Indulge in a comforting delight with this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa Casserole. Tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and quinoa mingle in a luscious cream sauce, crowned with crispy bacon and a blanket of melted Gruyere cheese. This one-dish wonder offers a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for cozy family dinners or satisfying weeknight cravings.
Cheesy Chicken Quinoa Casserole
An indulgent blend of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and quinoa bathed in a creamy sauce, topped with crispy bacon and melted Gruyere cheese—a comforting, flavor-packed casserole
Equipment
- Oven
- baking dish
- Saucepan
- mixing bowls
- Knife and cutting board
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Foil
Ingredients
- Oven
- Baking Dish
- Saucepan
- Mixing Bowls
- Knife and Cutting Board
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Foil
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish lightly with olive oil or reserved bacon fat.
Prepare the Cream Sauce
- In a saucepan, heat the olive oil (or bacon fat) over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about a minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth. Add salt, poultry seasoning, paprika, and cayenne. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, stirring frequently, for about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.
Cook Quinoa and Chicken
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the raw chicken pieces, rinsed quinoa, cooked crumbled bacon, and fresh broccoli florets. Pour the prepared cream sauce over this mixture and mix well to coat everything evenly.
Assemble the Casserole
- Transfer the mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the quinoa is tender.
Add Cheese and Bake
- Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded Gruyere cheese evenly over the casserole, and return it to the oven. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve
- Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa Casserole!
Notes
- Quinoa Rinse: Always rinse quinoa before using it to remove any residual bitterness.
- Chicken Cooking Time: Ensure the chicken is cut into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Sauce Thickness: Adjust the sauce consistency by varying the amount of flour or simmering time.
- Vegetable Substitutions: Feel free to swap broccoli with other vegetables like cauliflower, peas, or spinach.
- Cheese Variation: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend for varied flavors.
- Precooked Bacon: Using precooked bacon saves time, but freshly cooked bacon will add a nice crispness.
- Resting Time: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking to help it set before serving.
Nutrition
Serving: 1g | Calories: 401kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 18g | Sodium: 599mg | Fiber: 4g
