Easy Creamy Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Bake
Try this Easy Creamy Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Bake recipe
Try this Easy Creamy Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Bake recipe
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup milk (i used 2%)
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded gouda cheese
- 1/4 cup butter (melted)
- green onions (chopped for garnish)
- 1 1/2 cups baby kale
- 1 tablespoon flour (may use whole wheat)
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (i used franks)
- fresh cilantro (chopped for garnish)
- 1 small head broccoli (chopped)
- 2 small cooked chicken breast (chopped or shredded (the c
- 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided in half (slices
- Carbohydrate 144.714295432696 g
- Cholesterol 177.828125013081 mg
- Fat 80.8421846203195 g
- Fiber 15.7468870192308 g
- Protein 39.4819069712056 g
- Saturated Fat 44.3238760608176 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (806g)
- Sodium 2072.42355774338 mg
- Sugar 128.967408413465 g
- Trans Fat 5.56023211573008 g
- Calories 1453 calories
Step-by-step
- Place quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse thoroughly under running water.
- Transfer quinoa to a medium saucepan. Add water or broth, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and add the chopped kale and broccoli right on top of the water, do not stir. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff quinoa with a fork and stir the veggies into the quinoa. Add the chicken, toss and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the 1 tablespoon of butter, once it’s melted and bubbly add the flour. Whisk together to create a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes until mixture gets a bit golden in color. Add milk, stir and turn down heat to low. Continue stirring until milk thickens. Add in gouda and half of the cheddar cheese and continue to stir until mixture is smooth. Remove from the heat and stir in the 1/4 melted butter, hot sauce, seasoned salt and pepper.
- Pour the sauce over the quinoa mixture and mix well to combine. Once combined, spray an 8x8 or 9x9 baking dish with non-stick spray and pour the entire quinoa mixture into the dish. Top with remaining fresh cheddar cheese, sliced (for an extra gooey top) or shredded.
- Bake for 10 to 15 minutes and then turn the broiler on and broil for 1 to 2 minutes or until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and top with blue cheese, fresh cilantro and green onions. Allow to sit five minutes and then serve.
Easy Creamy Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Bake: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a Herculean task. Between school pick-ups, work deadlines, and the never-ending laundry pile, whipping up something elaborate for dinner is often the last thing on my mind. That's why I'm always on the lookout for quick, easy recipes that don't compromise on flavor or nutrition. This Easy Creamy Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Bake has quickly become a weeknight staple in our house. It's packed with protein, fiber, and deliciousness, and it's surprisingly simple to make.
The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences and what you have on hand. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, add other vegetables, or use leftover grilled chicken instead of cooking it from scratch. I often swap out the kale and broccoli for whatever vegetables I have in my crisper drawer – spinach, peas, and bell peppers all work wonderfully. The creamy buffalo sauce is the star of the show, offering a delightful balance of tangy, spicy, and cheesy flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
One of the things I love most about this recipe is how well it reheats. Leftovers are perfect for a quick lunch the next day, and they actually taste even better the second time around! The quinoa absorbs the creamy sauce overnight, resulting in a dish that's even more flavorful and comforting. Plus, the prep time is minimal, meaning I can get this meal on the table in under an hour – a huge win on busy weeknights.
Why Quinoa?
I've chosen quinoa as the base for this bake because it's a nutritional powerhouse. It's a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids, making it an excellent source of protein for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Quinoa is also a good source of fiber, which aids in digestion and keeps you feeling full and satisfied. And, it’s surprisingly easy to cook – much faster than rice, in my experience.
The Creamy Buffalo Sauce: A Flavor Explosion
The creamy buffalo sauce is what elevates this dish from ordinary to extraordinary. It's rich, tangy, and slightly spicy, with a wonderful cheesy undertone. The combination of butter, flour, milk, and cheese creates a luscious sauce that perfectly coats the quinoa and chicken. I like to use a combination of gouda and cheddar cheese for a complex, nutty, and sharp flavor profile. But feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses! Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend of Mexican cheeses would be delicious additions.
Making it Your Own: Endless Possibilities
This recipe is a fantastic canvas for creativity. Don’t be afraid to experiment! Here are a few ideas to personalize your Creamy Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Bake:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the creamy sauce for extra heat.
- Add veggies: Feel free to add any vegetables you like. Mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, and corn would all be delicious additions.
- Change the protein: This recipe works well with other proteins, such as ground turkey, sausage, or even black beans for a vegetarian option.
- Different cheeses: Get creative with your cheese selection! Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect blend.
- Make it a casserole: For a larger crowd, simply increase the ingredient amounts and bake in a larger casserole dish.
This Easy Creamy Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Bake is more than just a recipe; it's a testament to the power of simple, wholesome ingredients transformed into a delicious and satisfying meal. It’s a dish that embraces convenience without sacrificing flavor, a perfect solution for busy weeknights or a quick and easy weekend lunch. Give it a try, and I'm confident it will become a new family favorite in your home too!
Pro Tip: Make a double batch and freeze half for a future meal. It reheats beautifully!
