Casseroles are the ultimate comfort food — hearty, satisfying, and simple to throw together. When life gets busy, this BBQ Chicken Cauliflower Rice Casserole always hits the spot. It’s rich in protein, loaded with hidden veggies, and has that smoky-sweet BBQ flavor everyone loves.
Instead of traditional rice, this recipe uses cauliflower rice to keep it light, low in carbs, and nutrient-packed. Each bite gives you tender chicken coated in tangy BBQ sauce, mixed with sautéed onions and garlic, and finished with a golden layer of melted cheddar cheese on top. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but is secretly wholesome!
Ingredients in BBQ Chicken Cauliflower Rice Casserole
This dish is made with simple, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully. You’ll only need 11 ingredients total — three of which are just seasonings!
- Chicken breasts: Use 2 large cooked chicken breasts for the base of your casserole. Shred or dice them into small pieces.
- Cauliflower rice: One 8 oz bag of frozen cauliflower rice (thawed) gives you that rice-like texture with fewer carbs.
- Olive oil: You’ll need 2 tablespoons to sauté the onion and garlic.
- Onion: Half a yellow onion adds just the right amount of sweetness and depth.
- Garlic: Three cloves, minced, to boost flavor.
- BBQ sauce: ¾ cup of your favorite BBQ sauce ties everything together with smoky sweetness.
- Eggs: Two eggs help bind the ingredients, giving the casserole structure.
- Seasonings: A mix of salt, pepper, and chili powder enhances all the savory flavors.
- Cheddar cheese: ¾ cup shredded cheddar melts perfectly over the top for that cheesy finish.
Kitchen tools you’ll need
This casserole doesn’t require much equipment — just a few basics you likely already have.
Grab a cutting board, a sharp knife, a large mixing bowl, and a sauté pan for prepping. You’ll also need a spatula or spoon to stir, measuring cups and spoons, and finally, an 8×8-inch baking dish to bring it all together.
How to make BBQ Chicken Cauliflowe
Rice Casserole
This recipe comes together quickly, with minimal prep and cleanup. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease an 8×8 baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Chop the cooked chicken into small, bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl.
- Add the thawed cauliflower rice to the bowl and mix.
- In a sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Then add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Combine everything: Add the sautéed onion and garlic to the bowl with chicken and cauliflower. Stir in BBQ sauce, eggs, salt, pepper, and chili powder until well mixed.
- Assemble the casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until the casserole is set and golden brown on top.
- Cool slightly for 5 minutes before serving.
The easiest BBQ chicken casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts, cooked and chopped
1 (8 oz) bag frozen cauliflower rice, thawed
2 tbsp olive oil
½ yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
¾ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
2 eggs
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp chili powder
¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
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Chop the cooked chicken into small, bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl.
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Add thawed cauliflower rice to the bowl.
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Sauté the onion in olive oil for 3 minutes, then add garlic and cook another minute.
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Combine the sautéed onion and garlic with the chicken and cauliflower. Add BBQ sauce, eggs, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Mix until evenly coated.
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Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
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Top with shredded cheddar cheese and bake for 45 minutes, or until set and golden.
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Cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze fully baked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until warm.
- BBQ Sauce Tip: Use a low-sugar BBQ sauce for a lighter, low-carb version.
- Serving Ideas: Pair with a green salad, roasted veggies, or coleslaw for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 45 min
- Category: dinner
- Method: oven
- Cuisine: American


