Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa Bake Recipe
This Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa Bake is a comforting, hearty casserole combining tender chicken, nutritious quinoa, and fresh broccoli enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner, this dish offers a delicious way to enjoy a balanced meal with wholesome ingredients and rich flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the 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 the Sauce: Preheat your oven to 375ºF. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for 3 to 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the flour and continue to cook for 2 full minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and whole milk, then increase heat to bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, whisking frequently until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in poultry seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Prepare the Bake Components: Cut the chicken breasts into 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. In the prepared dish, combine the dry quinoa, chicken pieces, and broccoli florets. Pour the prepared cheese sauce over the mixture and gently stir to ensure that all ingredients are mostly submerged in the sauce.
- Bake the Dish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, stirring once halfway through to ensure even cooking. Check that the quinoa and chicken are cooked through; if not, stir and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. Once cooked, remove from the oven, give the mixture another stir, then sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Broil to Finish: Set your oven to broil. Place the baking dish under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown. Remove from oven and serve immediately. For extra flavor, consider adding a few dashes of hot sauce or your preferred toppings.
Notes
- Ensure to stir halfway during baking to prevent quinoa from sticking and to cook evenly.
- Broccoli can be steamed slightly before baking for softer texture if preferred.
- Use lower-sodium chicken broth to control the salt level in the dish.
- Adjust the amount of cheese according to your taste—using a sharper cheddar adds more flavor.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking chilled.
