Creamy Chicken Quinoa Broccoli Casserole – Easy Kitchen Guide

Before diving into this delectable creamy chicken quinoa broccoli casserole, let’s first consider what else you might want on your plate. This dish can be paired with a simple side salad to bring in fresh, raw flavors that complement the creaminess. Think mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. 

A slice of crusty bread might also suit your fancy, perfect for soaking up every bit of that creamy goodness. And if you really want to elevate your meal, a glass of crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, can provide a refreshing balance against the rich casserole.

Imagine coming home after a long day, ready to enjoy a comforting meal. Now, picture a creamy chicken quinoa broccoli casserole bubbling away in the oven, filling your kitchen with warmth. This dish is not just food; it’s an experience, one that welcomes you in and says, “You’ve earned this.” 

As a registered dietitian and food enthusiast, I focus on making healthy cooking approachable and enjoyable. Creamy chicken quinoa broccoli casserole hits that sweet spot between indulgence and nutrition.

What is Creamy Chicken Quinoa Broccoli Casserole?

At its core, creamy chicken quinoa broccoli casserole is a combination of lean protein, whole grains, and cruciferous vegetables, all wrapped up in a delightful creamy sauce. You get tender chicken, fluffy quinoa, and vibrant green broccoli mingling together in a dish that is hearty yet wholesome. 

The magic happens in the oven when it turns into a bubbly, golden delight that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Why This Recipe Works?

This recipe shines because it balances nutrition with flavor. Quinoa is a fantastic source of protein and fiber, while broccoli brings essential vitamins C and K to the table. Using a combination of chicken stock and milk creates a creamy sauce without overly relying on heavy cream, keeping it light. 

The seasoning blend elevates the taste and encourages even the pickiest eaters to enjoy their veggies. Plus, it’s a one-dish wonder, making cleanup a breeze.

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What You’ll Need to Make This Dish?

Before you jump into cooking, gather a few simple ingredients. You’ll need:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  
• 2 teaspoons seasoning blend (such as Emeril’s Essence or your favorite all-purpose mix)
  
• 1 cup rinsed uncooked quinoa
  
• 2 cups water, divided
  
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
  
• 1 cup 2% milk
  
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  
• 1 teaspoon poultry spice blend
  
• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
  
• 1/4 cup crisped, crumbled bacon (optional)
  
• 1/4 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or any semi-hard cheese you prefer)
  
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  

How to Make Creamy Chicken Quinoa Broccoli Casserole?

Creating this casserole is straightforward, but it requires attention to detail. You’ll enjoy a satisfying cooking experience as you transform these ingredients into a culinary delight. Let’s break it down into easy-to-follow steps.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial for ensuring your casserole cooks evenly and turns golden brown on top.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Next, season the boneless chicken breasts with the spice blend. In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the chicken until it’s cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Then, remove the chicken, let it cool, and dice it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Prepare the Quinoa

In the same skillet, add 1 cup of quinoa along with 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until all the water has been absorbed. Fluff it with a fork before setting it aside.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

For the creamy part, take a saucepan, whisk together 1/2 cup of flour and 1 cup of milk over medium heat. Gradually add in 2 cups of chicken stock, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens (about 5 minutes). Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, and the poultry spice blend.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, quinoa, broccoli florets, and the creamy sauce. If you’re using crispy bacon, toss that in too. The cornucopia of flavors and textures will start to come together, forming a cohesive mix.

Step 6: Bake It Up

Transfer this mixture into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the 1/4 cup of shredded Gruyère cheese evenly on top. Cover with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Tips

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker prep, grab a rotisserie chicken from the deli. Shred it and mix it into your casserole for a shortcut.
  
• Blanch the Broccoli: For vibrant color and crisp-tender perfection, blanch your broccoli for a couple of minutes before mixing it in.
  
• Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it, and store it in the fridge. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
  
• Extra Cheese: If you love cheese, don’t hold back! Feel free to mix in some cheese throughout the casserole for an added richness.
  
• Add Other Veggies: Don’t hesitate to throw in other veggies like bell peppers or spinach. They’ll boost the nutrition and color of your dish.
  

How to Store Leftovers?

