Sneak Peek Recipe from Juli Bauers Paleo Cookbook Buffalo Chicken Casserole
Try this Sneak Peek Recipe from Juli Bauers Paleo Cookbook Buffalo Chicken Casserole recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Sneak Peek Recipe from Juli Bauers Paleo Cookbook Buffalo Chicken Casserole recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 stalks celery diced
- 1 small red bell pepper diced
- 1 medium carrot diced
- 1/2 medium yellow onion minced
- 1 medium spaghetti squash (about 21/2 pounds)
- 4 tablespoons butter ghee or coconut oil, divided
- 1 cup hot sauce (i prefer tessemae’s or frank’s redhot)
- 1/4 cup super simple mayonnaise (page 274 in my new book)
- 3 large eggs whisked chopped scallions for garnish
- sliced avocado for garnish
- Carbohydrate 5.784181737 g
- Cholesterol 97.52235955 mg
- Fat 9.3181304925 g
- Fiber 1.29467497944832 g
- Protein 20.600989832 g
- Saturated Fat 2.632057608425 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (173g)
- Sodium 663.6393555 mg
- Sugar 4.48950675755168 g
- Trans Fat 0.830097028999998 g
- Calories 188 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise.
- Place the squash cut side down on a baking sheet and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the skin gives when you press your finger to it.
- Remove the squash from the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 350°F.
- Grease a Dutch oven or an 8-inch square glass baking dish with 2 tablespoons of the butter.
- Let the squash cool for 5 minutes, remove the seeds, and then use a fork to remove the threads and place them in the greased baking dish.
- In a large sauté pan over medium heat, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Add the garlic, carrot, celery, onion, and bell pepper and cook for about 10 minutes, until the onion is translucent.
- Add the ground chicken, garlic powder, salt, and pepper and cook, using a wooden spatula to break up the chicken into small pieces, until the chicken is no longer pink, about 8 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the heat, then add the hot sauce and mayo and mix well to combine.
- Add the chicken mixture to the baking dish and mix well with the spaghetti squash threads.
- Add the whisked eggs and mix everything together until you can no longer see the eggs.
- Bake for 1 hour or until the top forms a slight crust that doesn’t give when you press it in the middle.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped scallion and avocado slices.
My Favorite Weeknight Paleo Comfort Food: Buffalo Chicken Casserole
This recipe, a sneak peek from Juli Bauer’s Paleo Cookbook, has become a staple in my kitchen. It's not just delicious; it's incredibly versatile and adaptable to whatever ingredients I have on hand. I love how the creamy, spicy buffalo chicken sauce perfectly complements the tender spaghetti squash. It's a healthier twist on a classic casserole, satisfying that craving for comfort food without the guilt. And the best part? It's surprisingly easy to make, even on a busy weeknight.
I’ve always been a bit of a homebody. I find so much joy in creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in my home, and that often starts with a delicious meal. This Buffalo Chicken Casserole is the epitome of comfort food; it’s hearty, filling, and flavorful. The combination of the spicy buffalo chicken and the subtly sweet spaghetti squash is a match made in heaven. I often double the recipe and freeze half for another night – it reheats beautifully!
The process of making this dish is incredibly therapeutic for me. The act of chopping vegetables, sautéing the chicken, and carefully layering the ingredients in the baking dish is a meditative experience. I find that it’s a great way to de-stress after a long day. The aroma that fills the kitchen while it bakes is simply divine, promising a delicious reward for my efforts. It’s not just a meal; it's an experience. The satisfaction of creating something nourishing and delicious from scratch is unparalleled.
Speaking of ingredients, I’ve found that I can easily swap things out depending on what I have available. Sometimes I’ll use different kinds of peppers or add some spinach or kale to boost the nutrition even further. The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability; it's a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. It's also a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken, making it an even more economical choice. I've even experimented with adding different spices to change up the flavor profile, from smoky paprika to a hint of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
Serving this casserole is always a pleasure. I love the way the creamy sauce clings to the tender spaghetti squash noodles, creating a rich and satisfying bite. The garnish of fresh scallions and avocado adds a pop of color and freshness, complementing the warm, hearty dish. It’s a crowd-pleaser for sure, and I've gotten so many compliments on it from friends and family. This recipe has truly become a symbol of home and comfort in my life; a delicious testament to the simple pleasure of creating something delicious and nourishing from scratch.
Beyond the deliciousness and ease of preparation, this dish aligns perfectly with my healthy eating goals. It's packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the squash, keeping me full and satisfied without feeling sluggish. It's a guilt-free indulgence that fuels my body and nourishes my soul. The simple act of creating a meal that is both healthy and satisfying is a source of pride for me. It's a tangible way to demonstrate self-care and prioritize my well-being.
In short, this Buffalo Chicken Casserole is more than just a recipe; it's a testament to the power of simple ingredients, creative cooking, and the joy of nourishing oneself and loved ones. It's become a cherished part of my culinary repertoire, a go-to meal that brings comfort, satisfaction, and a warm glow to my heart (and stomach!). And isn't that what home cooking is all about?
I encourage you all to give this recipe a try. Adapt it to your tastes, your dietary preferences, and your available ingredients. Let me know how it turns out! Happy cooking!
