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. Whether it’s a family dinner or a potluck dish, this casserole is sure to impress with its delicious taste and satisfying texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With a prep time of just 30 minutes, you can have a hearty meal ready in no time.
• Flavorful Combination: The mix of BBQ sauce, chicken, and cheese creates a rich flavor that everyone will love.
• Cheesy Delight: Packed with Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar cheese, this dish is incredibly cheesy and satisfying.
• Healthy Option: This casserole is low in carbs and high in protein, making it a great choice for those on a keto diet.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or swap cheeses based on what you have on hand.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole, having the right tools makes the process smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Cast-iron skillet: Perfect for even cooking and browning. It retains heat well, ensuring your casserole cooks evenly.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients without any mess. A larger bowl allows for easy mixing.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements are key to a successful recipe. They help ensure you get the right balance of flavors.
• Measuring spoons: Useful for precise measurements of smaller quantities like spices.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Mixture

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

For the Topping

• 2 ½ cups coleslaw mix (or shredded cabbage)
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese (grated)
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (grated)
• 6 slices Turkey turkey bacon (cooked and crumbled)

How to Make Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture

1. Place the shredded chicken in a 10 or larger cast-iron skillet.
2. Pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken.
3. Toss in the garlic salt and diced red onion.
4. Add half of the grated Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar cheese.
5. Mix until they are well combined.

Step 3: Add Toppings

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

Step 4: Bake

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

Step 5: Serve

Remove from the oven and serve hot.

Enjoy your delicious Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole as a comforting main course that everyone will love!

How to Serve Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole

This delicious Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole is versatile and can be served in several delightful ways. Whether you want to keep it simple or add some extra flair, these serving suggestions will enhance your meal experience.

Pair with Fresh Salad

• Crisp Garden Salad: A mix of leafy greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers dressed lightly with olive oil complements the rich flavors of the casserole.
• Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw made from cabbage and carrots adds crunch and balances the casserole’s richness.

Add Some Crunch

• Tortilla Chips: Serve with low-carb tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast that pairs well with the cheesy goodness of the casserole.
• Vegetable Sticks: Carrot, cucumber, or bell pepper sticks offer a refreshing side that is easy to prepare.

Top it Off

• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado slices on top add richness and healthy fats.
• Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of chopped cilantro brightens up the dish and enhances its BBQ flavor.

How to Perfect Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole

To ensure your Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole turns out perfectly every time, follow these handy tips for best results.

• Use Shredded Chicken: Opt for cooked, shredded chicken breast for even distribution of flavor throughout the casserole.
• Choose Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce: Using a sugar-free BBQ sauce keeps this dish keto-friendly while still delivering that sweet and smoky taste.
• Mix Cheeses for Flavor: Combining Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar cheese provides a great balance of creaminess and sharpness in flavor.
• Don’t Skip the Coleslaw Mix: Adding coleslaw mix contributes texture and freshness, making each bite more enjoyable.
• Bake Until Golden Brown: Ensure you bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden for the best texture and flavor.
• Allow to Cool Slightly Before Serving: Letting it cool for a few minutes allows the casserole to set, making it easier to serve.

Best Side Dishes for Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole

Serving your Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole with complementary side dishes enhances your meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds nutritional value while being low in carbs.
2. Zucchini Noodles: Spiralized zucchini offers a fun alternative to pasta that pairs beautifully with BBQ flavors.
3. Cauliflower Rice: This low-carb rice substitute is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce from the casserole.
4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts provide a nutty flavor that balances well with richness.
5. Garlic Mashed Cauliflower: Creamy mashed cauliflower infused with garlic offers a comforting side without all the carbs.
6. Grilled Asparagus: Tossed in olive oil and grilled until tender, asparagus adds an elegant touch alongside your casserole.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can enhance your cooking experience and ensure your Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole turns out perfectly.

• Using the wrong chicken: Always opt for cooked shredded chicken breast. Raw or undercooked chicken can ruin the dish and pose health risks.
• Ignoring seasoning: Don’t forget to add garlic salt and other spices. These ingredients boost flavor, making your casserole more enjoyable.
• Overloading with cheese: While cheese is delicious, too much can make the dish greasy. Stick to the recommended amounts for a balanced texture.
• Skipping the coleslaw mix: This adds crunch and freshness. Omitting it may result in a less satisfying casserole.
• Not monitoring baking time: Keep an eye on the casserole while it bakes. Baking too long can lead to burnt edges or dry chicken.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the casserole to cool completely before sealing it.

Freezing Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Divide into individual portions for easy defrosting.

Reheating Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until hot.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until warm throughout.
• Stovetop: Place on medium heat with a splash of broth; stir occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole?

Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole is a low-carb dish that combines shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, cheese, and crunchy cabbage for a hearty meal.

How can I customize my Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole?

You can add vegetables like bell peppers or swap out cheeses according to your preferences. Experimenting with spices can also enhance flavor.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator or freeze it for later use.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole is perfect for meal prep since it stores well and reheats easily, making weeknight dinners hassle-free.

Final Thoughts

This Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole is not just delicious but also versatile. You can customize it based on your taste preferences or dietary needs. We encourage you to try this recipe; it’s sure to become a favorite at your dinner table!