Description
This Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa Bake is a hearty, wholesome casserole made with tender chicken, broccoli, fluffy quinoa, and a creamy cheddar sauce. It’s an easy, comforting dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion or shallots
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups lower-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup dry uncooked quinoa
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups broccoli florets
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Heat the butter and olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 3–5 minutes, until softened. Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Simmer for about 5 minutes, whisking frequently, until the sauce slightly thickens. Whisk in the poultry seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 cup of the cheddar cheese. Remove from the heat.
- Cut the chicken breasts into small bite-sized pieces and season with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- Grease a 4-quart baking dish with cooking spray. Add the quinoa, chicken, and broccoli to the dish. Pour the cheese sauce over everything and carefully stir so the ingredients are mostly submerged in the sauce.
- Bake for 45 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the quinoa and chicken are cooked through. If needed, stir and bake for another 5–10 minutes.
- Remove the casserole from the oven, stir again, and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over the top.
- Broil for 3–5 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Serve warm with your favorite toppings or a few dashes of hot sauce.
Notes
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in a small baking dish at 350°F or warm individual portions in the microwave.
- Freeze in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- The casserole can be frozen either before or after baking, provided the baking dish is freezer-safe.
- If the quinoa or chicken is not fully cooked after the initial baking time, stir the casserole and continue baking for another 5–10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Bake, Broil
- Cuisine: American