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Keto BBQ Chicken CasseroleĀ šŸ—

Published: Ā· Updated: by Ā· 12 Comments

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Introducing the Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole, a delicious low-carb choice for hectic weeknights! Packed with mouth-watering BBQ flavors, lots of cheese, crispy bacon, and crunchy cabbage, it will quickly become a family favorite. We all appreciate a hassle-free meal, and this super easy casserole delivers just that. 

Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole in a cast iron skillet with striped tea towel to the side

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Preparation and cooking overview

The best part about this keto chicken casserole is that it's easy to make. Gather a few simple ingredients, layer them in a casserole, and then pop them in the oven. In just 45 minutes, you'll get a hearty meal at your table.

Chef's note

Don't be afraid to tweak this Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole to your preference. Add a dash of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for an extra kick if you don't mind the spiciness. And if you're a fan of fresh herbs, sprinkle some vibrant parsley or zesty cilantro on top. Remember, the true joy of cooking lies in experimentation!

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 6 Servings

šŸ— Ingredients for this keto bbq chicken casserole recipe

Here's a list of ingredients you need for this baked chicken:

  • 1 Ā½ pounds shredded chicken breast, cooked
  • 8.5 ounces of sugar-free BBQ sauce
  • Ā½ teaspoon garlic salt
  • Ā½ cup red onion, diced
  • 2 Ā½ cups coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, grated
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled

Ingredient substitutions

Do you see something on the ingredients list that you'd rather skip? No worries! Here are a few keto-friendly substitutions:

  • Red onion: Opt for diced shallots or scallions for a milder onion flavor.
  • Coleslaw: Use sliced zucchini or cauliflower rice instead of coleslaw mix to add texture to your dish.
  • Cheese: Explore flavors of other shredded cheeses like Pepper Jack, Gouda, Swiss, or blue cheese.
  • BBQ sauce options: We like Primal Kitchen or Lillie's Q - ENC Barbeque Sauce for a sugar-free BBQ sauce. You can even make your own smoky sauce using the Low Carb Maven recipe.

Additional ingredients

Feel free to jazz up this delicious dish with a few additions. The ingredients are entirely optional:

  • Sliced jalapeƱos: If you want to add a fiery kick to the meal, spread sliced jalapeƱos on top before baking.
  • Diced bell peppers: Add colorful bell peppers for a crunchy texture and sweetness.
  • Chopped fresh cilantro: Garnish your casserole with cilantro to add a herbal note.
  • Sliced avocado: Creamy slices of avocado make a delightful topping.
  • Crushed pork rinds: For an extra crunch, sprinkle crushed pork rinds on top of your casserole before baking.

Cooking tools required

To make this Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole, you'll need the following tools:

  • 10" or larger cast-iron skillet
  • Grater
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Tools substitute options

  • Larger cast-iron skillet: We love this dual-handle cast-iron casserole skillet. But, if you don't have one, you can always go the classic casserole dish route. A 9x13 baking dish works fine as an alternative choice too.
  • Grater: Use a food processor with a grating attachment.

How to make Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Baking

Preparation steps

  1. Gather all the ingredients.
  2. Dice the red onion.
  3. Grate the Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar cheese.
  4. If using whole cabbage, shred it into a coleslaw mix.

Cooking instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400Ā°F.
  2. Place the shredded chicken in a 10" or larger cast-iron skillet. Pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken.
  3. Toss in the garlic salt and diced red onion. Add half of the grated Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar cheese.
  4. Mix until they are well combined.
  5. Top the chicken mixture with the coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage. Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese and crumbled bacon on top.
  6. Place the skillet in the preheated oven.
  7. Bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  8. Remove from the oven and serve hot.

Chef's pro tip

The common mistake to avoid in this recipe is overcooking the casserole, which can lead to a dry chicken and overly melted cheese. Once it turns bubbly and golden, take it out of the oven immediately. And another thing: drain excess moisture from the coleslaw mix before using it. We want every bite to be flavorful, not watery.

What to serve with keto barbeque chicken casserole?

Enjoy this keto barbecue chicken casserole as a stand-alone dish, or pair it with other side dishes for a complete meal. Here are some examples:

  • Avocado salad: A refreshing avocado salad adds a nice contrast to the smoky flavors.
  • SautĆ©ed mushrooms: Sauteed Mushrooms offer a delightful crunch and earthy flavor.
  • Grilled asparagus: Mediterranean Asparagus brings a delicious smokiness to the meal while adding a vibrant, nutritious touch.
  • Zucchini noodles: Swap traditional pasta with zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.

Nutritional facts

Amount per serving

  • Calories: 460
  • Calories from Fat: 261
  • Fat: 29g (45% Daily Value)
  • Carbohydrates: 8g (3% Daily Value)
  • Fiber: 2g (8% Daily Value)
  • Protein: 41g (82% Daily Value)

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

How to make it healthier

You can make this low-carb chicken casserole even healthier by following these tips:

  • Choose organic ingredients: Opt for organic boneless skinless chicken breast and bacon.
  • Make your own sugar-free BBQ sauce: Make a sugar-free BBQ sauce using tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, and keto-friendly sweeteners like erythritol or stevia.
  • Increase vegetable content: Add other low-carb vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to add more fiber to your meal.

