Chicken Broccoli Cheese Quinoa Casserole Recipe
User Reviews
4.5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
45 mins
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Total Time
1 hr
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Servings
6
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Calories
381 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Chicken Broccoli Cheese Quinoa Casserole Recipe
Description
The Chicken Broccoli Cheese Quinoa Casserole Recipe uses rinsed quinoa simmered in low sodium chicken broth to provide a protein-rich base with a light nutty flavor. Broccoli florets are partially steamed with a bit of water, keeping their bright green color and slight crispness. Onion, celery, and garlic are sautéed in olive oil and butter, forming the aromatic foundation. Gluten-free flour is added to create a roux, which thickens the sauce made with milk, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Cooked shredded chicken and sharp cheddar cheese are incorporated to add flavor and richness. The casserole is assembled in a buttered or greased pan, topped with panko breadcrumbs that bake into a crispy topping contrasting the creamy interior. Baking at 350 degrees allows flavors to meld and the topping to brown evenly.
This dish works well as a complete main course or a side and offers balanced nutrition from grains, vegetables, protein, and dairy. It can be prepared ahead and baked when ready, making it suitable for meal planning or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 3 cups chicken broth divided, low sodium
- 1 cup quinoa rinsed and drained
- 3 cups broccoli cut into bite size pieces, florets
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 onion chopped
- 1/2 cup celery chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 Tablespoons gluten-free flour I used gluten-free flour, or all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 2 chicken breast cooked, shredded or cut into bite size pieces
- 1-1/2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 9x13 baking dish with nonstick spray then set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, over high heat, bring 2 cups low sodium chicken broth to a boil. Stir in the rinsed and drained quinoa. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for about 20 minutes or until almost all the liquid has been absorbed and quinoa is tender. Remove from heat then let sit, covered, for 10 minutes and set aside.
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, add the broccoli florets and 1/4 cup of water. Heat in the microwave for 2 minutes until the broccoli florets are bright green and slightly tender. Set aside.
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet or dutch oven over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and melt one tablespoon of butter. Add chopped onion and chopped celery and saute for about 5 minutes until the onions are soft. Add minced garlic and saute for about 1 minute.
- Sprinkle in flour (gluten-free flour, if desired) and stir to cook for 1 minute. Reduce heat to medium. Slowly pour in 1 cup low sodium chicken broth, followed by one cup of milk, stirring to avoid lumps. Add poultry seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Turn heat back down to low then simmer until slightly thickened, 5 minutes.
- Remove skillet from heat then pour sauce into the large bowl of broccoli. Add cooked quinoa, cooked chicken, and half the cheese and then stir to combine.
- Pour mixture into prepared 9x13 baking dish then sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Sprinkle bread crumbs evenly on top. Place the baking dish on top of a baking sheet in case of bubble overs then bake for 20-25 minutes or until top is golden brown and bubbly. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 381 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 381kcal | 19% |
| Carbohydrates | 36g | 12% |
| Protein | 29g | 58% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 67mg | 22% |
| Sodium | 313mg | 13% |
| Potassium | 807mg | 17% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 570IU | 11% |
| Vitamin C | 42.9mg | 48% |
| Calcium | 187mg | 19% |
| Iron | 2.9mg | 16% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.5
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