Paleo Chicken Casserole

This recipe for Paleo Chicken Casserole is easy to make and a healthy choice for those following a whole 30 or gluten-free diet. It’s packed with braised chicken and vegetables, making it a delicious and nutritious meal option.

If you enjoy Paleo recipes, be sure to check out my Paleo Baked Lemon Chicken for another tasty dish. And for dessert, try my Paleo Chocolate Fudge.

Recipe Details

When it comes to eating healthy, taste should never be compromised. This flavorful Paleo Chicken Casserole is not only delicious, but it’s also dairy-free and whole30 approved. It’s high in protein and packed with vitamins from the vegetables, making it a nourishing choice for a meal.

• Taste: The chicken has a savory flavor that pairs well with the sweet and earthy flavors of the braised vegetables, resulting in a delightful taste.
• Texture: The chicken is juicy and tender, while the vegetables are fork-tender without being mushy.
• Time: It takes just under 2 hours to prepare and cook this casserole.
• Ease: This recipe is incredibly simple, following the principles of the Paleo diet that emphasize simplicity and natural ingredients. Despite its simplicity, the dish turns out to be delicious.

What You’ll Need

Ingredient Notes

• Chicken thighs: Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness. Look for chicken raised without antibiotics or hormones.
• Vegetables: This recipe uses eggplant, garlic, carrots, bell pepper, onion, yellow squash, zucchini, and tomatoes. Feel free to use any variety of these vegetables.
• Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, and Italian spices are used to create a fresh, savory, and earthy flavor combination that enhances the chicken and vegetables.

Add-ins and Substitutions

• Substitute other vegetables: You can use broccoli, cauliflower, butternut squash, spinach, spaghetti squash, or any other vegetables you prefer.
• Add bacon: For an extra savory flavor, you can add crispy bacon. Cook it first and chop it up to add to the casserole.
• Use a different cut of chicken: If you prefer, you can use boneless chicken thighs, chicken breasts, drumsticks, or even shredded chicken. Just adjust the cooking time, as boneless cuts cook faster.
• Add coconut milk: To make the casserole creamier, you can add coconut milk to create a savory and rich sauce for the chicken and vegetables.

How to Make Paleo Chicken Casserole

• Brown the chicken: Season the chicken and brown both sides in a skillet with olive oil.
• Transfer chicken to a baking dish: Place the chicken thighs in a 9×13-inch deep baking dish and spread minced garlic over the top.
• Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté the onion and carrots, followed by the bell pepper. Add the eggplant and sauté briefly.
• Add the rest of the veggies and spices: Add the yellow squash and zucchini, then mix in the tomatoes and garlic just enough to combine. Avoid overcooking the tomatoes.
• Combine and bake: Add the sautéed vegetables to the baking dish with the chicken. Cover with foil and bake at 370 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 hour. Serve warm.

Pro Tip: Use the heat of the skillet to warm the tomatoes without actually cooking them to preserve their texture.

Recipe Tips

• Top the chicken with minced garlic: Adding fresh minced garlic on top of the chicken enhances its flavor.
• Add the vegetables one at a time: Add each vegetable to the skillet one at a time to extract maximum flavor and prevent them from becoming mushy.
• Cook the zucchini and yellow squash near the end: These vegetables can become mushy easily, so sauté them towards the end to retain their texture.
• Cover the baking dish with foil: This helps to retain moisture and ensure even cooking, resulting in tender and flavorful chicken and vegetables.

FAQs

Serving Suggestions

This Paleo Chicken Casserole is versatile and can be served with a variety of side dishes and salads. You can also enjoy it with delicious Paleo desserts. Here are some suggestions:

• Potatoes: Pair the casserole with Super Creamy Mashed Potatoes, Scalloped Potatoes, Crispy Air Fryer Baby Potatoes, or Air Fryer Baked Potatoes.
• Salads: Serve a Strawberry Feta Spinach Salad, Purple Cabbage Salad, Broccoli Salad With Bacon and Cheese, or Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad as a refreshing side before the meal.
• Soups: Enjoy a bowl of Potato Leek Soup, Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, Chicken Wild Rice Soup, or Cream of Mushroom Soup alongside the Paleo Chicken Casserole.
• Desserts: End your meal with delectable Paleo Chocolate Fudge, Paleo Chocolate Pudding, Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies, or Chocolate Covered Dates.

Make This Recipe in Advance

Make ahead: You can prepare the chicken and sauté the vegetables in advance, then place everything in the casserole dish and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.

Storing: Store any leftovers of this Paleo Chicken Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.

Freezing: Before baking the casserole, cover the dish with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, place the dish directly in the oven and bake until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 175 degrees Fahrenheit.

More Tasty Paleo Dishes!