Cozy Chicken Quinoa & Broccoli Casserole Recipe for Family

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

Packed with protein-rich quinoa, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli, this dish brings together wholesome ingredients in a single, mouthwatering creation.

The casserole blends hearty flavors with nutritional goodness, creating a meal that feels both indulgent and healthy.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of textures and tastes that dance across your palate.

Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with goodness, this casserole transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into something special.

The recipe comes together quickly, making it an ideal option for busy home cooks seeking a nutritious and delicious meal.

Prepare to be impressed by how such simple ingredients can create such a memorable dining experience.

A Cozy Bake That Layers Chicken, Grains, and Greens

• Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F and lightly grease your baking dish.

• Cook Quinoa

Simmer quinoa in chicken broth until fluffy and tender, about 15 minutes.

• Sauté Vegetables

Heat olive oil and soften onions and garlic in a large skillet, then toss in broccoli and cook until just tender.

• Build The Base

Mix cooked quinoa and shredded chicken into the skillet, seasoning with herbs and spices for a flavor explosion.

• Create Creamy Sauce

Melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk, stirring until the sauce thickens beautifully.

• Blend In Dairy

Pull the sauce off heat and stir in Greek yogurt and a handful of cheese for extra creaminess.

• Combine And Bake

Pour the velvety sauce over the chicken mixture, transfer to the baking dish, sprinkle with remaining cheese, and bake until golden and bubbly, about 25-30 minutes.

• Rest And Serve

Let the casserole cool slightly, then dig into this comforting, protein-packed meal.

Flavor Variations for a Nutrient-Packed Comfort Dish

• Prepare the entire casserole ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
• Replace chicken with cooked turkey, tofu, or white beans for a versatile protein alternative that suits different dietary preferences.
• Use cornstarch instead of flour when making the sauce and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with sensitivities.
• Experiment with additional vegetables like cauliflower, spinach, or diced bell peppers to increase nutritional value and add vibrant colors and textures to the casserole.
• Substitute quinoa with cauliflower rice or riced zucchini for a lower-carbohydrate version that maintains the creamy, comforting essence of the original recipe.

How to Plate It for Dinner or Meal Prep Boxes

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty casserole as a complete meal with a crisp green salad on the side for added freshness and nutrition.
• Protein-Packed Lunch Option: Pack leftovers in meal prep containers for a delicious and filling work or school lunch that reheats beautifully.
• Elegant Entertaining Twist: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions before serving to elevate the dish's presentation and add a burst of color and flavor.
• Weekend Comfort Food Pairing: Complement the casserole with a light white wine or sparkling water with lemon to balance the creamy richness of the dish.

Stash It for Busy Days—It Holds Up Beautifully

• Keep leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Cool the casserole completely before refrigerating to maintain best texture and flavor.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm individual portions in microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Alternatively, reheat in oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Divide casserole into single-serve containers for quick grab-and-go lunches. Label with date and contents for easy tracking in refrigerator or freezer.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 6

What You Need to Make This Chicken-Quinoa Casserole

• Quinoa: Protein-packed grain that provides a hearty foundation and delightful nutty texture.
• Chicken Broth: Infuses rich, savory flavor and helps cook quinoa perfectly.
• Chicken: Lean protein that makes the dish satisfying and nutritious.

• Broccoli: Adds vibrant green color, crunchy texture, and powerful nutrient boost.
• Onion: Delivers sweet, aromatic base that enhances overall dish complexity.
• Garlic: Provides deep, robust flavor and incredible aromatic depth.

• Butter: Creates silky smooth base for luxurious sauce.
• Flour: Helps thicken sauce and provides perfect creamy consistency.
• Milk: Adds richness and helps create smooth, velvety texture.
• Greek Yogurt: Introduces tangy flavor and boosts protein content.
• Cheese: Melts beautifully, adds creamy decadence and sharp flavor notes.

• Salt: Balances and heightens all flavors.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and mild spiciness.
• Thyme: Contributes earthy, herbal undertones.
• Paprika: Brings gentle smoky sweetness.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces mild heat and exciting flavor complexity.

• Olive Oil: Provides healthy fat and helps prevent sticking.
• Baking Dish: Allows even cooking and beautiful presentation.

Tools That Help This One-Dish Meal Come Together

• Baking dish (9×13-inch): Essential for assembling and baking the casserole.
• Medium saucepan: Perfect for cooking quinoa and chicken broth.
• Large skillet: Ideal for sautéing onions, garlic, and broccoli.
• Separate saucepan: Great for making the creamy sauce.
• Whisk: Crucial for smoothly blending sauce ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps accurately measure ingredients.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Useful for stirring and mixing components.

Wholesome Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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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 delicious forkful of this satisfying one-dish meal that brings warmth to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
• 3 cups small broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (473 ml)
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 ½ cups milk (2% or whole) (355 ml)
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375F (190C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Simultaneously, cook quinoa in chicken broth until fluffy and tender.
2. Sauté Foundation: In a large skillet, caramelize onions and garlic in olive oil. Add broccoli and cook until slightly softened, creating a fragrant vegetable base.
3. Protein Integration: Incorporate shredded chicken and cooked quinoa into the skillet. Season with thyme, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to enhance flavor profiles.
4. Creamy Sauce Creation: Craft a velvety sauce by melting butter, whisking in flour, and gradually adding milk until thickened. Fold in Greek yogurt and a portion of cheese, creating a rich, smooth consistency.
5. Casserole Assembly: Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken-quinoa mixture, stirring to ensure even distribution. Transfer to the prepared baking dish and crown with remaining cheese.
6. Baking Finale: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbling with aromatic promise. Allow to rest briefly before serving this comforting, nutritious meal.

Notes

• Rinse quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove bitter coating and ensure fluffy texture.
• Don’t overcook broccoli; keep it slightly crisp for better nutrition and texture in the casserole.
• Whisk milk slowly into flour mixture to prevent lumps and create a silky, creamy sauce.
• Use room temperature cheese for more even melting and smoother overall consistency.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg