This Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole is your perfect weeknight meal. It’s creamy, smoky, and packed with flavor, making it a real crowd-pleaser, even for those who aren’t on the keto diet. Imagine a hearty casserole that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese—all blanketed in a rich cream cheese and sugar-free BBQ sauce. What’s not to love?
Cooking should be fun, and this recipe makes it easy. Whether you’re hosting friends or just whipping up a cozy dinner for your family, this dish is sure to impress. Plus, with the keto-friendly nature of this casserole, you can enjoy it without the guilt! So, roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and let’s get started on making this delicious Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole!
Why This Recipe Works
This Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole combines creamy richness from the cream cheese with the smoky tang of sugar-free BBQ sauce. The flavors meld together beautifully while the cream cheese adds a satisfying creaminess that coats every bite. This dish is not only keto-friendly, but also a foolproof way to please guests or family who may not be following a low-carb diet. A beautiful blend of tastes and textures truly makes this dish stand out.
Why You’ll Love This Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole
A comforting casserole like this one is a one-pot dream that delivers layers of flavor, texture, and satisfaction. The tender chicken melds perfectly with crispy bacon, while the cheeses melt to create a luscious topping. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or any gathering. Whether you’re looking for a quick family meal or aiming to impress at a dinner party, this casserole is bound to be a hit!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar-free BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons ranch dressing seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 pounds cooked boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cubed or shredded
- 8 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese
- Green onions, for garnish
Making Your Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole
Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This simple step will ensure that your casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly, so you end up with a deliciously baked meal.
Mix the Base Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar-free BBQ sauce, ranch dressing seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir it all together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This base is where all the magic begins—trust me!
Add the Chicken and Bacon
Next, gently fold in the cooked, cubed or shredded chicken and chopped bacon into the BBQ cream cheese mixture. Be sure to coat the meat well with the sauce so that every bit of chicken benefits from that yummy flavor.
Cheese It Up
Now, here comes the best part! Add ½ cup each of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses into your mixture. Stir everything until it’s evenly distributed, making sure no chunk is left behind. The melted cheese is going to be pure bliss.
Assemble the Casserole
Carefully transfer the chicken mixture into a lightly greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Once it’s laid out nicely, top it off with the remaining cheese for that delicious bubbly topping. Ooooh, it’s looking good!
Bake to Perfection
Cover your casserole dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 6-8 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly. That golden top is calling your name!
Garnish and Serve
Once it’s out of the oven, drizzle a bit more BBQ sauce on top and sprinkle with fresh green onions for that crunchy bit of freshness. Serve it hot and enjoy the aroma that fills your kitchen!
Serving Suggestions
To complement your Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole, consider serving it with a side of steamed broccoli or a refreshing salad. It also makes a fantastic filling for lettuce wraps! Each bite pairs well with hearty greens, making it a balanced meal.
Tips for Success
- Make sure the cream cheese is thoroughly softened; this helps it blend easily with the other ingredients, ensuring a creamy texture.
- You can adjust the amount of BBQ sauce according to your taste preferences. A little more sauce can take this casserole to the next level!
Variations
- If you want to switch things up, swap out the cheddar and Monterey Jack with your favorite cheese blends. Gouda or pepper jack could add a nice twist.
- To sneak in some extra nutrients, feel free to add veggies like bell peppers or spinach. They not only add color but also a nutritional boost.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the oven or microwave. This casserole tastes just as good the next day!
Pairing Ideas
For drinks, consider pairing your casserole with a light white wine, refreshing iced tea, or sparkling water with a slice of lemon. Each pairing complements the flavors beautifully and keeps the meal light and enjoyable.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A1: Yes, you can prepare it the night before, store it in the fridge, and bake it when you’re ready to serve. This makes dinner even easier!
Q2: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A2: Absolutely! This Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole is naturally gluten-free, letting everyone dig in without worry.
Q3: Can I use a different type of meat?
A3: For sure! Feel free to substitute the chicken with turkey or even shrimp if that’s what you have on hand.
Q4: What can I use instead of ranch dressing seasoning?
A4: If needed, create your own blend with dried dill, parsley, and garlic powder. Simple herbs and spices can work wonders.
Q5: How can I make this dairy-free?
A5: Just replace the cream cheese and cheeses with dairy-free alternatives. Don’t forget to use a dairy-free BBQ sauce as well.
This Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole is not just a deliciously comforting meal; it’s a family favorite that can be tailored to various dietary needs. Enjoy the rich flavors packed into every bite, and let it become a staple in your recipe rotation! It’s an easy, satisfying dish to keep everyone happy and healthy, begging for more!
Print
Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole
This keto-friendly casserole is a hearty blend of smoky BBQ sauce, tender chicken, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese, making it a perfect weeknight meal that’s sure to please everyone.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar-free BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons ranch dressing seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 pounds cooked boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cubed or shredded
- 8 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese
- Green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing seasoning, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Fold in cubed or shredded chicken and chopped bacon, ensuring they're well coated.
- Stir in ½ cup each of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and top with remaining cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 6-8 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with BBQ sauce and green onions before serving.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Ensure cream cheese is thoroughly softened for easy blending.
Adjust BBQ sauce to taste for desired flavor intensity.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Keto
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 12
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 30
- Cholesterol: 90
