Introduction
Warm, comforting, and incredibly satisfying, this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Quinoa Bake is the perfect dish for any night of the week. Combining tender quinoa with shredded chicken, vibrant broccoli, and layers of gooey cheese, it’s a delight that brings both flavor and nutrition to your table. The creamy texture from the Greek yogurt adds an extra touch of richness, making every bite indulgent yet wholesome. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to prepare ahead for meal prep, this recipe checks all the boxes!
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil, ensuring it’s ready to hold all that delicious goodness.
- In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Once boiling, add the rinsed quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and all the liquid has been absorbed.
- While the quinoa cooks, in a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, shredded chicken, broccoli florets, half of the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, Greek yogurt, eggs, minced garlic, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you enjoy a little heat). Stir everything together until well combined, letting those flavors meld together beautifully.
- Transfer this delightful mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure every portion has a bite of everything.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese generously on top, because who can resist that melty, cheesy goodness?
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and takes on a lovely golden brown color.
- Once baked, let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. This pause will help the flavors settle and make it easier to dish out!
Notes or Tips
- Feel free to use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time.
- If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute low-fat Greek yogurt for regular Greek yogurt.
- This dish can be easily personalized; add your favorite vegetables or switch out the cheeses to suit your taste.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave for a quick meal!
Cooking Techniques
Cooking with quinoa is quite simple, but remember to rinse it before cooking to remove its natural coating, called saponin, which can lend a bitter taste. Also, letting the dish sit for a few minutes after baking allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to cut into portions. The key to a cheesy, bubbling topping is to ensure your oven is fully preheated.
FAQ
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works wonderfully in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw it before mixing it in.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is fantastic for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and reheat individual portions as needed.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and you’ll have a hearty veggie bake.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Quinoa Bake is a true comfort food that combines ease and nourishment in every bite. With its blend of textures and flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Perfectly cheesy, packed with protein, and loaded with greens, it’s one of those warm, hearty dishes that will make your mealtime feel special. Enjoy every cheesy, delicious moment!