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.
Amanda says
I never leave comments or reviews but my somewhat picky toddler loved this! Anything that requires two steps (cooking on stove and then baking) is usually a no go for me because of my busy toddler but it wasn't as difficult as I had imagined. This meal will have to be in regular rotation at our house since she happily gobbled up three servings before I had to just cut her off. I even added raw spinach to hers and she was unphased. Thank you- we are new to working around several food sensitivities, and a stress free meal was just what I needed.
Jessica DeMay says
You're welcome, Amanda! Thank you for trying my recipe and for the great feedback! I'm so glad you and your girl enjoyed it 🙂
Abby says
I just made this and it was delicious! I left out the bacon and I only used one egg (that's all I had), but made sure to really get as much moisture as I could out of the spaghetti squash and it still held together really well. I'm not on the paleo diet and kinda love cheese, so I added a little sharp cheddar to the mix and on top. Another change I made (because I had it on hand) was using chicken breasts that I put in my slow cooker covered with BBQ sauce in low for 5 hours, and then putting in my mixer with the paddle attachment for just a couple seconds- couldn't be easier. Thanks for the great recipe!
Jessica DeMay says
You're welcome, Abby! Thank you for trying it and for the great feedback! I love the changes you made to make it work for you. 🙂
Tobi Norton says
How long are you supposed to cook the spaghetti squash for in the first step?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Tobi- here are instructions on cooking spaghetti squash-http://www.jaysbakingmecrazy.com/2015/04/17/how-to-cook-spaghetti-squash/
Abby says
So I made this and mine came out runny and fell apart the moment I took it out of the pan? Not sure what I did wrong but it still taste good!
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Abby- I'm sorry that happened! Did you follow it exactly? Including the eggs? It is a little messy, but shouldn't be runny. I'm glad it still tasted good! Thanks for trying my recipe!
Barbara says
Can you substitute rice for the spaghetti sauce?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Barbara- yes, I think that would work great! Hope you try it!
Melinda says
Do you think this could be made without eggs?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Melinda- I address that in the text right above the last picture. Yes, but it won't hold together as well. The flavor will still be the same though. Enjoy!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
This looks so good Jessica. Wonder if I can trick my son Casey into eating spaghetti squash?
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Mary Ann! Ha- well, this is a good one to trick him with 😉 It doesn't taste like squash at all.
Abby says
Looks sooo good .... would or could this be considered Low Carb also ??
thanks
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Abby! It could be as long as you use low carb bbq sauce. My homemade one uses dates, but if you're not doing a Whole30 you could use Swerve and it would be low carb. I hope that helps and I hope you try it!
Zerrin Günaydın says
Oh my goodness! I can hardly wait to make this!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Zerrin! It is so good 🙂
Bethany @ Athletic Avocado says
This looks so yummy! I'm a huge casserole fan and I love BBQ chicken, so I know for a fact that I would love this!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Bethany! I agree- casseroles are the best! I used to make super unhealthy ones, now it's fun to make them healthy and just as tasty! 🙂