Name: BBQ Chicken Casserole (Paleo) Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 1 h 25 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 pounds sweet potatoes; 3 tablespoons ghee or dairy free butter or regular butter; ¼ teaspoon salt; ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts; ¾ cup BBQ sauce, plus extra for topping; 8 oz coleslaw mix (about 2½ cups); 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; ½ teaspoon celery seed; ½ teaspoon dijon mustard; ½ red onion, chopped; Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

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If you’re craving a dish that combines bold flavors with wholesome ingredients, you’ve got to try this BBQ Chicken Casserole (Paleo) Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of tender shredded chicken, smoky and tangy barbecue sauce, naturally sweet mashed sweet potatoes, and a zesty coleslaw layer that adds crunch and freshness. This casserole is not only comforting and satisfying but also perfectly aligned with paleo principles, making it a go-to meal for those who want to enjoy robust flavor while sticking to clean eating. Whether you’re serving it for family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe promises to become one of your favorites in no time.

Ingredients You'll Need

A rectangular white dish with blue edges and small yellow and green flower patterns holds one even layer of orange mashed sweet potatoes, spread smoothly with a red spatula that has a wooden handle resting on the left side; the dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Keeping this recipe simple with essential ingredients is what makes it surprisingly easy and incredibly flavorful. Each component plays an important role in balancing taste, texture, and color, creating a casserole that looks as good as it tastes.

Sweet potatoes: The natural sweetness and creamy texture form a perfect base layer that’s paleo-friendly and comforting.
Ghee or dairy free butter: Adds richness and helps make the mashed sweet potatoes extra smooth and flavorful.
Salt and ground black pepper: Simple seasonings to elevate the taste of every layer without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: A lean protein base that cooks up tender and easy to shred for that perfect casserole texture.
BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite paleo-friendly variety to bring that tangy, smoky, slightly sweet punch that ties the dish together.
Coleslaw mix: Adds a refreshing crunch and color contrast, plus acts as a bright, tangy layer between the savory potatoes and chicken.
Apple cider vinegar: This brings essential acidity to the coleslaw, balancing the sweetness and deep flavors.
Celery seed: A subtle spice that gives the slaw an extra aromatic layer.
Dijon mustard: Provides a mild heat and complexity to the coleslaw dressing.
Red onion, chopped: Adds sharpness and vibrant color.
Fresh cilantro: Used as a garnish for a final fresh herbal note that brightens each bite.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Casserole (Paleo) Recipe

Step 1: Bake the Sweet Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Use a fork to poke holes into the sweet potatoes, then spread them out on a rimmed baking sheet. Baking them until soft, about 45 minutes, allows the natural sugars to emerge and gives you a creamy texture after peeling. This easy step sets the foundation for the casserole’s base layer.

Step 2: Cook and Shred the Chicken

While sweet potatoes bake, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the chicken breasts, reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes until the chicken is tender enough to shred with a fork. Shredded chicken is key for layering the BBQ sauce evenly throughout the casserole.

Step 3: Mash the Sweet Potatoes

Once the sweet potatoes have cooled slightly, peel off the skins and place the flesh into a large bowl. Add your ghee, salt, and black pepper, then mash everything together with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy. This flavorful mash will create an inviting base that absorbs the flavors of the layers above.

Step 4: Prepare the Coleslaw Layer

Mix the coleslaw mix with apple cider vinegar, celery seed, Dijon mustard, and chopped red onion in a separate bowl. This mixture provides a crisp, vibrant middle layer that contrasts beautifully with the tender mashed sweet potatoes and savory BBQ chicken layers.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole and Bake

Spread the mashed sweet potatoes evenly across the bottom of a 9x13 inch or 9x9 inch baking dish. Spoon the coleslaw mixture over the sweet potatoes in a smooth, even layer. Then combine the shredded chicken with ¾ cup of BBQ sauce and spread this over the coleslaw. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until the top of the chicken is beautifully browned and bubbling.

Step 6: Finish with Extra BBQ Sauce and Garnish

Once baked, drizzle some extra BBQ sauce over the casserole for added tang and moisture. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro to add color and a bright herbal note to every bite. Now your BBQ Chicken Casserole (Paleo) Recipe is ready to enjoy!

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Casserole (Paleo) Recipe

This image shows a blue-handled ceramic baking dish with a white inside decorated with small yellow and green floral patterns. Inside the dish, there are two visible layers: the bottom layer is a mix of finely chopped white and purple cabbage, and the top layer is shredded cooked chicken covered with a reddish-brown sauce. Small pieces of green herbs are sprinkled on top of the chicken, adding a fresh contrast to the warm colors. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, with a beige cloth partially visible under the left side. Nearby, there is a small white bowl with green herbs and a glass cup with light liquid, along with a shiny spoon. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh cilantro is perfect for a pop of green and freshness, but feel free to add sliced green onions or a generous pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth and visual appeal. Bright garnishes make each serving feel special and restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple steamed greens like broccoli or sautéed zucchini to keep the meal light and paleo-friendly. A crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette also complements the smoky, sweet flavors beautifully, adding a refreshing balance.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve this casserole family-style straight from the baking dish or portion it into individual ramekins for an elegant touch. For casual gatherings, scoop it up with lettuce wraps instead of plates to amp up the paleo factor and create a fun, handheld experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover BBQ Chicken Casserole (Paleo) Recipe tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping it sealed well helps maintain moisture and flavor so you can enjoy every bite as if freshly baked.

Freezing

This casserole freezes exceptionally well. Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve taste and texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes, or in the microwave if you’re short on time. To keep the top layer from drying out, cover loosely with foil while warming. The flavors will come back to life, making every bite just as delightful as the first.

FAQs

Is this BBQ Chicken Casserole recipe truly paleo?

Absolutely. The recipe uses paleo-approved ingredients like sweet potatoes, ghee, and natural BBQ sauce without processed sugars or grains, making it a nutritious and compliant paleo meal.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs will add a little extra richness and moisture, which can make the casserole even more flavorful. Just be sure to cook them until tender and shred well.

What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?

Look for a paleo-friendly BBQ sauce with no added sugars, artificial ingredients, or preservatives. You can find some great options at health food stores or even make your own at home to keep it clean and wholesome.

Can I prepare parts of this casserole in advance?

Definitely. You can bake and mash the sweet potatoes and cook the chicken a day ahead. Assemble the layers before baking on the day you want to serve for convenience without sacrificing freshness.

Is this dish suitable for meal prepping?

Yes! This BBQ Chicken Casserole (Paleo) Recipe holds up beautifully as leftovers and freezes well, making it an ideal option for prepping meals ahead of time.

Final Thoughts

This BBQ Chicken Casserole (Paleo) Recipe is a warm hug on a plate, combining comfort, flavor, and nutrition all in one dish. It's perfect for cozy family meals or impressing friends with a colorful, satisfying casserole that looks as good as it tastes. Once you try it, I bet it will become a staple in your recipe rotation, just as it is in mine. Happy cooking and even happier eating!