Name: Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 280g); 1 cup BBQ sauce (sugar-free for keto); 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella); 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled; 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup diced onions; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)

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Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole is a cozy, flavor-packed low-carb dinner that brings smoky, creamy, and cheesy textures together in one easy bake.

If you enjoy comfort-food casseroles with a lighter carb footprint, you might also like a similar hearty option like this baked potato chicken broccoli casserole for inspiration—both lean on simple swaps and familiar flavors to make weeknight cooking effortless.

why make this recipe

This Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole is ideal when you want something satisfying that fits a low-carb or ketogenic eating plan without sacrificing flavor. It’s a great weeknight solution because it uses mostly pantry-friendly items and pre-cooked chicken, so prep time is short and oven time handles the rest. The combination of sugar-free BBQ sauce, cream cheese, shredded cheddar (or mozzarella), and bacon gives you that sweet-smoky-cheesy trio most people crave, while keeping carbs low.

Beyond convenience, casseroles like this are crowd-pleasers for families and small gatherings. They stretch protein across multiple servings, work well as a make-ahead meal, and reheat beautifully for lunches or speedy dinners. If you like comfort food with minimal fuss, this recipe matches texture, taste, and keto goals in one dish.

how to make Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole

This casserole is straightforward: mix, assemble, bake. The steps below follow the provided directions closely, with small notes to help keep the dish creamy and well-balanced.

Preheat and prepare: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a casserole dish so the filling won’t stick.
Mix the base: In a large bowl combine the shredded cooked chicken, sugar-free BBQ sauce, softened cream cheese, diced onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Work the cream cheese into the mixture until it’s fully incorporated and the mixture looks homogenous.
Add smoky crunch and cheese: Fold in the crumbled cooked turkey bacon and half of the shredded cheese. This embeds pockets of flavor in the casserole.
Assemble and top: Transfer the mixture into the prepared dish and spread it evenly, then top with the remaining cheese for a golden crust.
Bake and finish: Bake 25–30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions before serving warm.

Ingredients :

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 2 cups or ~280g)
1 cup BBQ sauce (sugar-free for keto)
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
4 slices smoked turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled (see Ingredient Notes for swaps)
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup diced onions
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)

Ingredient notes:

Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken to save time. You can also shred poached chicken breasts.
BBQ Sauce: Choose a sugar-free or low-carb BBQ sauce to keep this recipe keto-friendly. Taste your sauce first — some are more vinegary, others sweeter — and adjust the amount to suit your preference.
Bacon: The original recipe calls for pork bacon; for a family-friendly, pork-free option, this version uses smoked turkey bacon. If you prefer a vegetarian alternative, try crumbled, sautéed mushrooms or seasoned tempeh to provide a similar savory bite.
Cheese: Cheddar gives bold flavor; mozzarella is milder and melts beautifully. A mix of both is a great option.
Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing. Full-fat cream cheese helps maintain a rich, keto-approved texture.

Directions :

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, cream cheese, diced onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully combined.
Fold in the crumbled bacon and half of the shredded cheese.
Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and spread it evenly.
Top with the remaining cheese.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped green onions, and serve warm.

Pro Tips for Success Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole

Use warm, softened cream cheese: If the cream cheese is cold, it won’t blend smoothly. Let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes or microwave briefly in 5–8 second bursts until just soft.
Taste the sauce before mixing: Sugar-free BBQ sauces vary widely in intensity and acidity. Start with less and add more if you want a bolder BBQ flavor.
Dry the chicken lightly: If your cooked chicken is very moist, pat it dry so the casserole doesn’t become watery.
Even cheese distribution: Save half the cheese for the top to create a golden, bubbly finish while keeping cheesy pockets inside.
Check oven and dish size: If your casserole dish is shallow or thinner, watch the bake time; smaller depth can reduce needed time. Conversely, a deep-dish may need a few extra minutes.
Let it rest briefly: Allow the casserole to sit 5–10 minutes after baking so it firms up a bit and is easier to scoop.

