Easy Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole
The aroma of barbecue wafts through the air, mingling with the rich, savory notes of melted cheese—it’s that cozy, home-cooked scent that brings people together. Picture a bubbling dish, golden and cheesy on top, ready to be served at the dinner table or enjoyed as comfort food any night of the week. This Easy Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole Recipe is all about satisfying cravings while keeping things low-carb, making it a delicious option for those watching their intake. On a chilly evening or during a spontaneous get-together with friends, there’s just something heartwarming about this dish. I fondly remember the first time I made it—my friends indulged in seconds, blissfully unaware of how nutritious and friendly to their diets it was. If you’re craving flavor on a busy weeknight, this casserole is calling your name!
Table of Contents
Let’s not waste any more time—it’s time to whip up this incredible Easy Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole Recipe that promises to be a hit with everyone at your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Whip it up in just 30 minutes, from prep to plate.
- Irresistible Flavor: Sweet and smoky BBQ sauce mixed with creamy, melty cheese—what’s not to love?
- Eye-Catching Appeal: This dish is as vibrant as it is tasty, with colorful veggies and a cheesy golden top.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even brunch gatherings.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Low-carb, gluten-free, and easily customizable for dairy-free diets.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb cooked chicken (shredded): Use rotisserie chicken for an easy shortcut or any cooked chicken you have on hand. It adds protein and heartiness that’s simply irresistible.
- 1/2 cup sugar-free BBQ sauce: Look for brands with 2g carbs or less per serving to keep it keto-friendly. If you want a fun twist, try different flavors or make your own!
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese (shredded): Sharp cheddar gives each bite that deliciously tangy flavor. You can substitute with mozzarella for a milder taste, or try a dairy-free version if preferred.
- 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced): Adds a touch of sweetness and crunchy texture. Sweet onions can be used for less bite, or you could even use green onions for a fresher taste.
- 1/4 cup green bell pepper (sliced): A pop of color plus nutrition! Feel free to switch to a different pepper, such as red or yellow, for a sweeter profile.
How to Make Easy Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole Recipe
Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is just perfect for melting cheese to bubbly perfection without overcooking the chicken. While the oven warms up, grab an 8×8-inch baking dish and set it aside. A small but sturdy dish is ideal for this simple yet comforting casserole!
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine your shredded chicken with the sugar-free BBQ sauce, red onion, and green bell pepper. Mix everything until the chicken is well-coated in the BBQ sauce, packed with flavor and color. This step is crucial for even flavor distribution, ensuring each bite fills your mouth with that smoky goodness!
Transfer to Baking Dish: Spoon the flavorful chicken mixture into your prepped baking dish. Spread it out evenly so it cooks uniformly. Seeing the vibrant colors come together is half the joy; it’s like assembling a savory work of art!
Sprinkle with Cheese: Now, it’s time for the hero of the dish: the cheese! Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar over the chicken mixture, covering it completely. This is where the magic happens—when it bubbles in the oven, transforming into gooey goodness.
Bake & Enjoy: Pop the dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden at the edges. The delightful aroma will waft through your home, making it hard to resist digging in early. But do let it sit for about 5 minutes after you pull it out; this helps the sauce thicken a bit for easier serving!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you’re handling a larger batch, consider freezing portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Note that textures may change slightly upon freezing; adding a splash of BBQ sauce can help refresh it!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid watery casserole by ensuring your chicken is not overly moist before mixing it; drained rotisserie chicken works great.
- Cheese should be at room temperature for an even melt; if it’s fridge cold, it may not melt as nicely.
- Don’t rush the baking process; the bubbling of the cheese is a key sign of doneness, so keep an eye out!
- Explore flavor variations using different BBQ sauces or adding your favorite spices for a kick!
- Meal prep this dish ahead of time by assembling it a day in advance and refrigerating before baking—simply add a few extra minutes to your cooking time!
If you love comforting dishes that are easy to make and satisfy the whole family, then this Easy Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole Recipe is your new go-to. With its robust flavors and wonderful textures, it’s hard not to enjoy every bite and feel good about what you’re eating! Feel free to get creative with ingredients or even toppings—there’s room to make this dish truly your own. Gather your loved ones, and let’s dig into this delicious casserole!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked?
Absolutely! If you have fresh chicken breasts or thighs, feel free to cook and shred them first. The important factor is to ensure the chicken is fully cooked before mixing it with all the other ingredients. Just allow for some additional time to cook the chicken before preparing the casserole.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
For sure! This casserole can be assembled the night before and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold from the fridge. It’s perfect for meal prep and busy weeknights!
What kind of BBQ sauce should I choose?
Select a sugar-free BBQ sauce that caters to your dietary preferences, ideally with 2g carbs or less per serving. Brands like G Hughes or Sweet Baby Ray’s Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce are popular choices. You can also make your own BBQ sauce at home if you like to control the ingredients!
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Yes! This casserole is very flexible. Feel free to add diced zucchini, mushrooms, or even spinach for more nutrition. Just remember to keep an eye on the moisture levels to avoid a watery casserole. Enjoy experimenting!
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📖 Recipe Card
Easy Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole combines savory flavors with made-from-scratch ease, ready to please anyone looking for a quick, healthy comfort meal. It showcases tender chicken, zesty BBQ sauce, and bubbling cheese—a dish everyone will crave!
Ingredients
- 1 lb cooked chicken (shredded)
- 1/2 cup sugar-free BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup green bell pepper (sliced)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, sugar-free BBQ sauce, red onion, and green bell pepper until well-coated.
- Transfer the mixture to an 8×8-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake for 20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
If freezing, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
Ensure cheese is at room temperature for even melting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
