If you’re looking for a wholesome, delicious, and easy-to-make dish, look no further than this Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa Casserole! This recipe combines tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and nutty quinoa, all enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, offering a delightful balance of protein, veggies, and flavor. Let’s dive into why this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa Casserole is not only packed with nutrients but also incredibly satisfying. Here are a few reasons why you’ll fall head over heels for this dish:
– Nutritious Ingredients: Quinoa is a complete protein, and combined with chicken and broccoli, you have a power-packed meal.
– One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time for you to relax after dinner.
– Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.
– Kid-Friendly: The cheesy goodness is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
What You’ll Need
Before you start cooking, gather the following ingredients to make your Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa Casserole:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
Appliances & Accessories
To make your cooking experience smooth, you’ll need the following:
- Large Pot: For cooking the quinoa.
- Skillet: For sautéing the onions and garlic.
- Baking Dish: To bake the casserole in.
- Mixing Bowl: For combining all the ingredients.
- Whisk: To mix the wet ingredients smoothly.
Mastering Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa Casserole: How-To
Follow these simple steps to create your Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa Casserole:
Step 1: Cook the Quinoa
In a large pot, combine the rinsed quinoa and chicken broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork once done.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
While the quinoa is cooking, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and the onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, shredded chicken, sautéed onions and garlic, broccoli florets, half of the cheddar cheese, milk, Greek yogurt, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until everything is well mixed.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mixture into a baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake
Bake the casserole for about 25-30 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and the cheese is melted and slightly golden on top.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this comforting dish with your family and friends!
Nutrition-Minded Tweaks
If you’re looking to make this Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa Casserole even healthier, consider these options:
- Replace half of the cheddar cheese with a lower-fat cheese option.
- Incorporate more veggies such as bell peppers, spinach, or carrots.
- Use whole milk instead of regular milk for a creamier texture, or opt for plant-based milk alternatives.
- Substitute Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt for a vegan option.
Don’t Do This
To ensure the best results with your Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa Casserole, avoid the following:
- Don’t skip rinsing the quinoa; this removes the bitter coating called saponin.
- Don’t overcook the broccoli; it should be bright green and tender-crisp.
- Don’t forget to let the casserole cool a bit before serving; this helps the flavors meld better.
- Don’t use raw chicken in this recipe; ensure your chicken is fully cooked and shredded for the best texture.
How to Store & Reheat
This Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa Casserole is perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to store and reheat it:
- Allow leftovers to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then microwave or bake in the oven until heated through.
Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa Casserole Q&A
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or a dairy-free alternative to suit your taste preferences.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, it freezes well. Just ensure it’s in an airtight container or well-wrapped before placing it in the freezer. Thaw it completely before reheating.
Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! This casserole is versatile. Try adding vegetables like carrots, peas, or even zucchini for an extra nutritional boost.
Explore More
If you enjoyed this Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa Casserole, check out these tasty recipes:
Save & Share
If you loved making this Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa Casserole, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family! Spread the joy of cooking and delicious meals by sharing this recipe on your social media platforms or saving it for later!
This Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa Casserole is not just a meal; it’s a comforting experience for everyone at the table. Packed with nutrition and flavor, it serves as a perfect reminder of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers the next day, this casserole is bound to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy your cooking adventure, and happy eating!
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Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine the rinsed quinoa and chicken broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork once done.
- While the quinoa is cooking, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and the onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, shredded chicken, sautéed onions and garlic, broccoli florets, half of the cheddar cheese, milk, Greek yogurt, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until everything is well mixed.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mixture into a baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake the casserole for about 25-30 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and the cheese is melted and slightly golden on top.
- Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this comforting dish with your family and friends!
Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Baking Dish
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
Notes
- Rinse quinoa to remove the bitter coating called saponin.
- Do not overcook broccoli; it should remain bright green and tender-crisp.
- Let the casserole cool a bit before serving for better flavor melding.
- Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies or cheese.
