Looking for a hearty, wholesome meal that the whole family will love? Look no further than this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Quinoa Bake! Packed with protein, vibrant veggies, and gooey cheese, this dish is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a tantalizing aroma wafting through your kitchen in under an hour, you'll have a comforting dinner ready to impress. Dive into this recipe and discover how to turn simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- While quinoa is cooking, steam the broccoli florets until tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes. You can use a steamer basket or microwave with a little water.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown and the edges are slightly crispy.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the dish to set and cool slightly.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips
- Perfectly Cooked Quinoa: Make sure to rinse the quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove any bitterness. This will ensure a light and fluffy texture.
- Chicken Options: Use leftover rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken for a quicker option. Shredded chicken works best for even distribution throughout the bake.
- Broccoli Bliss: Don’t overcook the broccoli when steaming; you want it to be tender-crisp to maintain its vibrant color and nutritional value.
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to mix and match cheeses! Monterey Jack or mozzarella can add a different flavor profile and melt beautifully.
- Baking Dish: Ensure your baking dish is well-greased to prevent sticking, and consider covering it with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking to keep the moisture in.
- Resting Time: Allow the bake to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the dish set, making it easier to serve.
- Garnish for Flair: Elevate your dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 90mg
