Keto Chicken Recipe with Bacon and Ranch (Air Fryer Option)

4.51 / 5 ( 134 Reviews )
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A quick and flavorful keto dish featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, and cheesy broccoli, perfect for the whole family.
Jan 6, 2025 The links in the post below may be affiliate links. Read the full disclosure

Keto Bacon Ranch Chicken  Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

This keto chicken recipe is incredibly easy to prepare and delivers a burst of flavor in every bite. Imagine tender, juicy chicken paired with crispy bacon and cheesy, Ranch-coated broccoli—a mouthwatering trio that even picky eaters can’t resist. This dish is a dream come true for anyone on a keto diet, offering a satisfying low-carb meal that doesn’t skimp on taste.

Perfect for hectic weeknights or meal prepping ahead of time, this recipe guarantees a hearty, delicious meal with minimal effort. The combination of protein-rich chicken, savory bacon, and nutrient-packed broccoli creates a balanced meal that’s both healthy and indulgent. Give it a try, and it’s bound to become a staple in your recipe lineup!

Ingredients and Supplies to Make Keto Chicken with Bacon and Ranch

fresh roasted broccoli

Simple pantry staples combine to create rich, creamy flavors with smoky bacon, while heavy cream and cheese add a luxurious texture. Fresh broccoli brings color and nutrients to round out the dish.

Ingredients

  • Butter
  • Homemade Ranch seasoning mix (not Ranch dressing)
  • Cream cheese
  • Heavy cream
  • Reduced sodium chicken broth
  • Crumbled cooked bacon
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Frozen broccoli florets
  • Shredded cooked chicken

What Kind of Chicken to Use

For this keto chicken casserole, you have several convenient options:

  • Rotisserie chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a quick, easy, and flavorful option. Just shred it and add it directly to the recipe.
  • Leftover chicken breasts: Leftover grilled or baked chicken works well. Ensure it’s unseasoned to allow the Ranch flavors to shine through.
  • Canned chicken: If you don’t have any prepared chicken on hand, use canned chicken as a last-minute alternative.

Veggie Alternatives and Additions

We love the flavor combination with broccoli but feel free to switch things up or add more veggies. These vegetables are low-carb and provide different flavors and textures that complement the dish:

  • Cauliflower: Cauliflower florets are another great low-carb veggie similar to broccoli.
  • Spinach: Add fresh spinach at the very end of cooking. This leafy vegetable is loaded with nutrients! 
  • Bell peppers: Bell peppers add a nice crunch and a pop of color. 

Supplies

How to Make This Keto Chicken Recipe 

steps to make bacon ranch chicken skillet

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and add Ranch seasoning, cream cheese, heavy cream, broth, crumbled bacon, and cheese. Whisk to combine and cook the sauce for about 5 minutes. 

Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli and Chicken

Shred or dice the cooked chicken. You can shred chicken with 2 forks or my favorite method that is so quick and easy is using my Kitchen Aid.  Check out this post: How to shred chicken in a Kitchen Aid mixer to see how much faster it makes shredding chicken!

Steam the broccoli in the microwave for about 2 minutes. Stir the chicken and broccoli into the sauce until they are well-coated. 

shredded chicken

Step 4: Air Fry

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mixture to an air fryer-safe dish. Place the dish in the air fryer and cook for about 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and melted. Air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes for a more crispy topping. Cooking times may vary depending on the model of the air fryer, so keep an eye on the dish to prevent overcooking.

You can also transfer the skillet to the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes. 

Keto Casserole

A serving of Ranch Chicken and Bacon

How to Store Leftovers

  • Refrigerate: Allow the dish to cool completely before storing. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
  • Reheat: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, until warmed through, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

Macronutrients

This keto chicken casserole is not only delicious but also well-balanced for those on a keto diet:

  • Carbohydrates: This food is low in carbs, with only about 9g net carbs per serving, making it perfect for staying in ketosis.
  • Protein: Packed with protein from the chicken and cheese, providing around 34g per serving.
  • Fat: High in healthy fats (37g per serving) from the cream, cheese, and bacon, which help keep you full and satisfied.
  • Fiber: 2g of fiber per serving, mainly from the broccoli, aiding in healthy digestion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Keto Chicken Ranch Bacon Skillet

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the leftovers. Let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the air fryer or oven.

Can I steam the broccoli first, or can I cook it fresh in the casserole dish?

You can cook the broccoli fresh in the casserole dish if you prefer. However, steaming it beforehand ensures it’s tender, helps retain its bright color, and reduces cooking time. If using fresh, unsteamed broccoli, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Bacon Ranch Chicken skillet with broccoli

Final Thoughts

This keto chicken recipe is a versatile and satisfying option for any meal. Whether you’re preparing it for a quick dinner or making it ahead for busy days, the creamy Ranch sauce, crispy bacon, and cheesy broccoli are sure to please everyone at the table. Serve it over cauliflower rice, to make it even more filling! 

Don’t hesitate to experiment with different veggies or toppings to make it your own. Enjoy this hearty, keto-friendly, gluten-free dish with your loved ones!

Keto Bacon Ranch Chicken Skillet

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one pot bacon ranch keto chicken

Bacon Ranch Chicken skillet with broccoli

Quick Keto Chicken Recipe with Bacon and Ranch

This keto chicken recipe is easy, fast, and calls for simple ingredients. The best part is that the whole family loves it (read the reviews below!). Even the broccoli is irresistible with all of that cheesy bacon Ranch flavor!
4.51 / 5 ( 134 Reviews )
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 5
Adjust Servings: 5

Equipment

  • Skillet

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 ½ tablespoons Homemade Ranch seasoning mix
  • 4 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • ⅔ cup reduced sodium chicken broth
  • ¼ cup crumbled cooked bacon
  • ½ cup shredded cheese
  • 10.8 ounce frozen broccoli florets or about 4 cups broccoli
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken

Topping

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F/175°C.
  • In an oven-safe skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and add Ranch seasoning, cream cheese, heavy cream, broth, crumbled bacon, and cheese. Whisk to combine and cook sauce for about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, steam the broccoli.
  • Stir the broccoli and shredded chicken into the sauce mixture. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese and 1/2 cup crumbled bacon over top.
  • Cook in oven for about 20 minutes, until bubbly throughout and cheese is melted. Then move to top oven rack and broil for 2-3 minutes, if desired. Serve warm.

Air Fryer Instructions

  • Transfer the mixture to an air fryer safe dish. Cook in the air fryer for 10-15 minutes or until cheese melts and is bubbly. For a crispier top add 2-3 minutes.

Recipe Notes

If you don't have an oven-safe skillet, just transfer mixture from skillet to a baking dish for cooking in the oven.

Nutrition

Calories: 505kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 37g | Sodium: 1098mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g
Ingredients: Bacon, Broccoli, Broth, Butter, Cheese, Chicken, Chicken Broth, Cream Cheese, Heavy Cream, Ranch Seasoning Mix
Meal Type: 30-Minute Meals, Main Dish, #StayHome, Fall, Super Bowl Party, Low Carb and Keto
Categories: Casserole, Meat and Poultry, Oven, Stove Top

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4.51 from 134 votes (105 ratings without comment)

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