After indulging, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This casserole can be reheated easily in the microwave or the oven, just add a splash of milk to keep it creamy.

Nutrition Information

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 360
  
• Protein: 30g
  
• Carbohydrates: 32g
  
• Dietary Fiber: 6g
  
• Sugars: 3g
  
• Total Fat: 14g
  
• Saturated Fat: 5g
  

Recommended Serving Suggestions

• Fresh Green Salad: Pair it with a fresh salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a balsamic vinaigrette. This balances the heaviness of the casserole.
  
• Garlic Bread: Serve with buttery garlic bread for a comforting touch everyone will love.
  
• Steamed Asparagus: Add a side of steamed asparagus drizzled with lemon for a refreshing flavor contrast.
  
• Our Family Favorite: We like to cube leftovers and toss them on top of a bed of arugula with a drizzle of olive oil. It’s an easy way to enjoy leftovers while lightening things up.
  

Ingredient Alternatives

• Quinoa Substitutes: If quinoa isn’t your thing or you can’t find it, brown rice or farro can work as excellent replacements.
  
• Chicken Options: For a twist, use turkey breast or cooked shredded rotisserie chicken to save time.
  
• Frozen Broccoli: If fresh broccoli is unavailable, frozen broccoli florets can be used. Just remember to thaw and drain excess water before mixing.
  
• Non-Dairy Alternatives: For a dairy-free version, substitute almond or oat milk and nutritional yeast for cheese to keep the creaminess intact.
  

Creamy Chicken Quinoa Broccoli Casserole

Before diving into this delectable creamy chicken quinoa broccoli casserole, let’s first consider what else you might want on your plate. This dish can be paired with a simple side salad to bring in fresh, raw flavors that complement the creaminess.

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Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour hour

Total Time: 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 360kcal

Equipment

• Oven
• bowl

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 teaspoons seasoning blend such as Emeril’s Essence or your favorite all-purpose mix
• 1 cup rinsed uncooked quinoa
• 2 cups water divided
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
• 1 cup 2% milk
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon poultry spice blend
• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1/4 cup crisped crumbled bacon (optional)
• 1/4 cup shredded Gruyère cheese or any semi-hard cheese you prefer
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial for ensuring your casserole cooks evenly and turns golden brown on top.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

• Next, season the boneless chicken breasts with the spice blend. In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the chicken until it’s cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Then, remove the chicken, let it cool, and dice it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Prepare the Quinoa

• In the same skillet, add 1 cup of quinoa along with 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until all the water has been absorbed. Fluff it with a fork before setting it aside.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

• For the creamy part, take a saucepan, whisk together 1/2 cup of flour and 1 cup of milk over medium heat. Gradually add in 2 cups of chicken stock, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens (about 5 minutes). Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, and the poultry spice blend.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, quinoa, broccoli florets, and the creamy sauce. If you’re using crispy bacon, toss that in too. The cornucopia of flavors and textures will start to come together, forming a cohesive mix.

Step 6: Bake It Up

• Transfer this mixture into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the 1/4 cup of shredded Gruyère cheese evenly on top. Cover with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker prep, grab a rotisserie chicken from the deli. Shred it and mix it into your casserole for a shortcut.
• Blanch the Broccoli: For vibrant color and crisp-tender perfection, blanch your broccoli for a couple of minutes before mixing it in.
• Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it, and store it in the fridge. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
• Extra Cheese: If you love cheese, don’t hold back! Feel free to mix in some cheese throughout the casserole for an added richness.
  
• Add Other Veggies: Don’t hesitate to throw in other veggies like bell peppers or spinach. They’ll boost the nutrition and color of your dish.

Keyword: Creamy Chicken Quinoa Broccoli Casserole

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Creamy chicken quinoa broccoli casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a nourishing dish that brings people together. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can make dinner something special. This recipe combines taste and nutrition, making it perfect for families or anyone seeking comfort food that’s actually good for you. So next time you’re hungry and short on time, whip up this casserole and let the aroma whisk you away! You won’t just satisfy your hunger; you’ll create a memorable meal that you’ll want to enjoy again and again. Give it a try; I promise you won’t regret it!

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Author Profile

Lori Walker, MS, RD

My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more