Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa Bake Recipe
This Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa Bake is a comforting and nutritious one-dish meal perfect for family dinners. Tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and protein-packed quinoa are smothered in a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce. Baked until golden and bubbly, this dish combines wholesome ingredients with a cheesy, satisfying finish. Ideal for meal prep, it stores well in the refrigerator and freezes perfectly for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- 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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 375ºF to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and add olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic for 3 to 5 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook for a full 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Simmer the Sauce: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and whole milk, then increase the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Continue simmering for 5 minutes, whisking frequently so the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in poultry seasoning, half of the salt and black pepper, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Remove the saucepan from heat once the cheese melts into the sauce.
- Prepare Chicken: Cut the boneless skinless chicken breasts into small, bite-sized pieces. Season them with the remaining salt and black pepper for balanced flavor.
- Assemble the Bake: Lightly grease a 4-quart baking dish with cooking spray. Add the dry quinoa, seasoned chicken pieces, and broccoli florets into the dish. Pour the prepared cheese sauce evenly over the ingredients and gently stir to combine, ensuring everything is mostly submerged in the sauce.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. Stir the casserole once halfway through baking to promote even cooking. Check to ensure the quinoa is tender and the chicken is fully cooked. If not done, stir and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.
- Add Final Cheese Layer and Broil: Remove the casserole from the oven, stir again, then sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. Place under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Serve hot, optionally topped with your favorite garnishes such as a few dashes of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Notes
- To Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- To Reheat: Warm leftovers in the oven at 350ºF in a small baking dish or microwave individual portions for convenience.
- To Freeze: Freeze in a freezer-safe airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. You can freeze the casserole before or after baking; just ensure the container is freezer-safe.
