This Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole is a creamy, savory, and hearty dish that blends tender chicken with tangy keto-friendly barbecue flavor. Instead of traditional high-carb ingredients, this version uses sugar-free BBQ sauce, rich cream cheese, and plenty of melted cheese to keep it low in carbs while still delivering that satisfying comfort-food feel. The addition of crisp bacon adds a smoky edge that pairs beautifully with the rich chicken and cheese.
Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this casserole is easy to assemble and bakes into a bubbly, cheesy masterpiece your whole family will enjoy. Even those who don’t follow a keto lifestyle will appreciate the irresistible combination of BBQ and cheese. With simple steps and common ingredients, this dish shows how keto cooking can be both flavorful and straightforward.
Equipment
- Oven
- Medium mixing bowl
- Casserole dish
- Spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar-free BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 pounds cooked chicken, cubed or shredded
- 8 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar-free BBQ sauce, ranch seasoning, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in the cooked chicken and chopped bacon.
- Add half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses into the mixture, stirring until well combined.
- Spread this chicken and cheese mixture evenly into a casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheeses over the top of the casserole.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for another 6–8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Recipe Info
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Total Time: 40–45 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Main Dish
How to Store
- Cool the casserole completely before storing.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through and cheese is melty.
What Not to Do
- Do not skip softening the cream cheese, or you may have lumps.
- Do not use BBQ sauce with sugar—this adds unwanted carbs.
- Do not overbake; this can dry out the casserole.
- Do not add the cheese too early, or it may over-brown.
Tips & Variations
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Add a swirl of extra BBQ sauce on top before serving for more tang.
- For extra smoky flavor, use hickory-smoked bacon.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for color.
Approximate Nutrition
- Calories: ~675 per serving
- Fat: ~45g
- Protein: ~42g
- Carbohydrates: ~4g
- Fiber: ~0g
- Net Carbs: ~4g
Cheesy Low-Carb Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar-free BBQ sauce, ranch seasoning, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in the cooked chicken and chopped bacon.
- Add half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses into the mixture, stirring until well combined.
- Spread this chicken and cheese mixture evenly into a casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheeses over the top of the casserole.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for another 6–8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Notes
- Fat: ~45g
- Protein: ~42g
- Carbohydrates: ~4g
- Fiber: ~0g
- Net Carbs: ~4g
Conclusion
This Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole brings bold barbecue flavors into a creamy, cheesy casserole that’s both satisfying and low in carbs. Simple to prepare and big on taste, it’s perfect for busy cooks and anyone following a keto or low-carb lifestyle. With bacon, plenty of cheese, and smoky BBQ sauce, it transforms everyday ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal.
FAQs
1. Can I use raw chicken?
Yes. Cook and shred or cube the chicken before adding to the casserole.
2. What BBQ sauce should I use?
Use a sugar-free, low-carb BBQ sauce to keep carbs minimal.
3. Can I add veggies?
You can add chopped low-carb veggies like peppers or broccoli if you like.
4. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
5. How do I reheat this?
Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
