Name: Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole – Easy Keto Recipes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups shredded cooked chicken breast; 1 cup sugar-free BBQ sauce; 1 cup cream cheese, softened; 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color); 1/2 cup diced red onion; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that perfectly blends smoky, tangy BBQ flavors with creamy, cheesy goodness, look no further than Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole – Easy Keto Recipes. This casserole is a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a comforting meal full of protein and bold flavors while staying low in carbs. It’s the go-to recipe for those who want to enjoy classic barbecue taste without the carb overload. Trust me, once you try this, it will become a staple in your recipe collection.

Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole - Easy Keto Recipes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole is delightfully straightforward. Each one adds something essential—texture, taste, or color—that makes the final dish so satisfying.

3 cups shredded cooked chicken breast: The hearty protein base delivering a tender, juicy bite.
1 cup sugar-free BBQ sauce: Brings that signature tangy and smoky flavor without any hidden sugars.
1 cup cream cheese (softened): Adds a velvety creaminess that binds the casserole together beautifully.
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Provides melty, gooey richness and a golden crust.
1 cup diced bell peppers (any color): Offers sweetness and a splash of vibrant color to brighten the dish.
1/2 cup diced red onion: Adds a mild pungency and crisp texture contrast.
2 teaspoons garlic powder: Infuses deep, aromatic flavor without overpowering.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Enhances the smoky undertones for that authentic BBQ vibe.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to bring all flavors into perfect harmony.

How to Make Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole – Easy Keto Recipes

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s at the perfect temperature to cook your casserole evenly, allowing the cheese to melt into a deliciously golden crust as the flavors meld together.

Step 2: Mix the Flavorful Filling

In a large bowl, combine your shredded chicken, sugar-free BBQ sauce, softened cream cheese, diced bell peppers, diced red onion, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and every bite will be bursting with savory, smoky layers of flavor.

Step 3: Assemble Your Casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly to prevent sticking. Spread your chicken mixture evenly across the dish, ensuring every corner is covered so the flavors can bake perfectly into the casserole’s structure.

Step 4: Add the Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the mixture. This step is the magic that creates the wonderfully melty, slightly browned topping that makes every forkful irresistible.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden

Place your dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’re aiming for a bubbling, hot casserole with a golden cheese crust on top—it’s that delicious visual cue your Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole – Easy Keto Recipes is ready to enjoy.

Step 6: Cool Slightly and Serve

After baking, let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes. This short wait lets the flavors settle and makes serving easier without losing any of that gooey, cheesy goodness.

How to Serve Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole – Easy Keto Recipes

Garnishes

Adding fresh garnishes elevates this casserole perfectly. Try a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions for a pop of color and a hint of freshness that balances the rich, smoky flavors. A dollop of sour cream on the side can also add a creamy tang that complements the BBQ sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

Simple keto-friendly sides pair wonderfully with this dense, hearty casserole. Consider roasting some low-carb vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts. A crisp mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette can refresh your palate between bites.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual family meal, serve the casserole straight from the baking dish—comfort food at its finest. Alternatively, scoop individual portions onto square plates and add a colorful vegetable medley or a cauliflower mash for a restaurant-style presentation that’s sure to impress guests while keeping it keto-friendly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This casserole keeps really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prepping breakfasts or dinners in advance without sacrificing any of that fresh-out-of-the-oven flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze individual portions or the entire casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to maintain that creamy texture and vibrant taste.

Reheating

To reheat, place a portion in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave on medium power, stirring halfway, until hot. The cheese will regain some of its melty magic, ensuring your leftovers feel just as indulgent as the first time.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this casserole?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for this recipe, saving prep time while providing flavorful, tender meat that works perfectly with the BBQ and cheese.

Is there a keto-friendly BBQ sauce you recommend?

Look for sugar-free or low-sugar BBQ sauces at your local grocery store, or make your own with tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, spices, and keto-friendly sweeteners to keep the flavor authentic without the carbs.

Can I substitute the cream cheese with something else?

You could use mascarpone or full-fat sour cream for a slightly different texture and flavor, but cream cheese helps the casserole bind properly and adds that lovely creamy feel.

What’s a good way to make this dish spicier?

Add some diced jalapeños to the mixture or sprinkle red pepper flakes to taste. Smoked paprika also lends a mild heat, so adjusting that up can raise the smoky spice level.

Is this casserole suitable for meal prepping?

Definitely! It holds up well in the fridge and freezes nicely, making it one of the best easy keto recipes to cook once and eat multiple times throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Trying out Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole – Easy Keto Recipes is like discovering a new favorite comfort food that fits effortlessly into your low-carb lifestyle. Its rich, smoky, cheesy flavor brings joy to any mealtime, and its simplicity makes it a winner every time. I can’t wait for you to cook it up and share this deliciousness with your loved ones!

Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole – Easy Keto Recipes Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 27 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Carb

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Description

A delicious and creamy Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole that combines shredded chicken, sugar-free BBQ sauce, cream cheese, and cheddar for a low-carb, flavorful meal perfect for weeknights or meal prep.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, sugar-free BBQ sauce, softened cream cheese, diced bell peppers, diced red onion, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the chicken mixture into it, spreading it out evenly for uniform cooking.
Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the chicken mixture to create a flavorful crust.
Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the cheese has melted and turned slightly golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and for easier portioning.

Notes

Use cooked chicken breasts—grilled, roasted, or rotisserie chicken works well.
Sugar-free BBQ sauce keeps the recipe keto-friendly; check labels to avoid added sugars.
Feel free to substitute cheddar with your favorite melting cheese like mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
Adjust spices like garlic powder and smoked paprika to your taste preference.
This casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated.
For added texture, top with chopped fresh parsley or green onions before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American