Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa Bake Recipe
A comforting and nutritious Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa Bake featuring tender chicken, fresh broccoli florets, and fluffy quinoa all enveloped in a creamy, sharp cheddar cheese sauce. This hearty casserole is baked until bubbly and golden, making it a perfect family-friendly dinner that’s both wholesome and flavorful.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
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, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups broccoli florets
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: Preheat the oven to 375ºF. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter with olive oil. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for 3 to 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and whole milk, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Continue simmering and whisking for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in poultry seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients in Baking Dish: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with the remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. 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 cheese sauce evenly over everything, stirring gently to ensure that most ingredients are coated and submerged in the sauce.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, stirring once halfway through to promote even cooking. Check that the quinoa is tender and chicken is fully cooked. If not yet done, stir again and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until cooked through.
- Broil for a Golden Finish: Remove the casserole from the oven and stir once more. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Place under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Serve warm with optional toppings like hot sauce for added flavor.
Notes
- Use lower-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels in the dish.
- Stirring halfway through baking promotes even cooking and prevents sticking.
- If quinoa isn’t fully cooked after the initial baking time, bake longer to ensure doneness.
- Substitute broccoli with other vegetables like cauliflower or green beans if desired.
- For a dairy-free version, try using a non-dairy milk and vegan cheese alternatives.
- Adding a few dashes of hot sauce on serving enhances flavor with a spicy kick.
Keywords: chicken quinoa bake, broccoli casserole, cheesy chicken bake, healthy dinner, baked quinoa recipe
