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
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Heat oven to 375F (190C) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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