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.
Katie Z says
The recipe was great! Definitely didn't look super pretty, but tasted delicious. You can barely taste the squash. I subbed 3 flax eggs in place of regular eggs and it worked! Next time, I'm going to try shredding the chicken instead of cubing it. Thanks!
Judy says
Making this again today. Starting a Whole30 round tomorrow. Love having tasty meals I can reheat. BBQ and bacon are favorites.
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Judy! So glad you like it!
Nicole says
What’s the nutritional value and serving size?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Nicole- I don't know because I don't count calories and don't encourage others to. If you need to know, you can use a site like My Fitness Pal to calculate it.
Taylor says
What are the nutrition facts of this meal?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Taylor- I don't calculate nutrition facts. You can use a site like My Fitness Pal if needed.
Lori says
Made this for my family, but also made another meal incase they didn't like this. They ended up liking this meal better than my original. loved the taste.
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks for trying it, Lori! I'm so glad your family enjoyed it 🙂 Thanks for the great feedback!
Alexia says
This may be silly but I really don’t cook my such so no judging (haha). Are you supposed to drain the fat from the bacon? Maybe it’s because I didn’t use beef bacon but i think I should drain it but not sure for the consistency
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Alexia- it's not silly at all. I usually drain the bacon. I'm not afraid of fat, but you don't want it to be too greasy either. I hope you love the casserole 🙂
Texas Bubba says
Really liked making the paleo bbq sauce - flavor was some of the best I've tried. My wife, who doesn't like casseroles, liked this one. You are becoming one of my favorite food bloggers.
Jessica DeMay says
Thank you so much! I'm so glad it was enjoyed and I'm happy you like my recipes!
Catherine says
Hello I am making this dish tonight and was wondering how many servings it makes? 6?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Catherine- yes, 6 servings. Enjoy!
kendra says
Sorry if this was already answered - but do you have another BBQ sauce that is already made (store bought) that would work for this recipe? It would just take me so long to make my own sauce and I am a busy mom that needs to get meals on the table fairly quickly! Would love an easy go to Paleo BBQ sauce option, if it exists! Thanks
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Kendra- I've heard great things about The New Primal Bbq Sauce : https://shop.thenewprimal.com/marinades/ It appears they are out of stock on their site, but maybe check a Whole Foods or other health food store by you. I totally understand needing a quick option. Hope that helps!
Elizabeth says
Hi Jess! I know you posted this recipe almost two years ago and I've had it pinned that long, but i finally made it last night! It is so good and great to eat all week ! I will be having it today again for lunch. Thanks for the recipe!!
Jessica DeMay says
You're welcome, Elizabeth! Thanks for trying it and I'm so glad you like it!