Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa Bake
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp.butter
- 1 tbsp.extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ cchopped yellow onion or shallots
- 3garlic cloves
minced
- 3 tbsp.all-purpose flour
- 2 clower-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cwhole milk
- 1 tsp.poultry seasoning
- 1 tsp.kosher salt
divided
- 1 tsp.black pepper
divided
- 1 cshredded sharp cheddar cheese
divided
- 1 cdry quinoa
uncooked
- 1 lb.boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cbroccoli florets
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375ºF.Heat butter and oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook 3 to 5 minutes, until soft. Stir in flour and cook 2 full minutes to remove raw flour taste.Slowly whisk in broth and milk; increase heat to bring mixture to a simmer. Simmer for 5 minutes, whisking often, until sauce slightly thickens. Whisk in poultry seasoning, 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. black pepper, and 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese. Remove from heat.
- 2
Cut chicken into small bite-sized pieces, and season with remaining 1/2 tsp. each of salt and black pepper.Grease a 4-quart baking dish with cooking spray. Add quinoa, chicken, and broccoli to dish. Pour cheese sauce overtop and carefully stir, making sure all components are mostly submerged in sauce.
- 3
Bake for 45 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the quinoa and chicken are cooked through. (If the quinoa and/or chicken are not cooked through at this point, stir and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes.)Remove from oven, stir again, and top with remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheese. Broil for 3 to 5 minutes, until the cheesy is bubbly and golden. Serve with toppings of choice (I love adding a few dashes of hot sauce.)
Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa Bake
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About this Recipe
Craving a dinner that effortlessly combines comfort with wholesome goodness? This Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa Bake is the healthy, cheesy, and easy recipe solution your weeknights have been waiting for, promising to please every palate at your table.
What sets this bake apart is its simple yet appealing combination of protein-packed quinoa, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli, all brought together by a rich, savory sharp cheddar cheese sauce. It's designed to be a breeze to prepare, transforming everyday ingredients into a satisfying casserole that's perfect for busy evenings without compromising on flavor.
Prepare for a truly comforting experience with every forkful of this delightful bake. You'll discover a harmonious blend of savory chicken, the earthy freshness of broccoli, and the subtle, wholesome nuttiness of quinoa, all generously enveloped in a creamy, flavorful cheese sauce. The textures are just as appealing: you get tender pieces of chicken, the slight chew of perfectly cooked quinoa, and crisp-tender broccoli florets that make each bite satisfying. This dish offers a hearty, family-friendly meal that delivers on its promise of simple, delicious comfort.
This Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa Bake is wonderfully adaptable. While sharp cheddar cheese provides a classic, robust flavor, feel free to explore other cheeses like a milder white cheddar, creamy Monterey Jack, or even a nutty Gruyere to tailor it to your taste. For an extra layer of savory depth, a pinch of smoked paprika could be added to the sauce, complementing the poultry seasoning.
This wholesome and satisfying bake makes an ideal centerpiece for a cozy family dinner or a relaxed gathering. Serve it warm straight from the oven, where its golden-brown top and bubbling interior promise a truly comforting meal all on its own.