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    Home » Casseroles » Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole

    Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole

    Published: Jul 24, 2020 by Wendy Polisi Modified: Jun 16, 2021 · 804 words. · About 5 minutes to read this article.

    • 810
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Close up photo of a cheesy casserole with the text below that says Crazy Good Low Carb Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole

    This Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole is crave-worthy! Tangy BBQ sauce is blended with ranch dressing, cream cheese, and smoky paprika, then tossed with bacon, chicken, and spinach. Top it off with cheddar cheese, and you have a family-friendly casserole that is nothing short of spectacular.

    Overhead photo of a cheesy BBQ Chicken Casserole drizzled with ranch dressing and BBQ sauce with a spoon coming from it.

    If you were to come to my home on any given weeknight, there is at least a 50% chance that you would find a casserole in the oven.

    With three kids, having meals that can be prepped ahead of time makes dinner time much more enjoyable.

    This BBQ Chicken Casserole is my idea of perfection! Though my kids aren't keto, I always strive to create recipes that the whole family will love. (Because who has the energy to create separate meals?)

    This is a family-friendly low carb casserole that I turn to again and again!

    Cooking Chicken for Casseroles

    Instant Pot

    This recipe can be made entirely in your instant pot - including cooking the chicken.

    To prepare the chicken in the instant pot, add 1 cup of chicken broth to the pot and then add the chicken. You can place the chicken on the trivet, but it isn’t necessary.

    Season to taste with salt and pepper. Close the lid and set it to seal. Cook at high pressure for 10 minutes. Do an instant release. Let it sit for another 5 minutes and then open the lid.

    Shred with forks and proceed with the recipe.

    Photo of a keto quickstart guide with the description of the guide on the right.

    Poaching

    In a saucepan, cover the chicken with broth. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, and then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes.

    Slow Cooker

    To cook chicken in your slow cooker, add the chicken and 1 ½ cups of chicken broth to the slow cooker. Season to taste with salt and pepper. On for 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low. Remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred with forks.

    Can BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole Be Made Ahead of Time?

    Yes. This dish holds well when made ahead of time. You can prepare it up to two days ahead and keep it in a covered container in the refrigerator. Leftovers will keep for about three to four days.

    Can This Recipe Be Frozen?

    You can freeze this recipe for up to two months. I recommend waiting to add the cheese topping to the casserole until you are ready to cook it.

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn From Qualifying Sales

    Make it Easier

    If you have the time, cooking chicken and making ranch and bbq sauce makes for a delicious and economical dinner.

    Short on time? Pick up a rotisserie chicken at the store as well as keto-friendly ranch dressing and BBQ sauce. My go-to brand is Primal Kitchen.

    Variations

    • I used hot smoked paprika, which gives this dish a kick of heat. If you would prefer, you can use regular smoked paprika or sweet paprika.
    • Feel free to play with the vegetables here. Blanched broccoli or cauliflower are both nice in place of the spinach. Cauliflower rice is also a good option.

    Serving Suggestions

    • This casserole is perfect with a simple green salad dressed in Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing. If you prefer a vinegar-based dressing, use this one.
    • Cheesy Roasted Green Beans are a side that both kids and adults will love.
    • Crispy Brussels Sprouts are wildly good and perfect with this casserole.

    Tools Needed

    • Mixing Bowls
    • Food Processor or Stand Mixer
    • 9 x 9 Baking Dish or Instant Pot
    Close up photo of a cheesy chicken casserole garnished with ranch dressing and bbq sauce with a spoon being pulled from it.
    If you like this recipe don't forget to leave a 5 star rating and let me know how it went in the below comments, I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see all my delicious recipes.
    Photo of a keto quickstart guide with the description of the guide on the right.
    Close up square photo of a cheesy chicken casserole with a spoon being pulled from it.
    Print Recipe
    5 from 2 votes

    BBQ Chicken Casserole - Keto, Low Carb

    When you are looking for a meal that the whole family will love, this BBQ Casserole is perfection! Serve it with a simple green salad for a complete meal.
    Prep Time15 mins
    Cook Time30 mins
    Total Time45 mins
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: chicken
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 601.45kcal
    Author: Wendy Polisi
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualified sales.

    Ingredients

    • 2 pounds cooked chicken breast or thighs shredded
    • 8 ounces cooked bacon
    • 8 ounces frozen chopped spinach thawed
    • ¾ cup Keto BBQ Sauce
    • ⅔ cup Keto Ranch Dressing
    • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
    • 1 teaspoon hot smoked paprika
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
    • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese

    Instructions

    Oven Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place the chicken, bacon, and spinach in a large bowl.
      Photo of shredded chicken, bacon, and chopped spinach in a red bowl.
    • In In a food processor or stand mixer combine the BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, cream cheese, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Process until smooth.
    • Toss the chicken mixture with the BBQ sauce mixture.
      Photo of a creamy sauce made from BBQ Sauce, ranch, cream cheese, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper that has been poured over chicken, bacon, and spinach.
    • Transfer the mixture to a 9 x 9 baking dish.
      Photo of a casserole dish with shredded chicken, bacon, and chopped spinach tossed with a creamy ranch BBQ Sauce.
    • Top with cheese and bake for 30 minutes.
      Photo of a square casserole dish with a casserole covered in cheese.

    Instant Pot Instructions

    • Toss the chicken, bacon, and spinach in your instant pot.
    • In In a food processor or stand mixer combine the BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, cream cheese, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Process until smooth.
    • Place the mixture on top of the chicken. Do not stir.
    • Set the pressure to high for 1 minute. When the time is done, allow to release naturally for 5 minutes, and then do a quick release.
    • Top with cheese and place the lid on the pot until the cheese melts.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 601.45kcal | Carbohydrates: 6.56g | Protein: 41.51g | Fat: 44.14g | Saturated Fat: 17.68g | Cholesterol: 202.96mg | Sodium: 1240.84mg | Potassium: 663.8mg | Fiber: 0.85g | Sugar: 1.69g | Vitamin A: 3490.57IU | Vitamin C: 8.65mg | Calcium: 279.34mg | Iron: 2.42mg
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    • 810

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. ashley

      August 01, 2020 at 8:37 pm

      Is the nutrition values based on per serving or total casserole?

      Reply
      • Wendy Polisi

        December 22, 2020 at 2:14 pm

        It is per serving.

        Reply
    2. Carol L

      December 22, 2020 at 2:08 pm

      5 stars
      This was fantastic! I omitted the spinach as I dont like.

      Reply
      • Wendy Polisi

        December 22, 2020 at 2:14 pm

        I am so glad that you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    3. Jennifer

      November 07, 2021 at 10:05 pm

      5 stars
      I made this for me and my non-keto partner and we both agreed it was amazing. I did use a rotisserie chicken and store bought sauces (because I’m efficient, I.e. lazy) and added a little broccoli and cauliflower because I wasn’t planning on making a side. Really fantastic and one of those meals that makes it difficult to believe it’s a “diet” food.

      Reply

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    Welcome

    I'm Wendy and I'm here to show you just how delicious a low carb, gluten free and keto diet can be! You are just as likely to find me obsessing over all things cheesy as you are getting excited by a full produce drawer. I'm a mom to three, obsessive planner and roller coasters are my happy place. Let's dig deeper →

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