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Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa Bake

Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa Bake for Cozy Nights

This Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa Bake is a wholesome, comforting dish perfect for family dinners, combining chicken, quinoa, and broccoli in a creamy cheese sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cheese Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Adds richness and flavor; substitute with margarine for a dairy-free option.
  • 1 tablespoon Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Enhances flavor and aids in sautéing; can replace with vegetable or avocado oil.
  • 1 cup Chopped Yellow Onion Builds base flavor in the cheese sauce; yellow onion is more potent.
  • 2 cloves Garlic, Minced Provides aromatic depth; fresh garlic is best for maximum flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour Thickens the cheese sauce; for gluten-free needs, use a gluten-free flour blend.
  • 2 cups Lower-Sodium Chicken Broth Adds moisture and flavor to the sauce; vegetable broth works for a vegetarian option.
  • 1 cup Whole Milk Creates a creamy texture; substitute with almond milk or oat milk for a lighter variation.
  • 1 tablespoon Poultry Seasoning Enhances flavor profile; herbs like thyme or sage can work beautifully.
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Season the dish; adjust to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Season the dish; adjust to taste.
  • 2 cups Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese Provides cheesy flavor and richness; substitute with a non-dairy cheese blend for a vegan option.
For the Bake
  • 1 cup Dry (Uncooked) Quinoa Serves as the base grain.
  • 2 cups Cubed Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts Main protein source.
  • 2 cups Broccoli Florets Adds freshness, nutrition, and color.

Equipment

  • medium saucepan
  • 4-quart baking dish
  • oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease your baking dish lightly.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 chopped yellow onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, cooking for 3-5 minutes until translucent.
  3. Stir in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, then whisk in 2 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of whole milk, simmering for 5 minutes until thickened. Add poultry seasoning, salt, pepper, and half of the cheese, stirring until melted.
  4. In the greased baking dish, layer 1 cup of dry quinoa with 2 cups of cubed chicken and 2 cups of broccoli. Pour the cheese sauce over, stir to combine.
  5. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check for doneness and bake an additional 5-10 minutes if necessary.
  6. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, switch to broil for 3-5 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 6gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for optimal flavor. Cut chicken and broccoli into small pieces for even cooking. Adjust liquids if mixture seems dry before baking. Freeze before baking for best texture.

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