One Pan Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli with Quinoa
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
15 mins
-
Cook Time
20 mins
-
Total Time
35 mins
-
Servings
4
-
Course
Main Course
-
Cuisine
American
One Pan Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli with Quinoa
Description
The dish begins with sautéing diced chicken and chopped onions in olive oil until the chicken is partially cooked. Garlic is added for flavor, followed by chicken broth, dry quinoa, and thyme, then the mixture is brought to a boil and simmered covered. After initial cooking, fresh broccoli florets are placed on top, covered again, and simmered until tender.
Finally, sharp shredded cheddar cheese is sprinkled on top and melted by covering the pan briefly, adding richness and creaminess that binds the ingredients together. The quinoa cooks tender, absorbing flavorful broth, while the broccoli stays vibrant and crisp-tender. The chicken cooks through completely during simmering, making the dish balanced and filling.
This recipe serves well as a balanced and simple weeknight meal requiring minimal cleanup since all ingredients cook in one pan. It provides protein, vegetables, and grains in a convenient, cheesy combination.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast diced into 1-inch cubes, boneless skinless
- 3/4 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- salt freshly ground
- black pepper freshly ground
- 1 chicken broth low sodium
- 1 cup quinoa dry
- 1/4 tsp thyme dried
- 2 1/2 cups broccoli florets chopped, fresh
- 4 oz cheddar cheese 1 cup, sharp, shredded
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add onion and saute 2 minutes, then add chicken and cook 2 1/2 minutes stirring occasionally. Add garlic and saute 1 minute longer (chicken should be cooked on outsides but inside doesn't need to be fully cooked through at this point because it will boil and simmer).
- Add in broth, quinoa and thyme and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a full boil then cover, reduce heat to a simmer and cook 12 minutes.
- Then quickly lift lid, sprinkle broccoli over top, recover and simmer about 8 minutes longer or until quinoa and broccoli have cooked through (it may have a little broth in the bottom still at this point and you can carefully drain it off if desired, just don't pour everything down the drain!). Sprinkle cheese over top, cover and heat 1 - 2 minute until cheese has melted.
- Recipe adapted from Number 2 pencil
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
