Description
This Creamy Chicken Quinoa Broccoli Casserole is a delightful blend of juicy chicken, fluffy quinoa, and vibrant broccoli, all enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s the perfect comforting meal for busy weeknights, combining convenience with irresistible flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 4–5 cups chopped broccoli florets
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 4 ounces cream cheese (optional)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2–3 cloves minced garlic
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Garlic powder to taste
- Onion powder to taste
- Dried thyme or Italian seasoning to taste
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Ensure your chicken is cooked and shredded. Cook quinoa according to package directions and rinse it first. Chop broccoli into bite-sized florets and steam or blanch for 3-5 minutes. Finely chop onion and mince garlic. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Craft Your Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth, stirring until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in cream cheese (if using) and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme or Italian seasoning.
- Combine Everything for the Casserole: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken, cooked quinoa, blanched broccoli, sautéed onion and garlic, and 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese. Pour the creamy sauce over the mixture and fold until evenly coated.
- Assemble and Bake: Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese on top. Bake for 25-35 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve hot and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: For a lighter sauce, use lower-fat milk. You can substitute chicken with cooked shredded turkey or ground beef. Rinsing quinoa is essential to remove bitterness.