This Paleo Barbecue Chicken Casserole is healthy, comforting and fulfilling. Flavorful barbecue sauce combines with tender chicken and crispy bacon to make an ultimate meal! Whole30, gluten free, dairy free and incredibly delicious!
The first time I made this is was completely random. I had some of my barbecue sauce that needed to be used up and also had a spaghetti squash needing to be used. I threw the two together with some cooked chicken and it came out so good. Then I actually made it using measurements, adding bacon and wow- amazing!! I actually used Beef Bacon from US Wellness Meats and was so impressed with not only the flavor, but the ingredients. It's hard to find bacon without added sugar, but they have some and it's truly delicious! I highly recommend trying it!
If you're familiar with barbecue chicken pizza, that's where I got my inspiration. It always has red onions, bacon, and chicken- such a great combination! I took all those flavors and ingredients and packed them into a healthy casserole that is so satisfying and tasty.
This dish does take a little bit of time to prep, but it's so worth it. I often hear people say they get bored on a Whole30, or that their meals have no flavor. Well, this meal definitely isn't boring or lacking flavor. And it is just as good reheated the next day.
My Paleo Buffalo Chicken Casserole has quickly become one of my most popular recipes- you guys love it and I love seeing so many people make it! I think you'll love this one just as much. There is so much flavor, it makes a ton (great for leftovers) and it's Whole30 compliant. Yay! Just make sure to use a clean barbecue sauce- here is the link to my paleo barbecue sauce and I've also seen one by Tessemae's sold at Whole Foods that is Whole30.
Why Eggs?
A common question I get with my other casseroles is why the eggs? They are just for binder- spaghetti squash is quite watery and the casserole wouldn't hold together as well without them. Yes, you can leave them out, but it probably won't cut as well or be pretty. I know some people can't have them due to allergies or sensitivities, so they aren't crucial for the taste, just the texture.
This casserole is hearty and packed with flavor! You will love it!
I have a post on the easiest, best way to cook spaghetti squash, for my step-by-step tutorial including making it in the Instant Pot in just 8 minutes. Or if you're looking for more spaghetti squash recipes there is my Baked Spaghetti, Buffalo Chicken Casserole, and Tuna Noodle Casserole.
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Paleo Barbecue Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 large spaghetti squash, cooked and shredded
- 1 pound bacon, divided
- 1 red onion, diced
- 2 pounds chicken breast, cut into bite sized pieces
- 1 ½-2 cups paleo bbq sauce
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- salt to taste depends on how salty the bbq sauce is
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400° and line a 13x9 with parchment paper.
- Place cooked spaghetti squash in a large bowl and pat dry with paper towel.
- Cut bacon with scissors and place in a large skillet. Cook on medium/high until crispy. Remove half onto a plate and add onion and chicken to remaining bacon.
- Cook until onion is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Add chicken mixture to the spaghetti squash and then add the barbecue sauce. Start with 1 ½ cups and add more if needed. Add the pepper, salt if needed, and garlic powder. Stir until everything is mixed well.
- Add the eggs, stirring completely.
- Place mixture into prepared pan, top with remaining bacon and bake 30-35 minutes.
Julie says
This may be a silly question, but do you beat the eggs before you add them to the mixture?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Julie- it's not silly. No, I don't, but you can if you feel comfortable with that. Hope you love it!
Dana Luterman says
How many servings would you say this is?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Dana- I would say it's about 8 servings. Enjoy!
DR says
Amazing dish! My kids loved it. My only missing ingredient was green onions because I didn’t have angbin hand. I will definitely add this to my rotation! Thanks!
Jessica DeMay says
You're welcome! Thanks for trying it and for the great feedback! I'm so glad your kids loved it 🙂
Adrian says
Hi! Can cauliflower rice be substituted for the spaghetti squash? My spaghetti squash went bad and I have tons of cauliflower rice.
Thanks!
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Adrian- I haven't tried it, but I think it will work. I hope you enjoy!
Wendy says
I went to 3 stores looking for beef bacon?? Can you use a paleo pork bacon?
Jessica DeMay says
Oh no- I'm so sorry, Wendy! Yes, of course! I'll make a note in the recipe. Hope you love the casserole.
Wendy says
Thanks! I am making it tomorrow for a casserole pot luck 🙂
Jessica DeMay says
You're welcome!
Tabitha says
This was delicious, thank you!
Jessica DeMay says
You're welcome, Tabitha! Thanks for trying it and for the feedback!
Lindsey says
Just curious if you have any tips for making this ahead of time? My kids don't give me a lot of time to prep a e meal so looking for something I can do the night before!
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Lindsey- yes! Cook the spaghetti squash ahead of time and if you have an Instant Pot you can even do it in there: http://nomnompaleo.com/post/131794514903/pressure-cooker-spaghetti-squash
If you're making homemade bbq sauce, make that ahead and keep it in the fridge. Here's my recipe: https://www.jaysbakingmecrazy.com/2015/05/01/paleo-whole30-barbecue-sauce/
Cut the onion ahead and you could even probably brown the bacon ahead of time as well. Use a cooked chicken from the store or cook the chicken the day before. I hope that helps!
YardMasterz says
This recipe looks amazing. Can't wait to make this and I'm definitely sharing it on my blog.
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks!
Lindsey says
I am making this tonight for my family! It is in the oven as I type. I will let you know how it goes....but I do already love the fact that it makes more than enough for leftovers. Yay for not having to cook tomorrow night! ?
Jessica DeMay says
I hope you love it, Lindsey! Thanks for trying my recipe! I'm the same way- I love recipes that have leftovers 🙂
Danielle says
Hi! This looks great! Do you use cooked chicken or raw chicken!? Thanks so much!
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Danielle- raw chicken. You'll see in step 5 that it gets cooked. Hope you enjoy!