Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole is a delicious, low-carb comfort food that combines creamy textures with smoky, savory flavors. Perfect for a hearty dinner, it’s easy to make and sure to satisfy your BBQ cravings without the carbs.

A white oval dish filled with a layered baked casserole shows a golden melted cheese top with crispy brown bacon pieces scattered all over. Dark red barbecue sauce is drizzled in diagonal lines across the top, adding shine and contrast. Small bright green chopped chives are sprinkled lightly on the cheese and bacon. The dish rests on a wooden board on a white marbled surface, with a gray textured cloth under one side. Around the dish, there is a small white bowl with green chopped herbs and a rustic wooden bowl with more dark barbecue sauce visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sugar-free BBQ sauce
  • 1 tablespoon ranch dressing mix
  • 3 cups cooked chicken breast or thighs, cubed
  • 6 slices cooked bacon, chopped
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar-free BBQ sauce, ranch dressing mix, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  3. Step 3: Gently fold the cooked, cubed chicken and chopped bacon into the creamy mixture.
  4. Step 4: Add ½ cup of shredded cheddar and ½ cup of Monterey Jack cheese to the bowl. Stir to combine evenly.
  5. Step 5: Spread the mixture evenly into a casserole dish. Top with the remaining shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese and additional bacon if desired.
  6. Step 6: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 6–8 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

  • For a crispy, golden top, switch your oven to broil for the last 1–2 minutes of baking—watch carefully to avoid burning.
  • If you prefer spice, swap the sugar-free BBQ sauce for a sugar-free spicy BBQ sauce or a homemade low-carb version.
  • Try using cooked turkey or ground beef instead of chicken for a different protein variation.
  • Experiment with cheese by substituting mozzarella for a milder taste or adding crumbled blue cheese for a bold twist.
  • Prepare the casserole ahead of time and store it covered in the fridge until ready to bake for easy meal prep.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, cover the casserole with foil to retain moisture and prevent drying out. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

How to Serve

A white oval dish filled with a baked casserole that has three main layers: a bottom layer of creamy mashed potatoes, a thick middle layer of melted bright orange cheddar cheese, and a top layer scattered with crispy brown bacon pieces and thin slices of green onions. The entire casserole is drizzled evenly with dark brown barbecue sauce in diagonal lines. The dish sits on a wooden board over a blue-gray textured cloth, with a small white bowl of extra green onions and a round wooden bowl of barbecue sauce nearby on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh BBQ sauce instead of sugar-free?

You can use regular BBQ sauce, but it will increase the carb content. For a true keto-friendly dish, choose a sugar-free or low-carb BBQ sauce.

Is this casserole freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

Print
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Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole Recipe


  • Author: Gabriel
  • Total Time: 48 minutes
  • Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Low Carb

Description

This Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole is a rich, creamy, and cheesy low-carb comfort food packed with smoky BBQ flavors, tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a melty cheese finish. Perfect for a satisfying meal that stays within keto guidelines, this casserole combines cream cheese, sugar-free BBQ sauce, ranch seasoning, and a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses baked to bubbly perfection.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Base

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sugar-free BBQ sauce
  • 1 tbsp ranch dressing mix
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Protein

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast or thighs, cubed
  • 6 slices cooked bacon, chopped (plus extra for topping if desired)

Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the casserole evenly.
  2. Mix the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar-free BBQ sauce, ranch dressing mix, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy to form the flavorful base of the casserole.
  3. Add Chicken and Bacon: Gently fold in the cooked, cubed chicken and chopped bacon into the creamy base mixture, ensuring even distribution without breaking up the chicken too much.
  4. Incorporate Cheese: Add half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses (½ cup each) into the bowl and stir to combine well with the other ingredients.
  5. Assemble Casserole: Spread the combined mixture evenly into a greased casserole dish. Then evenly top with the remaining shredded cheeses and extra chopped bacon if desired for added flavor and texture.
  6. Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to heat through without drying out.
  7. Uncover and Bake: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 6-8 minutes until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.

Notes

  • For a crispy, golden top, switch your oven to broil during the last 1-2 minutes of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  • This casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • When reheating, cover with foil to retain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Prepare the casserole in advance and store it covered in the fridge; bake when ready for an easy meal prep option.
  • To vary flavors, try substituting the chicken with cooked turkey or ground beef, and experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or blue cheese for a unique taste.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 33 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Keto BBQ chicken casserole, low carb casserole, keto comfort food, sugar-free BBQ chicken bake, cheesy chicken casserole, keto meal prep

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