Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole is a delicious fusion of tangy BBQ sauce, creamy cheese, and the crunch of bacon. This isn't just another dish; it's a unique blend of taste and keto friendly cuisine.
![Aerial shot of white oval casserole dish with a baked BBQ chicken casserole drizzled with BBQ sauce and set on a light colored wood cutting board next to a white kitchen towel and a large brass round serving spoon all resting on a white natural stone surface. an edge of a white plate with a fork and wooden salt shaker and pepper grinder are in the right side background](https://www.fourscoreliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Four-score-Hero-shot-BBQ-Chicken-Casserole-19-683-1023-logo.jpg)
Not only will it become a favorite, but it's also a convenient way to use leftover chicken and create a complete meal that the entire family will love with minimal effort.
If you are looking for other easy, delicious keto weeknight meals try our Low Carb Meatloaf or Instant Pot Crack Chicken.
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Why you'll love this recipe
Embracing the keto diet doesn't mean sacrificing taste or convenience.
- One Pot, Less Cleanup: With everything cooked in a single casserole dish, you'll spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your meal.
- Leftover Chicken Reimagined: Got some leftover rotisserie chicken in the fridge? This is an excellent way to give it new life and create a new meal.
- Affordable Ingredients: Made with affordable and simple ingredients that are readily available at your local grocery store, this casserole won't break the bank.
- Meal Prep Champion: Prepare this casserole in advance and enjoy hassle-free meals throughout the week.
Key ingredients
- Low-Carb BBQ Sauce: Pick a sugar-free BBQ sauce that's low in carbs to match your keto diet, or make your own by following our homemade low carb BBQ sauce recipe. This sauce gives a smoky, tangy taste. If you don't want to make your own, G Huges Sugar Free Hickory and Original BBQ sauces are highly rated.
- Ranch Dressing Mix: The ranch dressing mix is like a secret spice mix that brings out awesome flavors. It adds savory and herby notes that mix perfectly with the BBQ sauce and creamy consistencies. For an organic option try this Ranch Dressing Seasoning.
- Cooked Chicken Breast or Thighs: We're adding pieces of cooked boneless skinless chicken breast or chicken thighs. You can use leftover chicken or cook your own and cube it or shred it.
- Cooked Bacon: We use chopped pieces of uncured bacon already cooked. Crisp bacon brings a smoky taste and a crunchy bite.
If you have any questions about this easy chicken recipe, please leave a comment below and we will get back to you.
Step by step instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine softened cream cheese, low-carb BBQ sauce, ranch dressing mix, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Mix these ingredients well until they form a creamy base.
- Gently fold in the cooked chicken cubes and chopped bacon into the mixture. Also, add ½ cup each of shredded cheddar and jack cheeses.
- Spread the cheesy chicken mixture evenly into a casserole dish. Top it off with the remaining shredded cheese.
- Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake it for 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for 6-8 minutes. This will result in melted, bubbling cheese with a delicious golden brown top.
- Once it's out of the oven, drizzle more BBQ sauce and garnish with chopped green onions for color and a hint of fresh herby flavor.
For the complete list of ingredients and instructions, please see the printable recipe card below.
For a dessert option, you might like our Keto Chocolate Mug cake that's ready in 5 minutes, or make ahead these fudgy Keto Brownies.
Best tips
Here are some tips to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly:
- For a beautiful golden-brown top, set your oven to broil as the final step.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or cilantro for a burst of freshness that complements the richness of the casserole.
- Add an extra layer of crispy bacon and shredded cheese just before serving to provide a delightful crunch.
- If you're poaching chicken for this dish, use a gentle simmer to keep it tender—avoid high heat to prevent toughness.
Variations to try
Here are a few ways to customize your casserole:
- Mediterranean Delight: Enhance the dish with black olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta for a Mediterranean flair.
- Sliced Avocado: When serving top with slices of Avocado to increase the fat content for your Keto diet.
- Veggies: Add any keto vegetables like spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms, or cauliflower rice for added nutrients and fiber
- Spice it Up: Add jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or red chili flakes for a fiery kick that tantalizes your taste buds with a burst of heat.
- Experiment with different cheeses: to infuse unique flavors and textures that take your casserole to new heights.
Serving suggestions
Here are a few sides that perfectly complement the casserole, offering a satisfying dining experience for the whole family:
- Keto Coleslaw: A crunchy and creamy coleslaw is an excellent choice to balance out the richness of the BBQ Chicken Casserole.
- Keto Broccoli Salad: Packed with nutrients and flavor, a Keto Broccoli Salad brings a vibrant and tangy element to your plate. The combination of crisp broccoli florets, greens, and a creamy dressing contrasts the hearty casserole.
- Keto Tortilla Chips (for a nacho-style experience): Craving a bit of crunch? Opt for keto-friendly tortilla chips to add a playful twist to your meal. You can enjoy your casserole "nacho-style" by scoping up the cheesy goodness with these chips.
Storage and make ahead instructions
Store in an airtight container for optimal freshness and taste. It can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Cover the casserole with foil when reheating to prevent it from drying out. You can use the oven, microwave (no foil covering), or stovetop for reheating.
Adding a little water or broth to the bottom of the pan when reheating can prevent burning and drying out.
To make ahead, simply construct your casserole, cover it with foil and stick it in the fridge. When you are ready, bake in the oven for the recommended time.
Other Keto Casserole recipes:
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📖 Recipe
Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole
dish to a hungry crowd.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup Sugar-free BBQ Sauce
- 2 tablespoons ranch dressing seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 2 pounds cooked boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs cubed or shredded
- 8 slices cooked bacon chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Monterey jack cheese
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, BBQ, ranch, salt, and pepper, mixing well. Fold in chicken, bacon, and ½ cup each cheddar and jack cheeses.
- Spread the mixture in a casserole dish, top with the rest of the cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for 6-8 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Garnish with a drizzle of BBQ and green onion and serve.
Notes
- For a beautiful golden-brown top, set your oven to broil as the final step.
- Store in an airtight container for optimal freshness and taste. It can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Cover the casserole with foil when reheating to prevent it from drying out. You can use the oven, microwave (no foil covering), or stovetop for reheating.
- To make ahead, simply construct your casserole, cover it with foil and stick it in the fridge. When you are ready, bake in the oven for the recommended time.
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