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Creamy Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole is a delicious and healthy one-pan dish that combines tender chicken, fluffy quinoa, and crisp broccoli in a rich, cheesy sauce.
Looking for a guilt-free comfort dish that’ll make your taste buds dance a jig and your waistline say thank you? Enter the Creamy Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole—a one-pan wonder that marries rich flavors with nutritious ingredients. Stay with me, and you’ll get step-by-step secrets to nailing this easy yet show-stopping recipe!
Creamy Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole
A comforting dish that’s the love child of a healthy quinoa bowl and a creamy chicken casserole. It’s got the wholesome crunch of broccoli, the protein punch of chicken, all mingling in a rich, velvety sauce that nobody can resist. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or to impress your judgy in-laws!
- Cooking method: Baking
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 40 minutes
- Cuisine: Comfort food
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 lb chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook quinoa in chicken broth: bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the onion and garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the broccoli florets and cook for an additional 5 minutes till they start tenderizing but remain green.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chicken, broccoli mixture, shredded cheddar cheese, Greek yogurt, milk, thyme, and paprika. Stir until everything is evenly mingled. Add more salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top if using.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden, bubbly, and begging you to take it out.
- Let it cool for a bit, serve, and watch it disappear!
Suggestions
- Alternative ingredients: Swap chicken for turkey, or go vegetarian with chickpeas.
- Garnishing options: Fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a drizzle of hot sauce for those who like it spicy.
- Cooking tips: For an extra creamy texture, add a splash of heavy cream. Want a cheesy punch? Mix different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda.
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