Time-saving tips

  • Use pre-cooked chicken: Save time by using leftover chicken from a previous meal or rotisserie chicken.
  • Opt for pre-packaged coleslaw mix: To save time chopping cabbage, go for pre-packaged coleslaw mix.
  • Make use of kitchen tools: Use kitchen tools like a food processor or a grater to reduce prep time.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Cook the chicken: Cook and shred the chicken breast ahead of time. Do this a day before or during a meal prep session.
  • Homemade sugar-free BBQ sauce: If you're making a sugar-free BBQ sauce, prepare it beforehand. Whip up a batch of the sauce and store it in a container in the refrigerator.

Storage and reheating instructions

This delicious chicken casserole is best for meal prepping. You can make it a large batch and store it by following these practices:

  • Refrigerator storage: First, let the leftover casserole cool down to room temperature. Then transfer it to an airtight container. Store it for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freezer storage: Cover your casserole tightly with plastic wrap and put it in a freezer-safe bag. Store it for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating instructions

When you're ready to eat the casserole again, just thaw it in the fridge and proceed with the reheating practices.

  • Microwave: Place an individual portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a microwave-safe lid. Heat on medium power for about 2-3 minutes.
  • Oven: Preheat the oven to 350Ā°F. Cover the casserole in an oven-safe dish with foil to prevent drying. Bake for about 20-25 minutes.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

The Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole brings together the best of flavors. From the tangy sugar-free barbeque sauce to the layers of chicken, bacon, and cheese, it's basically a masterpiece your entire family can savor.

So, grab your ingredients, fire up the oven, and get ready to dig into this mouthwatering treat. Prepare yourself for a keto-friendly dish bursting with barbecue flavor that will have you indulging in every delicious bite.

Frequently asked questions

To shred chicken for this recipe, cook it until it reaches 165Ā°F. Let it cool slightly, then use two forks to pull the meat apart along the grain. Alternatively, use a mixer with paddle attachments on low speed to shred the cooked chicken.

While canned chicken can be used as a time-saving option, keep in mind the texture and flavor may differ slightly compared to freshly cooked chicken. If using canned chicken, drain the liquid and shred it using a fork.

Absolutely! Add crushed red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of hot sauce.

Yes, you can make adjustments to accommodate dietary restrictions. Substitute dairy-free cheese options, such as dairy-free cheddar or mozzarella-style shreds, for the Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar cheese. You can also use coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative for the cheese layer.

You can substitute garlic salt with garlic powder. This will add flavor without the added sodium.

Certainly! Boneless skinless chicken thighs are a tasty alternative to chicken breast in this recipe.

Experiment with a tomato-based sauce or sugar-free ketchup mixed with Worcestershire sauce.

šŸ“– Recipe

Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole in a cast iron skillet with striped tea towel to the side

Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole

This Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole is perfect for busy weeknights! Loaded with all your favorite BBQ flavors, plenty of cheese, and crunchy cabbage we can just about guarantee it will become one of your favorites.
4.77 from 39 votes
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: keto casserole
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 460kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 Ā½ lbs cooked shredded chicken breast
  • 8.5 ounces sugar-free bbq sauce
  • Ā½ teaspoon garlic salt
  • Ā½ cup diced red onion
  • 2 Ā½ cups coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese grated
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese grated
  • 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400Ā°F.
  • Place the shredded chicken in a 10" or larger cast-iron skillet. Pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken.
  • Toss in the garlic salt and diced red onion. Add half of the grated Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar cheese.
  • Mix until they are well combined.
  • Top the chicken mixture with the coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage. Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese and crumbled bacon on top.
  • Place the skillet in the preheated oven.
  • Bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Remove from the oven and serve hot.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole
Amount Per Serving
Calories 460 Calories from Fat 261
% Daily Value*
Fat 29g45%
Carbohydrates 8g3%
Fiber 2g8%
Protein 41g82%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lori says

    5 stars
    This recipe was SO EASY but also SUPER delicious! Hubby and I both thoroughly enjoyed dinner and we'll make this recipe again. Also saved some of your other Keto recipes and I'm excited to try them as well.

    Reply

  2. Christina says

    5 stars
    This is absolutely incredible! I love that it has all the components of a meal in one dish and it is delicious. We keep coming back to this - thank you!!

    Reply

  3. Amanda Wirth says

    5 stars
    Sooo good! My husband and our 3 year old loved it! Thatā€™s a win!

    Reply

  4. Sandra says

    So delicious. Itā€™s like crack to me and my family of five I can never make enough.

    Reply

  5. Mandy says

    5 stars
    This was so simple and so delicious! Loved the crunch of the slaw!

    Reply

  6. Jamie says

    Can you do it in a baking dish if you donā€™t have a cast iron skillet?

    Reply

    • Cast Iron Keto says

      Yes!

      Reply

  7. Emily says

    We love this dish. I have made it already and the kids begged me to make it again weekly. I have tried it with an rotisserie chicken and I have also grilled chicken thighs and completed it which is also a great keto option. Both ways were really good .

    Reply

  8. Denise Clayton says

    5 stars
    I want to make this but curious the texture of the slaw when it is baked. Thanks!

    Reply

    • Catherine says

      5 stars
      I am planning to make this tonight. I will tell you we bake with cabbage all the time and it is amazing in casseroles. Cabbage is one of the most versatile vegetables and PERFECT for keto lifestyle.

      Reply

  9. Carrie Flankey says

    I just made this dish and used Monterey Jack pepper cheese to make it a little spicy šŸŒ¶ļø and it was delicious šŸ˜‹ Thank you for sharing your recipe šŸ©·

    Reply

    • Cast Iron Keto says

      Hi Carrie,
      We are glad you enjoyed it šŸ™‚

      Reply

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