Skinny Low-Carb Crack Chicken Casserole Recipe

Zesty Low-Carb Crack Chicken Casserole Recipe For Comfort Fans

Comfort food takes on a healthier twist with this mouthwatering low-carb crack chicken casserole that delivers incredible flavor without the guilt.

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken, this dish satisfies deep cravings in every single bite.

Bacon adds a delightful crunch that makes this recipe irresistible to anyone following a low-carb lifestyle.

The combination of ranch seasoning and cream cheese creates a rich, indulgent sauce that brings all the ingredients together perfectly.

Families and individuals seeking a delicious, protein-packed meal will absolutely love this simple yet extraordinary casserole.

Quick to prepare and even faster to devour, this recipe proves that healthy eating never has to be boring.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing dish that will become a staple in your weekly meal rotation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 564 kcal

Servings: 5

Key Things Inside Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon

For Creamy Base:
  • Cream Cheese: Luscious base that adds rich, velvety texture and enhances overall creaminess of the dish.
  • Sour Cream: Provides tangy depth and smooth consistency to balance the richness.
  • Mayonnaise: Adds extra creaminess and helps bind ingredients together smoothly.
  • Chicken Broth: Infuses subtle savory flavor and keeps the casserole moist and juicy.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Ranch Seasoning Mix: Delivers zesty, herbaceous punch that elevates the entire dish's taste profile.
  • Green Onions: Brings fresh, sharp brightness and elegant garnish to finish the casserole.
For Protein and Topping Elements:
  • Shredded Chicken: Hearty, protein-packed main ingredient that forms the casserole's core.
  • Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, gooey cheeses that create irresistible golden-brown topping and intense cheesy flavor.
  • Bacon: Adds smoky, crispy crunch that provides delightful textural contrast and deep savory notes.

Tools You’ll Use In Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon

  • Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining sauce ingredients smoothly and mixing chicken mixture.
  • 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Essential for assembling and baking the entire casserole.
  • Cheese Grater: Helps shred or grate fresh cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurately measuring sauce ingredients and seasonings.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients without scratching the bowl.
  • Sharp Knife: Used for chopping green onions and measuring ingredients.
  • Oven Mitts: Necessary for safely handling hot baking dishes.

Simple Steps To Prepare Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon

  • Creamy Chicken Base

Whip up a velvety sauce that’ll make taste buds dance with excitement. Blend cream cheese, tangy sour cream, and zesty ranch seasoning into a smooth mixture that promises pure comfort.

  • Protein Power

Shred tender chicken and fold it gently into the luscious sauce. Add a sprinkle of crispy bacon pieces for an extra flavor punch that elevates the entire dish.

  • Cheese Celebration

Layer the creamy chicken mixture into a baking dish, creating a canvas for a cheese extravaganza. Generously coat the top with a blanket of melty cheddar and mozzarella that promises a golden, bubbly finish.

  • Oven Magic

Slide the casserole into a hot oven and let the magic happen. Watch as the cheese transforms into a gorgeous golden crust and the flavors meld together in delicious harmony.

  • Final Flourish

Pull out the bubbling masterpiece and crown it with crispy bacon bits and fresh green onions. This final touch adds a pop of color and an extra layer of irresistible flavor that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Tricks And Swaps For Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon

  • Bacon Lover's Tweak: Crisp extra bacon and mix different types like applewood-smoked or peppered bacon for deeper flavor layers.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the casserole ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking, which helps ingredients meld and intensifies taste profiles.
  • Keto-Friendly Swap: Replace ranch seasoning with homemade low-carb seasoning blend using dried herbs like parsley, dill, and garlic powder to reduce carbohydrate content.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese, use coconut milk instead of chicken broth, and select plant-based cheese alternatives to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals.
  • Protein Power Boost: Experiment with different protein sources like shredded rotisserie chicken, ground turkey, or even canned salmon for diverse nutritional profiles and exciting taste variations.

