Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa Bake Recipe
This Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa Bake is a comforting, protein-packed casserole perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner. Tender pieces of chicken and vibrant broccoli florets are combined with nutrient-rich quinoa and smothered in a creamy, flavorful cheddar cheese sauce, then baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a delicious way to enjoy a balanced meal with a delightful cheesy finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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
- Preheat and Prepare 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 they become soft and fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and whole milk, then increase heat to bring to a simmer. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, whisking frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in poultry seasoning, half of the salt and pepper, and 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Remove the sauce from heat.
- Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into small bite-sized pieces. Season with the remaining salt and black pepper to ensure balanced seasoning.
- Combine Ingredients: Lightly grease a 4-quart baking dish with cooking spray. Add the uncooked quinoa, seasoned chicken pieces, and broccoli florets into the dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the ingredients, then gently stir to combine, making sure the quinoa, chicken, and broccoli are mostly submerged in the sauce.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, stirring once halfway through cooking to ensure even baking. Check that the quinoa is tender and the chicken is fully cooked. If needed, stir again and continue baking an additional 5 to 10 minutes until done.
- Add Final Cheese Topping: Remove the casserole from the oven and stir once more. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Set your oven to broil and broil the dish for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Serve hot with optional toppings such as dashes of hot sauce for added flavor.
Notes
- To Store: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To Reheat: Rewarm leftovers in a small baking dish in the oven at 350ºF, or microwave individual portions.
- To Freeze: Freeze in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. You can freeze before or after baking, but ensure the container is freezer-safe.
