Keto Crack Chicken Casserole (Video)

Looking for a delicious low-carb dinner? This Keto Crack Chicken Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and loaded with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and savory seasonings. It’s the perfect keto-friendly comfort food for busy weeknights or meal prep!

Ingredients:

For the chicken

• chicken breasts (about 1.5 pound)
• salt for seasoning the chicken (about 1/4 teaspoon)
•  pepper (about 1/4 teaspoon)
• garlic powder for seasoning (about 1/2 teaspoon)
• 1 teaspoon oil
• 4 slices bacon chopped
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 4 ounces shredded cheese
• 2 ounces parmesan cheese

Ingredients for cream cheese mixture:

• 4 ounces cream cheese softened
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried dill
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Instructions for keto crack chicken casserole:

Prepare the Chicken:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish and set aside.
• After greasing the pan, pound the chicken breasts to ¼-inch thickness.

Season the Chicken:

• Start by sprinkling garlic powder evenly over one side of the chicken breasts.
• Follow with a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper.
• Flip the chicken breasts and repeat the seasoning on the other side.

Cook the Bacon:

• In a large skillet, add 1 tablespoon of oil and cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.

Sear the Chicken:

• In the same skillet add 1 tablespoon of butter.
• Sear the chicken breasts on both sides for 2-3 minutes each, until golden but not fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a casserole dish.

Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:

• In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese (4 oz) with onion powder (1/2 tsp), dried dill (1/4 tsp), garlic powder (1/4 tsp), and salt (1/8 tsp).

Assemble the Casserole:

• Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
• Add the cooked bacon on top of the chicken.
• Sprinkle the shredded cheese and parmesan cheese over the bacon.

Bake:

• Transfer a casserole dish to the preheated oven.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve:

• Garnish with fresh or dried parsley or additional bacon bits if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Storage:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.

How to Freeze Keto Crack Chicken

1. Cool Completely: Allow the dish to cool to room temperature after cooking.
2. Portion: Divide into meal-sized portions to make reheating easier.
3. Store: Place portions in airtight, freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible if using bags.
4. Label: Label with the date and contents.

Freezing Duration

• It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How to Reheat

1. Thaw: Transfer the frozen chicken to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight.
2. Reheat Gently: Warm the dish on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of heavy cream or broth to revive the creamy texture.

Avoid reheating too quickly or over high heat to prevent the cream cheese and sauce from separating.

If freezing, consider making the sauce separately and adding it to freshly cooked chicken when reheating to maintain the best texture.

Tips for Making the Best Keto Crack Chicken:

• Use Thighs for Extra Juiciness: While chicken breasts work well, chicken thighs are naturally juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked.
• Avoid Overcooking: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Overcooked chicken can become dry.
• Add a Kick: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or jalapeños for a spicy version.
• Make It in a Slow Cooker:
• Place raw chicken, cream cheese, seasoning, and chicken broth in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken, stir in cheddar cheese and bacon, and let it melt.
• Add Veggies: For a one-pan meal, toss in low-carb vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or spinach during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.
• Double the Batch: Make extra to freeze or for meal prep—this dish reheats beautifully!
• Serve Creatively: Try serving it over zucchini noodles or inside lettuce wraps
• Don’t Skip the Garnish: Green onions or parsley add a pop of color and a touch of freshness that balances the richness.

Pin for later:

Try these next time:

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Vegetarian Cabbage Soup

Creamy Indian Buttter Chicken