Creamy Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole
Try this Creamy Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Creamy Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1 cup milk (i used 2%)
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 2 cups water divided
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa rinsed
- 2 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup cooked crumbled bacon (optional... sort of)
- 2 teaspoons seasoning (like emeril's essence or any basic blen
- 1/4 cup shredded gruyere cheese (any kind will work)
- Carbohydrate 39.9397416666667 g
- Cholesterol 43.8472624333333 mg
- Fat 3.39073256466667 g
- Fiber 3.82458329041799 g
- Protein 25.1222880388333 g
- Saturated Fat 0.539019136833333 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (330g)
- Sodium 254.048340086005 mg
- Sugar 36.1151583762487 g
- Trans Fat 0.5518908035 g
- Calories 291 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and generously grease a 9x13 baking dish.
- Bring the chicken broth and ½ cup milk to a low boil in a saucepan.
- Whisk the other ½ cup milk with the poultry seasoning and flour; add the mixture to the boiling liquid and whisk until a smooth creamy sauce forms.
- In a large bowl, mix the sauce, one cup water, quinoa, and bacon and stir to combine.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips and lay them over the top of the quinoa mixture.
- Sprinkle with seasoning.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
- While the casserole is in the oven, place the broccoli in boiling water for 1 minute until it turns bright green, then run under cold water and set aside.
- Remove the casserole from the oven, check the mixture by stirring it, and if needed, bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- When the quinoa and chicken are cooked and the sauce is thickened, add the broccoli and up to one cup of water until creamy and smooth.
- Top with cheese and bake for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
Creamy Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole: A Weeknight Wonder
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious dinner can feel like an impossible task. Between school pick-ups, work deadlines, and the general chaos of family life, the last thing I want is to spend hours slaving over a hot stove. That's why I've become a huge fan of one-pan or, in this case, one-dish meals. They're quick, easy, and often surprisingly nutritious. This Creamy Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole is a perfect example.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. The creamy sauce, infused with subtle poultry seasoning, perfectly coats the tender chicken and fluffy quinoa. The addition of broccoli adds a vibrant green color and a healthy boost of vitamins. And the best part? It’s completely customizable. Feel free to swap out the gruyere cheese for your favorite variety, add different vegetables like peas or carrots, or even spice things up with a dash of red pepper flakes. I often add a little crumbled bacon for extra flavor, but it's perfectly delicious without it too.
This casserole is a fantastic weeknight meal. It's hearty enough to satisfy even the hungriest family members, yet elegant enough to serve to guests. It's also incredibly convenient for meal prepping. I often make a large batch on Sunday and enjoy leftovers throughout the week. This makes it a time-saver during busy workdays. The casserole reheats beautifully and often tastes even better the next day!
Beyond the Weeknight: This Creamy Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole isn't just a weeknight staple; it's also a great option for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or even a simple weekend brunch. Its adaptability makes it suitable for various occasions. The flavors are rich and comforting, offering a sense of warmth and deliciousness. The ingredients are readily available, making it convenient for everyone, regardless of their culinary skill level.
Making it Your Own: One of the things I love most about this recipe is how easily it can be adapted to your personal preferences and dietary needs. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms or zucchini. For a vegan option, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and substitute nutritional yeast for the cheese for a cheesy flavor.
Tips for Success: To ensure your casserole turns out perfectly, make sure to preheat your oven properly and generously grease the baking dish. This prevents sticking and makes for easier cleanup. Don't overcook the broccoli; a minute in boiling water is all it needs to turn bright green and tender-crisp. Lastly, adjust the amount of water as needed to achieve your desired consistency. If the mixture seems too thick, add more water; if it's too thin, let it bake a little longer to reduce the liquid.
This Creamy Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole isn't just a recipe; it's a solution. It's a quick and easy way to nourish your family with a delicious, healthy meal, even on the busiest of days. So go ahead, give it a try, and let me know what you think! I'm confident it will quickly become a staple in your kitchen, just as it has in mine.