Serving Your Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon

  • Game Night Feast: Perfect for sharing with friends during competitive board game sessions or watching sports, this casserole delivers hearty comfort.
  • Low-Carb Lunch Companion: Pack individual portions in meal prep containers for a satisfying midday meal that keeps you energized without excess carbohydrates.
  • Veggie Side Kick: Pair with roasted broccoli, cauliflower, or zucchini to boost nutritional value and add fresh crunch to the creamy chicken dish.
  • Quick Family Dinner Hero: Whip up this crowd-pleasing casserole in under an hour, creating a delicious meal that satisfies both picky eaters and health-conscious family members.

Planning Meals With Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon

  • Fridge Storage Strategy: Transfer leftover casserole to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated portions stay fresh and delicious for 3-4 days, maintaining their rich flavors and creamy texture.
  • Freezer Magic: Wrap individual or full casserole portions tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Frozen meals remain tasty for up to 2 months, perfect for quick future meals or unexpected dinner rushes.
  • Reheating Wisdom: Thaw refrigerated or frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent cheese from burning and keep moisture intact.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Prepare the entire casserole ahead of time and store unbaked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to enjoy, simply bake directly from the cold state, adding 5-10 extra minutes to cooking time.
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Skinny Low-Carb Crack Chicken Casserole Recipe

Skinny Low-Carb Crack Chicken Casserole Recipe


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4.5 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Creamy crack chicken casserole delivers a low-carb comfort meal packed with flavor. Cheese, ranch seasoning, and crispy bacon create a satisfying dish that hungry diners will eagerly devour.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (907 g) chicken, shredded (cooked)
  • 6 slices bacon, crumbled (cooked)
  • 8 oz (227 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
  • 1 ½ cups (170 g) cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
  • 1 cup (113 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
  • 1 packet (1 oz/28 g) ranch seasoning mix
  • ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
  • ¼ cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Preparation: Calibrate oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent adherence.
  2. Sauce Construction: Blend cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, ranch seasoning, and chicken broth into a velvety, homogeneous mixture using vigorous whisking techniques.
  3. Protein Integration: Incorporate shredded chicken into the sauce, ensuring comprehensive coating and flavor distribution across each protein strand.
  4. Initial Layering: Merge half the cheddar cheese and bacon crumbles into the chicken mixture, creating a harmonious flavor foundation with balanced ingredient dispersion.
  5. Casserole Assembly: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, crafting an even surface that promises uniform heat penetration and consistent cooking.
  6. Cheese Topping: Strategically scatter mozzarella and remaining cheddar cheese across the surface, establishing a molten, golden crust that will develop crisp, appetizing edges.
  7. Baking Process: Position casserole in preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, targeting bubbling edges and a rich golden-brown cheese landscape as doneness indicators.
  8. Finishing Touches: Immediately garnish with residual bacon fragments and freshly chopped green onions upon removal, introducing vibrant color and textural complexity.
  9. Serving Preparation: Rest the casserole briefly to allow ingredient melding and flavor intensification before presenting to eager diners.

Notes

  • Customize Protein Choice: Select rotisserie chicken for deeper flavor or use turkey as a leaner alternative without compromising taste texture.
  • Prevent Watery Consistency: Drain chicken thoroughly and pat dry to eliminate excess moisture, ensuring a thick, creamy casserole without runny sauce.
  • Enhance Low-Carb Profile: Replace traditional ranch seasoning with homemade sugar-free version or use low-carb ranch mix to maintain ketogenic guidelines.
  • Optimize Cheese Melting: Grate cheese freshly instead of using pre-shredded varieties, which contain anti-caking agents that can impact melting quality and overall smoothness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 564
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 1075 mg
  • Fat: 43 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 39 g
  • Cholesterol: 155 mg
Marcus Foley

Marcus Foley

Food Critic & Kitchen Coach

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Troubleshooting; Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks; Global Flavor Exploration; Engaging Food Writing and Honest Reviews.

Education

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), New York, NY

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in foundational techniques, flavor development, recipe creation, and kitchen efficiency, with an emphasis on real-world application and storytelling through food.

Marcus Foley, based in Atlanta, GA, is a friendly food expert who makes cooking fun and simple.

With hands-on training from the Institute of Culinary Education and years of tasting everything from street food to fine dining, he shares easy kitchen hacks, global flavor ideas, and step-by-step recipes that turn kitchen mishaps into delicious surprises.

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