This oven-baked casserole features shredded chicken coated in a mixture of cream cheese, sour cream, and sugar-free BBQ sauce. The dish is topped with shredded cheddar and baked until the surface is bubbly, then finished with crumbled bacon and sliced green onions. It serves as a warm, protein-based meal that combines smoky and savory elements in a single pan.
About This Recipe
The preparation begins by melting butter in a skillet and stirring in minced garlic, cream cheese, sour cream, and BBQ sauce. Once the mixture reaches a smooth consistency, smoked paprika and onion powder are added to the pan. Shredded cooked chicken is then combined with the sauce and a portion of cheddar cheese. The entire mixture is transferred to a greased casserole dish and placed in an oven at 375°F.
The ingredients include cream cheese and sour cream, which form the base of the sauce, and sugar-free BBQ sauce for the smoky profile. The shredded chicken provides the primary texture, while the cheddar cheese is used for both the filling and the top layer. Smoked paprika and onion powder are distributed throughout the liquid components during the heating process. The bacon slices are prepared separately and added to the dish after the baking process is complete.
The casserole remains in the oven for approximately 20 minutes before the final toppings are added. The recipe is modified by using pulled pork or turkey instead of chicken, or by substituting pepper jack cheese for a different flavor. The finished dish is portioned directly from the casserole pan and is often served with sides such as roasted broccoli or cauliflower. Leftovers are stored in the refrigerator or freezer and are reheated in the oven.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Smoky, cheesy, and full of flavor — true comfort food.
- Easy to meal prep and freezes perfectly.
- Family-friendly — even non-keto eaters love it.
- High in protein and satisfying.
What You’ll Need for This Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup sugar-free BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 green onions, sliced
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a medium casserole dish.
- In a skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add cream cheese, sour cream, BBQ sauce, paprika, and onion powder. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Add shredded chicken and half of the cheddar; mix until fully coated in sauce.
- Transfer the mixture into the casserole dish and top with remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
- Remove from oven, top with crumbled bacon and green onions, and serve warm.
FAQ
- Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes — assemble it up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve. - Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Let it cool, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat. - What’s the best sugar-free BBQ sauce?
Look for one sweetened with allulose or monk fruit — brands like G Hughes or Primal Kitchen work great. - Can I use another protein?
Yes, pulled pork or turkey works perfectly in this dish.
Variations & Substitutions
- Swap cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack for a spicier version.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or diced bell peppers for texture.
- Drizzle ranch dressing or extra BBQ sauce on top before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with roasted broccoli, cauliflower mash, or a crisp garden salad. A side of keto coleslaw gives it that full BBQ-dinner experience.

Keto BBQ Chicken Casserole – Smoky, Cheesy & Family-Friendly
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup sugar-free BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices cooked bacon (crumbled)
- 2 green onions (sliced)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a medium casserole dish.
- In a skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add cream cheese, sour cream, BBQ sauce, paprika, and onion powder. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Add shredded chicken and half of the cheddar; mix until fully coated in sauce.
- Transfer the mixture into the casserole dish and top with remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
- Remove from oven, top with crumbled bacon and green onions, and serve warm.
Did you make this recipe?
I’d love to hear from you — leave a comment below and tell me how it turned out, what you liked, or if you made any tweaks!
Try these next:
New keto recipes are added every week — check back often for more low-carb inspiration!
