Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole

Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole is a creamy, tangy low-carb dinner that combines shredded chicken, sugar-free barbecue sauce, cheese, and savory mix-ins for a comforting, family-friendly meal. If you enjoy easy weeknight casseroles, you might also like our baked potato chicken broccoli casserole for another hearty, crowd-pleasing option.

Why make this recipe

This Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole is a great choice when you want a simple, satisfying dinner that keeps carbs low without sacrificing flavor. It’s built from familiar ingredients, so you probably already have most items in your kitchen. The casserole also reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep or feeding a hungry family.

The flavors are approachable: tangy barbecue, creamy cheese, and the smoky pop of bacon. Because it’s assembled in one dish and baked, cleanup is minimal. It’s also flexible — you can swap a few ingredients to match what’s in your pantry or to make it dairy-free, pork-free, or extra spicy.

How to make Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole

This section walks you through the process step by step, with tips on how to keep the casserole moist, flavorful, and perfectly baked. The steps are straightforward: mix, spread, top, and bake.

• Preheat the oven as instructed so the casserole bakes evenly.
• Mix shredded chicken with barbecue sauce and cream cheese while the cream cheese is softened; this helps the sauce become smooth.
• Stir in the diced onion and bell pepper so they cook through but still add texture.
• Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish so every bite has a balanced ratio of chicken, sauce, and veggies.
• Top with shredded cheddar and crumbled bacon, then bake until bubbly and golden on top.

Ingredients :

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (keto-friendly)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1/2 cup cream cheese
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredient notes and substitutions:

• Bacon: The original ingredient calls for pork bacon. If you prefer to avoid pork, swap in cooked smoked turkey bacon, cooked chicken bacon, or crisped mushrooms or tempeh for a vegetarian option. These substitutions will keep the smoky, salty element without pork.
• BBQ sauce: Use a sugar-free or low-carb BBQ sauce to keep the dish keto-friendly. Alternatively, make a quick keto BBQ by mixing tomato paste, a sugar-free sweetener, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and a splash of Worcestershire (or soy sauce alternative) to taste.
• Cream cheese: For a lactose-free version, try a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and a dairy-free shredded cheese. Keep in mind texture may vary slightly.
• Chicken: Rotisserie chicken, leftover roasted chicken, or quickly shredded poached chicken all work well. Dark meat will add more fat and flavor, white meat will be leaner.
• Veggies: Onions and bell peppers add texture and flavor. If you want fewer carbs, use a bit less onion or swap for green onions for milder flavor.

Directions :

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, cream cheese, diced onions, and bell peppers together.
3. Spread the mixture evenly in a baking dish.
4. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve hot and enjoy your keto-friendly meal!

Pro Tips for Success Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole

• Soften the cream cheese first: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before mixing, or microwave in 10-second bursts until soft. This makes blending easier and prevents clumps.
• Use warm chicken: If you can, mix in chicken that’s slightly warm so the cream cheese blends into a smoother sauce. Cold chicken can be harder to incorporate evenly.
• Crisp the bacon well: Cook bacon until crisp for the best texture; crumbling hot, crisp bacon on top gives a nice contrast to the creamy interior.
• Don’t overbake: Remove the casserole when the cheese is melted and edges are bubbling; overbaking can dry out the chicken. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
• Let it rest: Allow the casserole to rest 5–10 minutes after baking. Resting helps the filling set so slices hold together better when served.

Flavor Variations Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole

• Spicy Chipotle BBQ: Stir in a chopped chipotle pepper or 1–2 teaspoons chipotle in adobo (or a sugar-free chipotle BBQ sauce) for smoky heat. Balance the heat with a touch more cream cheese if desired.
• Ranch BBQ Twist: Mix 2 tablespoons of ranch seasoning or a homemade ranch blend into the chicken mixture for a tangy, herb-forward layer that complements the BBQ.
• Buffalo BBQ Mashup: Replace half the BBQ sauce with sugar-free buffalo wing sauce and top with blue cheese crumbles or ranch drizzle after baking for a bold, tangy version.
• Veggie-Loaded: Add 1 cup of chopped broccoli florets or spinach (squeezed dry) to the chicken mixture to boost nutrition and volume without many extra carbs.
• Bacon-Free/Vegetarian: Use smoked mushrooms or tempeh in place of bacon and add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the sauce to keep that smoky depth.

