Luxurious Creamy Chicken Quinoa And Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Comfort meets nutrition in this delightful chicken quinoa and broccoli casserole that packs a serious flavor punch.

Weeknight dinners rarely come as satisfying as this protein-rich marvel.

Busy families crave meals that deliver both taste and wholesome ingredients.

The casserole blends tender chicken, nutrient-dense quinoa, and vibrant broccoli into a one-dish wonder.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of textures and robust seasonings.

Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with goodness, this dish transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for your next family gathering or cozy dinner at home.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 7

What Goes Into Creamy Chicken Quinoa And Broccoli Casserole

• Quinoa: Nutrient-dense grain providing hearty texture and protein boost, choose pre-rinsed for easier preparation.
• Chicken Broth: Enhances flavor depth and helps cook quinoa, select low-sodium for better control of salt content.
• Olive Oil: Creates smooth cooking base and adds healthy fat, opt for extra virgin for richer taste.

• Shredded Chicken: Lean protein source, use rotisserie chicken for convenient and flavorful option.
• Broccoli: Adds vibrant green color and nutritional punch, select fresh or frozen with bright green color.
• Onion: Builds foundational flavor profile, choose sweet or yellow varieties for balanced taste.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic depth, fresh cloves deliver more intense flavor than pre-minced.

• Butter: Creates rich, smooth sauce foundation, use unsalted for precise seasoning control.
• Flour: Thickens sauce and provides smooth consistency, all-purpose works perfectly.
• Milk: Creates silky sauce texture, whole milk delivers most luxurious result.
• Greek Yogurt: Adds tangy creaminess and protein boost, select full-fat version for richness.
• Cheese: Delivers melty, comforting finish, sharp cheddar provides most robust flavor.
• Salt, Pepper, Thyme, Paprika, Red Pepper Flakes: Layered seasonings that elevate overall dish complexity, adjust to personal spice preference.

Helpful Tools For Creamy Chicken Quinoa And Broccoli Casserole

• Large skillet: Perfect for sautéing onions, garlic, and broccoli with even heat distribution.
• Medium saucepan: Essential for cooking quinoa in chicken broth until fluffy and tender.
• Separate saucepan: Needed for creating the creamy sauce with butter, flour, and milk.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Provides the right space for assembling and baking the casserole.
• Whisk: Great for smoothly blending flour into butter and creating a lump-free sauce.
• Cutting board: Useful for preparing ingredients like onions and garlic.
• Sharp knife: Helps chop vegetables precisely and efficiently.

Simple Steps For Creamy Chicken Quinoa And Broccoli Casserole

• Prep the Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 375F and give your baking dish a quick spray of cooking oil.

• Cook the Quinoa

Simmer quinoa in chicken broth until it’s fluffy and has soaked up all the liquid, then set it aside.

• Sauté the Veggies

In a large skillet, sweat the onions until they’re soft and translucent. Toss in garlic and let it dance for a minute. Add broccoli and let it soften slightly.

• Combine the Proteins

Mix in the cooked quinoa and shredded chicken. Sprinkle in your favorite seasonings to give it a flavor punch.

• Create the Creamy Sauce

Melt butter and whisk in flour to create a silky base. Slowly pour in milk, stirring until it thickens. Pull it off the heat and fold in Greek yogurt and a handful of cheese.

• Assemble and Bake

Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken mixture, stir everything together, and transfer to your prepared baking dish. Top with a sprinkle of remaining cheese.

• Final Touch

Slide the casserole into the oven and bake until it’s bubbling and golden, about 25-30 minutes. Let it cool slightly before diving in.

Tips To Try With Creamy Chicken Quinoa And Broccoli Casserole

• Meal Prep Magic: Cook quinoa and shred chicken in advance to cut down total preparation time, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap Greek yogurt and cheese with coconut yogurt and nutritional yeast for a creamy, lactose-free alternative that's equally delicious.
• Veggie Variety: Replace chicken with firm tofu, chickpeas, or roasted cauliflower to create a hearty vegetarian version packed with plant-based protein.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different herb combinations like rosemary, oregano, or za'atar to add exciting flavor profiles and keep the dish interesting for repeat meals.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Prepare the entire casserole, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months – perfect for make-ahead meals or unexpected dinner guests.

Serving Suggestions For Creamy Chicken Quinoa And Broccoli Casserole

• Cozy Family Feast: Gather the whole family around this hearty casserole for a comforting weeknight dinner. Pair with a crisp green salad to balance the creamy richness.
• Protein Power Plate: Serve alongside roasted vegetables or a quinoa salad to boost protein intake and add extra nutritional value to the meal.
• Leftover Lunch Magic: Pack cold portions for next day's lunch – this dish tastes delicious chilled and provides a balanced midday meal with protein, grains, and vegetables.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to eat, simply bake as directed for a convenient meal solution.

Store Creamy Chicken Quinoa And Broccoli Casserole With Ease

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store the casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Always use clean utensils when handling to prevent bacterial growth.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for maximum 3 months. Seal in freezer-safe containers to maintain optimal taste and texture.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the oven at 350F for 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out and ensure even warming. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture if needed.
• Portion Control Method: Divide the casserole into individual serving sizes before storing. This allows easy single-serving reheating and helps maintain freshness, reducing potential food waste and making meal prep more convenient.

Hearty Chicken Quinoa And Broccoli Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 7 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comforting chicken quinoa and broccoli casserole combines wholesome ingredients for a nutritious family meal. Protein-packed quinoa, tender chicken, and crisp broccoli create a delightful harmony you’ll savor with each satisfying bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 3 cups small broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups milk (2% or whole)
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Heat oven to 375F (190C) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Quinoa and Protein Base: Cook quinoa in chicken broth until fluffy, simultaneously sauté onions and garlic until fragrant, then add broccoli florets and shredded chicken, seasoning with thyme, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
3. Creamy Sauce Development: Craft a velvety sauce by melting butter, whisking in flour to create a roux, then gradually incorporate milk while stirring constantly until smooth and thickened; remove from heat and blend in Greek yogurt and partial cheese quantity.
4. Assembly and Coating: Pour the luxurious cheese sauce over the quinoa-chicken mixture, ensuring thorough flavor integration, then transfer to prepared baking dish and generously top with remaining cheese.
5. Baking and Resting: Bake uncovered until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust and casserole is thoroughly heated, then allow to rest briefly before serving to enhance flavor melding and sauce stabilization.

Notes

• Control Quinoa Moisture: Cook quinoa carefully to prevent excess liquid, which can make the casserole soggy; drain any extra liquid before mixing.
• Enhance Protein Flexibility: Swap shredded chicken with tofu, turkey, or plant-based protein for diverse dietary needs like vegetarian or low-meat diets.
• Prevent Cheese Separation: Remove sauce from direct heat before adding Greek yogurt and cheese to avoid curdling and maintain smooth, creamy texture.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust red pepper flakes and seasonings according to personal heat preference; start with small amounts and gradually increase for balanced flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 75mg