Chipolte/Cauliflower Chicken Casserole

Cauliflower: a companion for paleo chipotle chicken casserole

 by Stormy Sweitzer - Maoomba-in-chief ·

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• This dish works great with leftover grilled chicken, but you can also pan-fry chicken pieces and then add the peppers, onions and garlic to the mix.
• Consider making extra bacon for breakfast.  Keep several pieces aside for use in recipes; strain the grease and use it instead of cooking oil when making savory dishes.  The flavor is fantastic.
• Cauliflower for this dish should still be reasonably firm.   I prefer to steam it for about 10 to 12 minutes, just to the point of tenderness.  You could steam it longer and mash it like you would potatoes.  Keep in mind that it will continue cooking in the oven.
• Does the mixture seem dry to you?  Before adding the mixture to your casserole to bake it, stir in a couple tablespoons of water.

Cut cauliflower into florets. Rinse.

This flavorful, dairy-free and gluten-free dish is a great way to use leftover chicken and bacon (if you have that kind of self-control) and get your veggies, too.

Ingredients

• 1 large head of cauliflower
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup green onions, chopped
• 1 tsp chile powder
• 1 tsp chipotle powder
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• Salt, to taste
• 2 chicken breasts, grilled and chopped
• 6 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped
• 3 Tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• Olive oil or bacon fat for sautéing

Instructions

1. Cut cauliflower into florets. Steam over boiling water for about 12 minutes, until it florets are tender but not mushy. (Note: this is a good time to cook up your chicken and bacon if you haven’t already.)
2. Preheat oven to 375 degree F.
3. Heat frying pan to medium high heat. Add olive oil or bacon fat and red peppers. Sauté for 3 minutes. Add green onions and garlic and sauté for 2 minutes longer. Set aside.
4. Cut cauliflower into ¾ inch chunks and place in a large mixing bowl. Stir in chile powder, chipotle powder, cumin, and salt until well blended. Stir in red pepper mixture, chicken chunks, crumbled bacon, tomatoes, and cilantro.
5. Pour mixture into a lightly greased casserole dish. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes, or until heated through and the top is golden brown.
6. Serve.

MY TAKE:I do the occasional organic farm cheese you can add it at the end.