy you enjoyed it!