Description
This Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa Bake is a comforting, protein-packed casserole perfect for a wholesome family meal. Tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and fluffy quinoa are smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce seasoned with poultry spices and baked to golden perfection. Ideal for a cozy dinner, it balances healthful ingredients with rich, indulgent flavors.
Ingredients
Cheese Sauce
- 2 Tbsp. butter
- 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion or shallots
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 2 cups lower-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp. poultry seasoning
- 1 tsp. kosher salt, divided
- 1 tsp. black pepper, divided
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup dry (uncooked) quinoa
- 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups broccoli florets
Instructions
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: Preheat your oven to 375ºF. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for 3 to 5 minutes until softened. Stir in flour and continue cooking for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour flavor. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and whole milk, increasing the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, whisking frequently until it thickens slightly. Stir in poultry seasoning, half of the salt and pepper, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Remove from heat.
- Prepare Baking Dish and Ingredients: Cut chicken breasts into small bite-sized pieces and season with the remaining salt and black pepper. Grease a 4-quart baking dish with cooking spray. Place quinoa, chicken, and broccoli florets evenly in the dish. Pour the prepared cheese sauce over the top and gently stir to combine, ensuring everything is mostly submerged in the sauce.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45 minutes. Stir the mixture once halfway through baking to ensure even cooking. Check to confirm that the quinoa and chicken are fully cooked; if not, stir and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.
- Broil for Golden Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven, stir again, and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Place under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Serve warm, optionally with a few dashes of hot sauce for added flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning to your preference, especially if using low-sodium broth.
- Ensure quinoa is properly cooked and tender before serving; extend baking time if needed.
- Broccoli florets can be steamed lightly before baking if you prefer softer texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
