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Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa Bake Recipe

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4.1 from 8 reviews

A comforting and nutritious Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa Bake that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and fluffy quinoa in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect as a wholesome weeknight dinner, this casserole is easy to prepare and bakes to golden, bubbly perfection.

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 5 servings

Ingredients

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
  • 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp. black pepper
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup dry (uncooked) quinoa
  • 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into small bite-sized pieces
  • 4 cups broccoli florets
  • 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp. black pepper
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the 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, cooking for 3 to 5 minutes until soft and fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook for 2 full minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Continue simmering and whisking often for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in poultry seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Remove from heat.
  2. Combine Ingredients: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Grease a 4-quart baking dish with cooking spray. Add the dry quinoa, seasoned chicken, and broccoli florets to the dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the top and gently stir to combine, ensuring everything is mostly submerged in the sauce.
  3. Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. Stir the casserole once halfway through baking to ensure even cooking. Check that the quinoa is fluffy and the chicken is fully cooked; if not, stir and continue baking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes as needed.
  4. Broil for a Golden Finish: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and stir again. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Place under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Serve warm, optionally adding a few dashes of hot sauce for extra flavor.

Notes

  • Use lower-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content in this dish.
  • Ensure the chicken is cut into small pieces to allow even cooking within the bake time.
  • Stirring the casserole halfway through baking helps prevent the ingredients from sticking and ensures even cooking.
  • If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute milk and cheese with plant-based alternatives, though results may vary.
  • Add hot sauce or your favorite seasoning for a spicy kick when serving.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://iamstarved.com/cheesy-chicken-and-broccoli-quinoa-bake-recipe/