Cozy Creamy Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Comfort meets nutrition in this delightful creamy chicken quinoa and broccoli casserole that promises to satisfy your hunger.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a balanced meal packed with protein and wholesome goodness.

Quinoa adds a nutty texture while chicken brings robust flavor to every bite.

Broccoli contributes a vibrant green crunch that makes this dish both appealing and nutritious.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, turning an ordinary weeknight dinner into something special.

Minimal prep work means you can have a delicious meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.

Dive into this comforting casserole that will definitely become a new favorite in your meal rotation.

Why This Chicken Quinoa Broccoli Bake Works

• Packed with protein from chicken and quinoa, this casserole delivers a powerful nutritional punch that supports muscle health and sustained energy throughout the day.
• Requiring just 45 minutes from start to finish, this one-dish meal satisfies picky eaters and busy parents with its creamy texture and familiar flavors.
• Easily prepared in advance and reheated, this casserole becomes a perfect solution for hectic weeknights or meal planning enthusiasts seeking convenient, delicious options.
• Adaptable with different vegetables, cheese varieties, or protein sources, the recipe invites home cooks to experiment and make it uniquely their own while maintaining its core deliciousness.

Everything That Goes into the Casserole

• Chicken: Lean protein that adds heartiness and flavor to the casserole.
• Quinoa: Nutritious grain providing complete protein and texture.

• Broccoli: Adds green color, nutrition, and subtle crunch to the dish.
• Onion: Provides foundational savory flavor and aromatic base.
• Garlic: Brings deep, rich flavor and aromatic complexity.

• Greek Yogurt, Milk: Creates creamy, smooth sauce with tangy undertones.
• Butter: Helps create rich, smooth sauce base.
• Cheese: Adds melty, golden topping and rich flavor.

• Thyme: Earthy herb that complements chicken perfectly.
• Paprika: Adds warm, slightly smoky undertone.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides optional subtle heat.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall flavor.

• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and moisture during quinoa cooking.
• Flour: Helps thicken sauce and create smooth consistency.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables with healthy fat.

How to Make a Creamy Quinoa Chicken Dish

Step 1: Prepare Baking Vessel

Warm the oven to 375F (190C). Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Cook Quinoa

Combine quinoa and chicken broth in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then lower heat. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes until quinoa becomes fluffy and absorbs all liquid. Set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Introduce minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 4: Add Broccoli

• Fresh broccoli florets
• Cook for 4-5 minutes until slightly tender
• If using frozen broccoli, ensure it's completely thawed and drained

Step 5: Combine Protein and Grains

• Cooked quinoa
• Shredded chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried thyme
• Paprika
• Red pepper flakes

Step 6: Create Creamy Sauce

In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to remove raw flour taste.

Step 7: Develop Sauce Consistency

Gradually pour in milk, whisking constantly. Cook until sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 8: Finish Sauce

• Greek yogurt
• Shredded cheese

Step 9: Combine and Transfer

Pour sauce over chicken mixture, stirring to blend thoroughly. Transfer to prepared baking dish.

Step 10: Top and Bake

Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Step 11: Rest and Serve

Allow casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy the creamy, comforting meal!

Tips for Balanced Texture and Cheesy Goodness

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select crisp broccoli and high-quality chicken for maximum flavor and nutrition.
• Prevent Soggy Texture: Drain frozen broccoli completely and pat dry to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
• Customize Cheese Options: Swap out cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or monterey jack for different flavor profiles.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Replace regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Enhance Protein Content: Add extra shredded chicken or swap quinoa for additional protein if desired for a more filling meal.

How to Keep and Reheat Leftover Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Place a label with the date to track storage time.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating and prevent cold spots.

Best Sides for Chicken and Quinoa Casserole

• Select a crisp, unoaked Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc that complements the creamy texture and cuts through the richness of the casserole.
• Choose a light wheat beer or Belgian-style blonde ale with subtle citrus notes that balance the dish's creamy and savory elements.
• Create a sparkling herb-infused lemonade with fresh thyme and mint to provide a bright, zesty contrast to the hearty casserole.
• Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to add a tangy, peppery freshness that enhances the main dish's flavors.

Recipe Variations That Shake Things Up

• Dairy-Free Alternative: Replace Greek yogurt and cheese with coconut milk yogurt and nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly version that maintains creamy texture and flavor.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap quinoa with cauliflower rice and use heavy cream instead of milk to create a keto-friendly casserole with reduced carbohydrate content.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute chicken with roasted tofu or white beans, keeping the same seasoning and sauce for a protein-packed meatless meal.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for thickening the sauce and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Questions About Chicken Quinoa Casseroles

• Is quinoa a good protein source for this casserole?

Quinoa is an excellent protein source, providing all nine essential amino acids. In this recipe, it offers about 8 grams of protein per cup, complementing the chicken and making the dish nutritionally balanced.

• Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch when making the creamy sauce. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free certified.

• How healthy is this chicken quinoa casserole?

This dish is packed with nutrients. It combines lean protein from chicken, complex carbohydrates from quinoa, fiber and vitamins from broccoli, and calcium from Greek yogurt and cheese, making it a well-rounded, nutritious meal.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole can be prepared ahead of time, refrigerated, and baked later. It also reheats well, making it perfect for batch cooking and enjoying throughout the week.

Creamy Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Rich flavors of chicken quinoa and broccoli casserole dance together in this comforting one-dish meal. Savory ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a nutritious dinner that satisfies hunger and delights palates with each wholesome bite you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Grains:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
• 1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed (0.24 kg)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 3 cups small broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy, Liquids, and Seasonings:

• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (473 ml)
• 1 ½ cups milk (2% or whole) (355 ml)
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided (170 g)
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (118 ml)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375F (190C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Cook quinoa in chicken broth until fluffy and liquid is completely absorbed, approximately 15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Sauté diced onions in olive oil until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Introduce broccoli to the skillet, cooking until it softens and becomes vibrant green. Ensure frozen broccoli is thoroughly thawed and drained if using.
5. Incorporate cooked quinoa and shredded chicken into the skillet, seasoning with salt, pepper, thyme, paprika, and red pepper flakes for enhanced flavor.
6. Create a creamy sauce by melting butter and whisking in flour, cooking briefly to remove raw flour taste.
7. Gradually stream milk into the butter-flour mixture, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
8. Remove sauce from heat and fold in Greek yogurt and a portion of the shredded cheese, creating a rich and creamy consistency.
9. Combine the sauce with the chicken and quinoa mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
10. Transfer the complete mixture to the prepared baking dish, topping with remaining cheese for a golden, melted finish.
11. Bake uncovered until the casserole is heated through and cheese is bubbling, approximately 25-30 minutes. Allow to rest briefly before serving to set and cool slightly.

Notes

• Quickly thaw frozen broccoli by running under warm water to maintain its bright green color and crisp texture.
• Swap Greek yogurt with dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt for a lactose-free version that keeps the creamy consistency.
• Toast quinoa in the skillet before adding broth to enhance its nutty flavor and improve overall dish complexity.
• Choose organic chicken and use low-sodium broth to control salt intake while maintaining rich, wholesome taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg