Rich, creamy, and unapologetically cheesy, this Chicken Cheese Bake is the kind of comfort food that feels indulgent while still fitting perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle. Loaded with crispy bacon, tender rotisserie chicken, savory mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a velvety cheese sauce, this casserole is hearty, satisfying, and guaranteed to become a repeat dinner request.
Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or when you want a warm, cozy meal that truly delivers.
🕒 Servings & Timing
Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Bake Time: 20–22 minutes
Total Time: ~50 minutes
🥗 Nutritional Info (Approx. per serving)
Calories: ~520
Fat: ~42 g
Protein: ~35 g
Net Carbs: ~5–7 g
(Values may vary depending on cheese and mayonnaise brands.)
🛒 Ingredients
For the Base
- 1 lb bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
- 1 rotisserie chicken, meat removed and chopped
- 1½ cups red onion, diced
- 8 oz baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tbsp fresh garlic, minced
- 8 oz baby spinach
For the Cheesy Sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ⅓ cup avocado mayonnaise
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ tsp hot sauce
- 1 tsp dry mustard
- ½ tsp white pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
For the Topping
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
🧰 Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- Medium saucepan
- Large mixing bowl
- 8×12-inch casserole dish
- Whisk or spoon
⭐ How to Make Chicken Cheese Bake
1. Cook the Bacon
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy.
Transfer to paper towels to drain and reserve 3 tablespoons of bacon fat.
Once cooled, crumble the bacon and set aside.
2. Make the Cheesy Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine:
- Cream cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Cheddar cheese
- Avocado mayonnaise
- Heavy cream
- Hot sauce
- Dry mustard
- White pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
Stir constantly until melted, smooth, and creamy.
Stir in half of the crumbled bacon and remove from heat.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
In the skillet, heat 2 tablespoons reserved bacon fat over medium-high heat.
Add diced onions and sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
Add mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes until golden.
Stir in garlic and spinach and cook until spinach is wilted, about 2 minutes.
4. Assemble the Casserole
In a large bowl, combine:
- Chopped chicken
- Sautéed vegetables
- Cheesy sauce
Mix until everything is evenly coated.
Transfer to an 8×12-inch casserole dish and spread evenly.
5. Add Cheese & Bake
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes, until bubbly.
Broil for 1–2 minutes for a golden, lightly crisp cheese topping.
6. Rest & Serve
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
Spoon generously and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite.
💡 Tips for Best Results
- Use rotisserie chicken for maximum flavor and convenience.
- Fresh spinach works best; if using frozen, thaw and squeeze dry.
- Stir the cheese sauce constantly to prevent sticking.
- Let the dish rest before serving for cleaner slices and thicker sauce.
🔄 Variations
- Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or extra hot sauce.
- Extra Veggies: Add zucchini or roasted cauliflower.
- Different Cheese: Swap cheddar for Colby Jack or Gruyère.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Portion into containers for easy reheating.
🧊 Storage
Refrigerator:
Store covered for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
🧁 Conclusion
This Chicken Cheese Bake is the definition of low-carb comfort food — rich, hearty, and deeply satisfying. With layers of flavor from bacon, chicken, vegetables, and a silky cheese sauce, it’s a dish that feels indulgent without straying from your goals.
Once it hits your table, it’s almost guaranteed to earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
