Calling all Paleo diet followers! We have something that you absolutely need to hear. While you may already have some scrumptious Paleo lunch recipes under your belt, you should keep discovering more so you won’t become bored. After all, each meal should be nothing short of a pleasure when you’re following this eating plan. If you’re hoping to spice up your weeknight meal game, we have the answer for you here. This fantastic Paleo chicken casserole is a serious game-changer. Here’s what you need to know about how to make it.
What is a Paleo Chicken Casserole?
While you may have seen Paleo casserole recipes online, you may be wondering what makes them different. The Paleo diet is based around the food people ate during the Paleolithic era. For that reason, it is high in ingredients such as meat, fish, shellfish, fruits, vegetables, eggs, nuts, and seeds. That means that a Paleo chicken casserole will include some of the above, namely the meat and vegetables.
However, the eating plan dictates that you should avoid grains, legumes, cereals, dairy, processed foods, refined sugars, or added salts. Since many casseroles include rice or pasta, that presents an issue. Much like the yummy Paleo taco salad recipe, this one includes some healthy swaps. So, rather than using traditional rice, it uses cauliflower rice.
What Are the Advantages of This Recipe?
Of course, there are countless Paleo casserole recipes out there, so why should you choose this one? That’s a good question. We have not one but three answers for you. Let’s take a look at the biggest advantages of this Paleo chicken casserole recipe.
- Feed the whole family
When you’re stuck for a weekday meal, a Paleo chicken casserole could be the answer. The best thing about this particular recipe is that it serves six people. That means that you can feed the entire family with just one meal. Of course, if you’re dining alone, it also means that you can save some portions for later. Luckily, the recipe is 100% freezer-friendly, which means that you can easily portion it up and eat it whenever you want. - Quick and easy to make
Some casserole recipes can be seriously laborious. Thankfully, our Paleo chicken broccoli casserole doesn’t have that problem. Once you learn the basics of this recipe, you should find that it’s ultra-easy to whip up in no time. Needless to say, you can also switch things around here and try out different Paleo-friendly ingredients that suit your tastes too. - Full of delicious flavor
Looking for a Paleo meal that packs a real flavor punch? You may just have found it. Much like our ridiculously tempting Paleo pizza, this recipe will hit the spot. The guide calls for a healthy dose of cayenne pepper, which means that it has a spicy finish. You can alter this part of the recipe to suit your personal taste and even turn up the heat! Simple.
Yummy Paleo Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe
Ready to get started? This Paleo chicken broccoli casserole recipe takes less than an hour to make and is super satisfying. If you’re hoping to try something entirely new for dinner, you should certainly try it. Here’s what you need to know to get it right the first time around.
Prep Time: 25 mins | Bake Time: 25 mins | Serves: 6
Calories per serve: 250 kcal | Equipment: Food processor, paper towels, chopping board, knife, two large bowls, baking tray, baking paper, pan, and a casserole dish
Ingredients
- 1 large cauliflower
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 tsp avocado oil
- 2 tsp cayenne powder
- 100g broccoli
- 1 tsp olive oil
- ½ cup coconut milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp pepper
- 3 large onions
- 60g baby leaf spinach
- 60g curly kale
Instructions
- First, prepare your cauliflower rice. Break the cauliflower up into medium-sized chunks. Put the pieces in a food processor and pulse for a couple of minutes.
- Take the cauliflower rice out of the food processor and place on some paper towels. Wrap the rice up and squeeze it to get rid of any excess moisture. Set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Chop two chicken breasts into thin strips. Put them in a large bowl and add the avocado oil and one teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Massage the chicken pieces so that the flavors combine.
- Put the chicken pieces on a baking tray lined with paper and put it in the oven for 20 minutes. After 10 minutes, add the broccoli to the baking tray and continue to bake for the rest of the time.
- In a pan, add some olive oil, pepper, and one teaspoon of cayenne pepper and place on a medium heat. Add the coconut milk and chicken broth and stir.
- Peel and chop the onions. Wash and chop the spinach and kale.
- Pour the cauliflower rice in a large baking tray. Add the cooked chicken, broccoli, onions, spinach, and kale. Next, pour the sauce over the mixture. Mix and ensure it’s even.
- Put the baking tray in the oven and cook for a further 25 minutes. Serve and enjoy!
3 Preparation and Cooking Tips
Now that you understand how to make a delicious Paleo chicken casserole, let’s kick things up a notch. Making this recipe extra special doesn’t have to be a chore. Here are three ways in which you can ensure that it’s a winning Paleo-friendly meal.
- Season the chicken well
Ideally, the chicken that you use in this casserole should be brimming with juicy flavor. For that reason, you need to make sure that you season your meat well. In this recipe, we have included cayenne pepper, but you may want to use other herbs and spices. Don’t be afraid to play around with a range of flavors and see what suits you. - Experiment with vegetables
Fancy mixing things up a little? Adding vegetables to your Paleo chicken casserole could be the way to go. If you would like to bulk up this recipe and make it more substantial, you can throw in a few extra ingredients. Roasting some root vegetables, such as parsnips or turnips, and adding them to the dish will make it extra filling. - Make an extra large batch
Sticking to the Paleo diet can be tough at times. However, meal-prepping will help you stay on top of the guidelines and ensure you always have something to eat. If you have the time, why not double up this recipe? You can make 12 portions of Paleo dinner time meals that you will be able to freeze. Keeping these dishes in the freezer means that you will never be at a loss for something quick and easy to eat. Simply reheat and enjoy.
Conclusion
Finding the ideal weekday meal can be a struggle. However, this paleo chicken casserole comes close to perfection.
Follow the instructions here and create a meal that the whole family can enjoy. Of course, as always, you can modify and change the recipe to suit you.
Why not try this fun and tempting recipe tonight? Just one bite and you’ll be hooked.