Flavor Variations Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole

Spicy Kick: Add 1–2 tablespoons of chopped pickled jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the mixture. You can also swap half the BBQ sauce for a low-sugar chipotle-style sauce for smoky heat.
Ranch BBQ: Mix 2 tablespoons of ranch seasoning (low-carb) with the cream cheese before combining. This gives a tangy ranch twist that pairs well with cheddar.
Green Veg Boost: Stir in 1 cup of chopped, blanched broccoli or steamed cauliflower florets for extra volume, fiber, and vegetables. Both keep the dish low-carb and add texture.
Mediterranean BBQ: Swap cheddar for crumbled feta and add a touch of smoked paprika; reduce BBQ sauce slightly and finish with chopped fresh parsley or dill.

Serving Suggestions Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole

Simple sides: Serve with a crisp salad (lettuce, cucumber, radish, and a lemon vinaigrette) to balance the casserole’s richness.
Low-carb options: Good pairings include roasted asparagus, sautéed greens, or cauliflower mash.
Make it a bowl: Spoon the casserole over a bed of shredded lettuce or riced cauliflower for a lighter presentation.
Party platter: Transfer the warm casserole into a shallow dish and serve with keto-friendly crackers or cucumber slices for dipping at gatherings.

Storage and Freezing Instructions Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole

Refrigerating: Covered, the casserole will keep in the fridge for 3–4 days. Store in an airtight container or cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes on medium or in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly.
Freezing: To freeze, cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or cover the whole dish tightly (double-wrap with plastic wrap plus foil). Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thawing and baking from frozen: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in a 350°F oven for 20–30 minutes until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, bake covered at 350°F for about 35–45 minutes, then uncover to brown the top.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving) — approximate (recipe yields about 6 servings)

Calories: 260 kcal
Protein: 22 g
Carbs: 4 g
Fat: 16 g
Fiber: 0.5 g
Sodium: 530 mg

Note: Nutrition values are estimates. Exact numbers depend on the brands of BBQ sauce, bacon, cheese, and the size of your chicken portions. Sugar-free BBQ sauces can vary in carbs and sodium, so check labels if you need precise tracking.

FAQ About Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole

What makes this casserole keto-friendly?

This casserole is keto-friendly primarily because it replaces sugary BBQ sauces with a sugar-free BBQ option and avoids starchy binders like breadcrumbs, rice, or potatoes. It relies on high-fat dairy (cream cheese and cheese) and protein (chicken and turkey bacon) to keep the carb count low while keeping the meal satisfying. Choosing full-fat ingredients and a verified low-carb BBQ sauce helps keep net carbs minimal for ketogenic goals.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes—you can assemble the casserole up to a day ahead. Cover and refrigerate it raw, then bake when you’re ready. For longer holds, bake it completely, cool, and refrigerate; reheat portions in the oven or microwave. Make-ahead assembly saves time on busy nights and is great for meal prep.

How can I reduce sodium in this dish?

To lower sodium, use low-sodium cheese and bacon alternatives, choose a low-sodium sugar-free BBQ sauce, and season lightly with salt only at the end after tasting. You can also rinse or use lower-sodium pre-cooked chicken. Substituting smoked turkey bacon with plain cooked chicken sausage (low-sodium) or sautéed mushrooms will further reduce salt content.

Is there a vegetarian or vegan version?

Create a vegetarian version by replacing the chicken with shredded jackfruit (well-drained) or a mix of cooked lentils and sautéed mushrooms. Swap cream cheese for a plant-based cream cheese, use dairy-free cheese, and replace turkey bacon with smoked tempeh or seasoned roasted eggplant. For a vegan version, ensure your BBQ sauce is vegan and sugar-free where possible.

Can I make this casserole spicy or milder?

Absolutely. Add heat with chopped jalapeños, a teaspoon of chili powder, or a dash of cayenne. If you want it milder, choose a milder BBQ sauce and omit any spicy add-ins. Tasting as you go will help you balance the spice to your preference.

How do I keep the casserole from getting watery?

Avoid overly wet ingredients. Pat shredded chicken dry if it looks juicy, use drained and lightly sautéed mushrooms if adding, and keep sauces measured—don’t over-sauce. Baking uncovered for the final 5–10 minutes helps excess moisture evaporate and gives the top a nice texture.

Final Thoughts

Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole is a flexible, flavorful dish that proves low-carb cooking doesn’t have to be boring. With a handful of smart swaps—like using sugar-free BBQ sauce and turkey bacon—you get a comforting, cheesy bake that fits keto goals and family-friendly tastes. It’s quick to assemble, easy to scale, and welcomes variations, so feel free to experiment with heat, vegetables, and cheeses until it suits your table.

Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole