This Bacon Ranch Keto Chicken and Rice Casserole is a deliciously simple weeknight meal that the whole family will love- without all the carbs! 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, it's to die for! Keto comfort food at its finest, and it's ready in around 40 minutes.
I love creating delicious meals in a healthy way. And I love casseroles! Bacon and ranch is a popular flavor mashup that is often made in a heavily processed way. 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.
Try some of our other keto casseroles: the Keto Chicken Enchilada Casserole, the Keto Italian Turkey Broccoli Casserole, the Keto Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole, and the Keto Breakfast Casserole.
Before getting started, I always recommend taking a moment to set healthy intentions. To delve deeper into this transformative practice, check out our free guide on setting intentions.
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Ingredients
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.
Cheddar and Parmesan 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.
Spinach: Organic is best. 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!
See recipe card for full list of ingredients and quantities.
Substitutions and Variations
Vegetarian Options:
- Omit the chicken and bacon, and increase the amount of vegetables. For protein, you could incorporate jackfruit or tofu, adjusting spices like garlic powder or onion powder to enhance the taste.
Creamy Sauce Alternatives:
- Heavy Whipping Cream
- Sour Cream
- Full Fat Cream Cheese
- Greek Yogurt
How to Make Bacon Ranch Keto Chicken and Rice Casserole
Step 1: Heat your large skillet and saute 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.
Step 2: Toss in the riced cauliflower and sauté over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes. Follow by mixing in the spinach and cooking until it's just wilted.
Step 3: Grab a large bowl and combine the shredded chicken, the sautéed cauliflower and spinach mixture, chicken broth, coconut cream, a splash of apple cider vinegar, freshly chopped dill, half of your shredded cheddar cheese, and the crumbled bacon for that smoky flavor. Season well with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Carefully transfer this mixture into your baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Step 5: 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 golden brown.
Step 6: Once out of the oven, garnish your casserole with fresh parsley. Consider adding some diced tomatoes and slices of avocado as toppings.
Hint: When cooking with bacon grease, keep in mind that the amount can vary. If your pan seems dry, don’t hesitate to add a bit of avocado oil. Or, if there’s too much grease, spoon out the excess. This ensures your sautéed veggies are perfectly flavored without being too greasy or dry.
Expert Tips
When assembling your casserole, avoid overfilling the dish, as it will bubble during baking. Also, scoop only the cream from the top of your can of coconut cream, leaving the excess water behind. Save it because it's perfect for adding to your smoothie the next day!
Recipe FAQ's
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 Casseroles
Looking for other healthy keto casseroles like this? Try these:
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Recipe
Bacon Ranch Keto Chicken and Rice Casserole
Equipment
- large skillet
- Medium bowl
- Cooking Spoon
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.
Video
Notes
- Adjust the amount based on preference and bacon fat yield if using bacon grease.
- Make your own riced cauliflower using a food processor and a head of fresh cauliflower. Cut it into chunks and quickly pulse it in the food processor until it crumbles. Do not over process.
Century Foods says
Simple, easy but delicious! Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Natalie Perry says
Happy you enjoyed it!