Description
Comfort meets nutrition in this creamy chicken quinoa and broccoli casserole, blending hearty proteins with wholesome grains. Packed with flavor and nourishment, you’ll savor each comforting bite of this satisfying one-dish meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
- 112 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
Grains and Vegetables:
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
- 3 cups small broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 112 cups milk (2% or whole)
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 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)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating it to 375F (190C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cook quinoa in chicken broth until tender and fluffy, allowing the grains to absorb all liquid completely.
- Sauté diced onions in olive oil until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook briefly to release aromatic flavors.
- Introduce broccoli florets to the skillet, cooking until they soften and turn bright green, ensuring even tenderness.
- Combine cooked quinoa with shredded chicken in the skillet, seasoning generously with thyme, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Create a creamy sauce by melting butter and whisking in flour, cooking briefly to eliminate raw flour taste.
- Gradually incorporate milk into the butter-flour mixture, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
- Remove sauce from heat and fold in Greek yogurt and a portion of shredded cheese, creating a rich, velvety consistency.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the chicken and quinoa mixture, stirring to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish, topping with remaining cheese for a golden, melted crust.
- Bake uncovered until the casserole is heated through and the cheese turns golden brown and bubbly, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving, letting the sauce settle and flavors intensify.
Notes
- Swap frozen broccoli for fresh to enhance the texture and prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken or quickly poach chicken breasts for a convenient protein boost.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or gruyere to customize the flavor profile.
- For a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend when making the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg