Mexican Chicken and Rice is a fabulous Paleo dinner recipe. Made with super food cauliflower rice in place of starchy white rice, this one pot meal is packed with protein and spicy Mexican flavor. Cauliflower rice is easy to make and a fantastic low-carb swap in place of high-carb white rice.
Since I don’t eat grains, this faux rice is a real treat for me. My husband liked it too.
Mexican Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup celery, finely diced
- 1 head cauliflower, trimmed
- 1 4 oz can diced green chilies
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, grilled and diced into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon celtic sea salt
- ground cumin, oregano, and chili powder to taste
- 1 avocado
- grated cheese, if desired
- salsa, if desired
Instructions
- In a 9 inch skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat
- Sauté onion over medium heat for 10 minutes, until soft
- Add celery to skillet and sauté for 5 minutes
- Place cauliflower in a food processor with the "S" blade and process until the texture of rice
- Add cauliflower to skillet, cover and cook 5-10 minutes, until soft
- Mix chilies and chicken into skillet
- Stir in salt, cumin, oregano and chili powder
- Serve, topping with avocado, cheese and salsa if desired
The idea for this Mexican Chicken and Rice came off of a low carb yahoo group in which I participate. That recipe was shared by a user named “glassmurf.” Her version used frozen cauliflower, 6 chicken breasts, plus cheese and tomato sauce, so as you can see, I took her basic idea and “Elanafied” it.
Joey says
I made this tonight but didn’t use chicken, I used Seitan flavored chicken instead as my hubby won’t eat meat. I have to say the cauliflower was the queen in this dish, it came though nicely and my hubby said “this isn’t rice?” He didn’t believe it. I told him it’s cauliflower. He was pleased because he has issues with digesting starch. Thanks for introducing us to this, we can sub it in other recipes too.
cinnamonquill says
Hmm…You say it is a bad photo, and yet it really piqued my appetite! I look forward to trying this.
Demi in Charlotte, NC says
I just wanted to say how Thrilled I am to have found your website! The mexican “rice” dish is absolutely fabulous!!! Even my husband, who is super picky about what he eats has enjoyed it. We have made it two nights in a row! Thank you!!! :-)
Sara says
I’ve been meaning to try cauli-rice but kept forgetting. Thanks to your post, I picked up a head of cauliflower at the farmers’ market this weekend and have added a “rice” dish to this week’s menu.
Christin says
I was wondering why you avoid grain but eat heavy starches like Arrowroot? I stay away from both but was wondering your reasoning? Thanks
Meghan says
I just love your food, and I love the pictures you take.
I was just wondering how you learned how to take such great pictures. What kind of camera and software do you use?
Thanks!!
Stefi says
within the last 2 or so months a broccoli recipe was featured. This recipe was a link to another website. The recipe required that the broccoli was shredded… does anyone remember the site?
Kalyn says
Sounds wonderful. I keep forgetting about that “cauli-rice.” It’s been on my to-try list for ages.
Elisabeth says
Thanks for this recipe! I’ve had a bag of cauliflower in the freezer for a long time (bought it when I thought we really needed to eat some cauliflower even though non of us likes it). Anyway, cooked this up tonight and we all (inc. 3 & 5 year olds) really liked this dish! I didn’t have any green chilis on hand, but used Badia cajun seasoning for the chicken and used salt and pepper to season the whole dish. Yummy!
Joey says
Sounds delicious, I have to try it. Thanks again Elana for a wonderful meal creation!