Serving Suggestions Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole

• Pair with a crisp green salad: A simple mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the casserole.
• Serve over cauliflower rice: Spoon casserole over steamed or sautéed cauliflower rice for a filling, low-carb plate.
• Offer pickled sides: Quick pickles, such as pickled red onions or cucumber ribbons, add acidity and contrast beautifully with the creamy BBQ flavors.
• Family-style with sides: For a hearty meal, serve alongside roasted Brussels sprouts or a simple coleslaw made with a keto-friendly dressing.
• Garnish options: Top with freshly chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or a drizzle of sour cream to add freshness and a final flavor boost.

Storage and Freezing Instructions Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole

• Refrigerator: Cool the casserole to room temperature, then store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway, or reheat the whole dish in a 325°F (160°C) oven until warmed through.
• Freezing: Bake the casserole fully, then cool completely. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and a layer of foil, or transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating from frozen: For best texture, thaw overnight and reheat in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 20–30 minutes until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, add 15–20 minutes to the oven time and cover with foil to prevent over-browning.
• Make-ahead assembly: You can assemble the casserole without baking and keep it covered in the fridge for 24 hours. Add the bacon just before baking to keep it crisp, or add it halfway through baking if you prefer it fully heated through.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Estimated values per serving (recipe makes about 4 servings):

• Calories: 440 kcal
• Protein: 34 g
• Carbohydrates: 8.5 g
• Fat: 28 g
• Fiber: 0.6 g
• Sodium: 850 mg

Notes on these numbers:

• These are approximate estimates calculated from common ingredient values and are for guidance only. Exact nutrition depends on the brands you use (especially the BBQ sauce and bacon).
• Using a sugar-free BBQ sauce keeps carbs low. If you use a standard BBQ sauce, total carbs and sugars will be higher.
• Swapping pork bacon for smoked turkey bacon lowers fat and sodium somewhat, affecting totals per serving.

FAQ About Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole

What makes this casserole “keto” friendly?

This casserole is keto-friendly mainly because it uses a sugar-free BBQ sauce and focuses on protein and fat (chicken, cream cheese, cheddar, bacon) while keeping starchy ingredients and sugars low. The total carbs per serving hover around 8–9 grams with the provided ingredients, which fits within many low-carb meal plans. Choosing a truly sugar-free or low-carb BBQ sauce is the most important step to keeping the recipe ketogenic.

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes — leftover rotisserie chicken is an excellent choice. It’s already cooked, flavorful, and easy to shred. If the rotisserie chicken is well-seasoned, taste the mixture before adding extra salt. Warm the chicken slightly before mixing if possible; it helps the cream cheese blend evenly and speeds baking time.

How can I reduce the sodium in the casserole?

To lower sodium, choose low-sodium cheese, bacon, and BBQ sauce. Rinse shredded chicken if it’s brined or use plain roasted chicken instead of pre-seasoned options. You can also reduce added salt to taste and add fresh herbs or lemon juice for brightness instead of extra salt.

Is there a dairy-free version of this casserole?

Yes. Use dairy-free cream cheese and a dairy-free shredded cheese alternative. The texture will be slightly different, but the dish will still be creamy and satisfying. If you skip dairy entirely, add a tablespoon of olive oil or a dollop of mashed avocado to keep richness in the filling.

Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

You can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker: mix all ingredients, place in the slow cooker on low for 2–3 hours or until heated through, then add cheese on top and cover for 10–15 minutes to melt. For an Instant Pot, use the sauté function to soften onions and peppers first, then add the rest and use the keep-warm function to melt the cheese — be cautious of thin liquids and pressure cooking since the BBQ sauce can scorch.

How do I get the top extra bubbly and golden without overcooking the filling?

If the filling is bubbling but the top needs more color, switch the oven to broil for 1–2 minutes — watch carefully to avoid burning. Alternatively, bake the casserole covered for most of the time, then remove the cover for the last 5–10 minutes to allow the cheese to brown while preventing the interior from drying out.

Can I add vegetables like mushrooms or spinach without affecting keto macros too much?

Yes. Low-carb vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli can be added in moderate amounts. They’ll add volume, texture, and nutrients while contributing only a small number of extra carbs. Sauté dense vegetables like mushrooms or broccoli first to remove excess moisture so the casserole doesn’t become watery.

How long will leftovers keep and how should I reheat them?

Leftovers stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container will keep 3–4 days. Reheat single portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway, or reheat the entire casserole in a 325°F oven until warmed through (about 15–25 minutes depending on portion size). If frozen, thaw overnight before reheating for best texture.

Final Thoughts

Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole is an easy, comforting dish that balances tangy barbecue with creamy cheese and smoky bacon. It’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd — and it’s simple to tweak for dietary needs or flavor preferences. With a few smart swaps and the right barbecue sauce, you can enjoy a satisfyingly low-carb dinner without missing out on classic comfort flavors.

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