Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole

This Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole is perfect for busy weeknights! Packed with bold BBQ flavors, creamy cheese, and crunchy cabbage, it’s not just a meal—it’s an experience. This dish is great for family dinners, potlucks, or just a cozy night in. Its delightful combination of textures and tastes will surely make it one of your go-to recipes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This casserole can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for those hectic weeknights.
• Flavorful: The blend of sugar-free BBQ sauce, cheeses, and turkey bacon creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will love.
• Low-Carb Delight: Perfect for those following a keto diet, this dish keeps carbs low while being high in protein.
• One-Pan Wonder: With minimal cleanup required thanks to the cast-iron skillet, you can spend more time enjoying your meal.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or adjust the spices to suit your family’s palate.

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Tools and Preparation

To make this Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole, you’ll need some essential tools. Preparing everything in advance will help ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cast-iron skillet
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Mixing spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Cast-iron skillet: Retains heat well and allows for even cooking while adding a nice sear to the ingredients.
• Measuring cups: Ensures you get the right proportions for a perfectly balanced dish.
• Mixing spoon: Helps combine all the ingredients thoroughly for an evenly flavored casserole.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients needed to create this delicious Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole:

Main Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs cooked shredded chicken breast
• 8.5 ounces sugar-free bbq sauce
• ½ teaspoon garlic salt
• ½ cup diced red onion

Cheesy Goodness

• 2 ½ cups coleslaw mix (or shredded cabbage)
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese (grated)
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (grated)

Tasty Additions

• 6 slices Turkey Bacon (cooked and crumbled)

How to Make Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F. This ensures that the casserole cooks evenly once placed inside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture

Place the shredded chicken in a 10 or larger cast-iron skillet. Pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken.

Step 3: Season and Add Cheese

Toss in the garlic salt and diced red onion. Then add half of the grated Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined.

Step 4: Add Cabbage

Top the chicken mixture with coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage. Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese and crumbled turkey bacon on top.

Step 5: Bake

Place the skillet in the preheated oven. Bake for about 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Remove from the oven carefully and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole!

How to Serve Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole

This Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to keep it simple or enhance your meal with some sides, serving suggestions can elevate your dining experience.

With Fresh Salad

• A crisp, refreshing salad pairs perfectly with the casserole. Consider a mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the rich flavors.

Over Cauliflower Rice

• For an extra low-carb option, serve the casserole over cauliflower rice. This adds texture while keeping it keto-friendly.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Scoop portions of the casserole into large lettuce leaves for a fun and healthy wrap. This is a great way to enjoy it on-the-go.

With Avocado Slices

• Add sliced avocado on top of your serving for a creamy texture. The healthy fats will complement the dish beautifully.

Topped with Jalapeños

• For those who like a kick, sprinkle chopped jalapeños on top. This adds heat and enhances the BBQ flavor.

How to Perfect Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole

To ensure your Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole turns out delicious every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Choose high-quality chicken: Using fresh or well-cooked shredded chicken enhances flavor and texture.
• Use sugar-free BBQ sauce: This keeps your dish keto-friendly while still providing that classic BBQ taste.
• Don’t skip the cheese: Cheese adds creaminess and binds the ingredients together, making each bite satisfying.
• Adjust seasoning: Feel free to tweak garlic salt and spices to suit your taste preference for added depth.
• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the casserole to sit for a few minutes helps flavors meld together.

Best Side Dishes for Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole

Pairing side dishes with your Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Butter Green Beans
   Sauté fresh green beans in garlic butter for a flavorful side that complements the casserole perfectly.

2. Zucchini Noodles
   Spiralized zucchini makes a light and refreshing side that absorbs any extra sauce from the casserole.

3. Creamy Coleslaw
   A tangy coleslaw can provide crunch and contrast to the baked casserole, enhancing its BBQ flavors.

4. Cauliflower Mash
   Creamy mashed cauliflower offers a comforting alternative to traditional mashed potatoes while keeping carbs low.

5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
   Oven-roasted Brussels sprouts add depth to your plate with their nutty flavor and crispy edges when roasted properly.

6. Cheesy Broccoli Bake
   Broccoli baked with cheese serves as a nutritious side that pairs well with the richness of the casserole.

7. Stuffed Bell Peppers
   Colorful bell peppers stuffed with cheese or ground meat add variety and nutritional value to your meal.

8. Radish Chips
   Crisp radish chips make an excellent crunchy snack or side that is perfect for dipping into any leftover sauce!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole can be simple, but there are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Incorrect Sauce Choice: Using regular BBQ sauce can add unwanted sugars. Always opt for sugar-free BBQ sauce to keep it keto-friendly.
• Overcooking Chicken: Shredded chicken should be cooked just right before adding it to the casserole. Overcooking can lead to dry chicken.
• Ignoring Cheese Quality: Not using high-quality cheese can affect the dish’s flavor. Choose fresh, grated cheese for the best taste and melt.
• Skipping Seasoning: Failing to season your ingredients can result in bland flavor. Don’t skip the garlic salt and onions; they add essential taste!
• Neglecting Cooking Time: Cooking too long or too short can change the texture of the casserole. Keep an eye on the cheese until it’s bubbly and golden.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Ensure the casserole is completely cooled before sealing.

Freezing Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• For best results, portion it out before freezing.

Reheating Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warm.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes until heated through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing and enjoying Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole.

Can I customize my Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.

What’s the best way to serve this casserole?

Serve it hot directly from the oven, garnished with fresh herbs or sliced green onions for added freshness.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Substitute dairy cheeses with vegan alternatives or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.

Is Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole kid-friendly?

Yes! The flavors are appealing to kids, making it a great option for family meals while keeping it healthy.

Final Thoughts

This Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole is not only delicious but also versatile. It makes a fantastic meal for busy weeknights while being easy to customize based on your preferences. Try this recipe today and enjoy all the comforting flavors of BBQ chicken in a healthy way!