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Hearty chicken, taco seasoning, and delicious vegetables make a quick a easy weeknight meal.  Easy Mexican Chicken Bowl is packed with family favorite flavors they’ll ask for every week.

When I first heard of gluten-free I thought it was one of those fad diets like carb-free or meat free.  I wondered what in the world was in gluten that people would prefer not to eat for some reason.  My brain couldn’t quite comprehend it.

Then my father started talking about his sister in law and that she followed a glute-free diet.  To the point that she usually brought a cooler full of food for her to eat.  Then he mentioned something I’d never heard of; celiac disease.  Apparently, she’s so sensitive that she cannot even tolerate anything that might be cross-contaminated.

What in the world is celiac disease?

Apparently, your body can have adverse reactions to eating the proteins that are in gluten.  Who knew?  I just thought it was one of those fad diets, but come to find out it’s an actual disease.

However, some people aren’t quite celiac level but have a sensitivity to gluten.  They experience bloating and discomfort after eating gluten.  That’s called a gluten intolerance or sensitivity.  It’s not a full blown celiac intolerance, but just enough to cause discomfort and pain after eating gluten.

So, no baked goods on a gluten free diet? 

Not entirely.  Those eating a gluten free diet simply must use alternate flours like coconut, rice, chickpea, or other non-wheat based flours.  I’ve used coconut flour in the past for some crepes.  Don’t judge on those images.  It was one of my first few posts.

Those crepes with the crab and sweet beet reduction were delicious.  I cannot deny that.  And I can’t believe I made crepes!  With coconut flour!!  I think I still have the coconut flour.  Consequently, it’s probably not any good and I should probably toss it.  I can only imagine it will go rancid after a while.

I had never met anyone that had a gluten allergy until I met TR.  No, I’ve never met my father’s sister in law.  Which, I guess, technically would be step aunt in law?  Is that right?  Oh, that’s just too confusing.

Anyway, I had never met anyone that a gluten free allergy until I met TR and Cricket.  Both have been integral parts of the Sunday Supper Movement.  But this post is about TR.

TR passed away this year.  He was suffering from intestinal cancer.  The Sunday Supper family lost a great member when he passed away.  He had such light and energy!  I had only met him in person that one time, but we connected and laughed all through the Tapa Toro chat.  And all the future Twitter chats we participated in.

I lived so close to TR but we never did manage to get together for coffee, drinks or even dinner.  I wish I had made it a priority.  Because now I will never have the chance to really get to know him.

He was always did what needed to be done.  He stepped up and hosted events if needed.  TR was always there with a laugh or a kind word.  Everyone who knew him described him as being energetic and kind.

And he was both of those and so much more.

So, while this post is about gluten free diets and recipes, it’s also about TR.  He shared recipes on his blog called Gluten Free Crumbley.  Sadly, it’s no longer available, but you can access some of his recipes through the Sunday Supper Movement website.  You can also see some of them on Wayback Machine.  I had no idea such a thing existed until this event popped up.

I’ve been scrolling through some of his recipes from Yummly and Pinterest.  I hope you check them out.  Using the Wayback Machine sight, you can go back to the post and red about it.

Yes.  I’m struggling with this post.  I didn’t really know TR as well as I wanted.  The few times I spent with him were so much fun and full of laughs.  That’s the epitome of TR; fun!

I can only pay homage to his blog and his talent and make this Easy Mexican Chicken Bowl.  It’s not exactly the way he wrote it.  I’ve made some adjustments for our lifestyle and flavor, but I was channeling my inner TR when I made this.

And it is such a delicious recipe. 

Of course, I had to skip the cilantro.  You know how I feel about that.  I also added canned tomatoes instead of fresh because I wanted some sauce for the rice to absorb.  Other than that, I made this Easy Mexican Chicken Bowl just the way TR described it.

This dish is hearty, delicious, and full of flavor for such a quick and easy weeknight meal.  It did come together in less than 30 especially if you have the rice cooked and ready to go when you get home.  Or just some of those microwave heat and eat rice that is in the store.

This is definitely a recipe I will keep on the menu and make again.  Stay tuned for the taco seasoning recipe I added to this dish.  It’s a favorite seasoning recipe that I make all the time.  I keep a large jar in the pantry.

Do you know someone who has celiac disease or is gluten sensitive?  Have you thought about gluten free diets or recipes for your guests?

Gluten Free Recipes

Sleigh Ride Starters

• Pepperoni Soft Pretzels by Grumpy’s Honeybunch
• T.R.’s Mulled Cider Martini by Food Lust People Love

Seasons Greetings Sides

• Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Stuffing or Dressing by Palatable Pastime

Making Things Merry Main Dish

• Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap by Life Tastes Good
• Easy Mexican Chicken Bowl by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
• Pork Fried Rice by The Freshman Cook
• Turkey Ham Scalloped Potatoes and Kale by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings

Decking the Halls Desserts

• Flourless Chocolate Cookies by Pies and Plots
• Gluten Free Fudge by Our Good Life