Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa Bake Recipe
This Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa Bake is a delicious, comforting one-dish meal that combines tender chicken, nutritious quinoa, and fresh broccoli in a creamy cheddar cheese sauce. Perfect for a family dinner, it’s baked to bubbly perfection and finished under the broiler for a golden cheesy crust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 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 cheese sauce: Preheat your oven to 375ºF. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and olive oil. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the flour and cook for 2 full minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, then increase heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes, whisking frequently until the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir in poultry seasoning, 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, 1/2 tsp. black pepper, and 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the chicken and quinoa mixture: Cut the chicken breasts into small bite-sized pieces and season with the remaining 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. black pepper. Grease a 4-quart baking dish with cooking spray. Add the uncooked quinoa, seasoned chicken pieces, and broccoli florets to the dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the ingredients and gently stir to ensure everything is well coated and mostly submerged in the sauce.
- Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. Halfway through cooking, stir the mixture once to ensure even cooking. Check if the quinoa and chicken are fully cooked; if not, stir and continue baking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes as needed.
- Broil for a golden topping: Remove the dish from the oven, stir the casserole again, and evenly top with the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Place under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Serve hot, optionally garnished with a few dashes of hot sauce for added flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is cut into uniform small pieces to cook evenly with the quinoa and broccoli.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, use whole milk as specified rather than lower fat milks.
- Stirring halfway through baking helps prevent sticking and promotes even cooking.
- Broiling at the end creates a delicious crispy cheese crust but watch closely to avoid burning.
- Feel free to add other veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers for variety.
