If you are looking for a wholesome, comforting meal that is packed with protein, vibrant veggies, and melty cheese, the Broccoli Quinoa Casserole Recipe is an absolute keeper. This dish brings together fluffy quinoa, tender steamed broccoli, and savory cooked chicken, all baked to perfection with herbs and a cheesy finish. It’s the perfect dinner to make ahead, reheat, and savor any night of the week, combining nutrition and flavor in a way that feels cozy yet fresh. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is an effortless way to enjoy a balanced and hearty dish that’s bursting with texture and warmth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is key to the success of this Broccoli Quinoa Casserole Recipe. Each component plays an important role—from the nutty quinoa providing a grainy base, to the juicy chicken adding satisfying protein, and the broccoli bringing vibrant color and a tender crispness. The egg and chicken stock help bind and moisten the casserole while the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly topping infused with herbs that elevate every bite.
- 2 cups cooked quinoa: The fluffy, protein-rich grain base that carries every flavor beautifully.
- 2 cups cooked chicken: Adds hearty protein and savory depth, perfect for making this a full meal.
- 3 cups steamed broccoli: Bright, slightly tender florets that give freshness and a pop of green color.
- 1 egg: Binds the ingredients together for a cohesive casserole texture.
- 1/2 cup chicken stock: Keeps the casserole moist and adds subtle savory notes.
- 2 cups cheese (shredded; divided): Melts into the casserole for creamy richness and a golden crust.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Infuses aromatic herbal flavor to brighten the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds an earthy, slightly peppery oomph that pairs perfectly with chicken.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering them.
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper: Brings a gentle warmth and balance to the seasoning.
How to Make Broccoli Quinoa Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Quinoa
Start by cooking the quinoa according to your preferred method—whether it’s on the stovetop, in a rice cooker, or using an Instant Pot. Fluff it up once it’s done so the grains stay separate and light. This fluffy quinoa is the perfect base, soaking up flavors while adding a slightly nutty taste and satisfying texture.
Step 2: Steam the Broccoli
While the quinoa cooks, steam the broccoli florets by adding about ½ inch of water to a pan, covering it with broccoli on top, and letting it steam for 3 to 5 minutes. You want it to be bright green and tender but still firm enough to provide a nice bite after baking. This step ensures the broccoli stays vibrant and fresh rather than soggy.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in a Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F, then spray a deep 9 x 9 inch baking dish with oil. In a large bowl, mix together the cooked quinoa, cooked chopped chicken, steamed broccoli, egg, chicken stock, half of the shredded cheese, and all the herbs and spices. This mix is the heart of the casserole, blending different textures and flavors perfectly. Press it evenly into the prepared dish, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top to create a golden, bubbly crust.
Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly and Gold
Cover the casserole and bake it for 40 minutes to let everything meld together beautifully. After that, remove the cover and bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. This extra time allows the cheese on top to caramelize to a delicious golden brown, adding both flavor and a slightly crisp texture that makes the casserole irresistible.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let the casserole sit for a minute or two before portioning it out into bowls or plates. Your Broccoli Quinoa Casserole Recipe will be warm, cheesy, and just bursting with comforting flavors ready to satisfy every bite.
How to Serve Broccoli Quinoa Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top for a bright pop of color and a burst of fresh herbaceous flavor. A light drizzle of a tangy yogurt sauce or a few red pepper flakes can also bring an exciting dimension to the dish without overpowering the main flavors.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines best alongside a simple green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette or some roasted carrots glazed with honey and thyme. These sides add freshness or slight sweetness that will balance the creamy, savory richness of the casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Broccoli Quinoa Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for a personalized touch at the dinner table. You could also stuff the casserole into hollowed-out bell peppers before baking, creating colorful edible bowls that amp up the presentation and texture in every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Broccoli Quinoa Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for quick lunches or easy reheating during busy weekdays.
Freezing
This casserole also freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing its flavor or texture, perfect for batch cooking and saving time later.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers or frozen portions, reheat in the oven at 350°F covered with foil until warmed through, about 20 minutes for refrigerated or 30-40 minutes for frozen. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating, just cover and heat in short intervals to maintain moisture and avoid drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables instead of broccoli?
Absolutely! While broccoli adds a lovely crunch and color, you can swap it for cauliflower, green beans, or even spinach. Just adjust steaming times to keep the veggies tender but not mushy.
Is this casserole suitable for meal prepping?
Definitely! The Broccoli Quinoa Casserole Recipe is a meal prep superstar since it stores well in the fridge and freezer. You can make it in advance and reheat portions whenever needed, saving you time throughout the week.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, just omit the chicken and consider boosting protein with chickpeas or extra quinoa. You can also add more vegetables or nuts like toasted almonds to keep it filling and delicious.
What kind of cheese works best?
Cheddar or a mild mozzarella work beautifully for the meltiness and flavor in this recipe, but feel free to experiment with Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a blend to suit your taste preferences.
How do I ensure the casserole is not too dry?
Using the chicken stock and egg mixture helps keep everything moist, but be sure not to overcook the quinoa and steam the broccoli just until tender. Covering the casserole while baking helps retain moisture as well.
Final Thoughts
Making the Broccoli Quinoa Casserole Recipe is a joy, especially when you see how the simple ingredients come together into such a satisfying, nutritious meal. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and comforting flavors make it a favorite to keep in your recipe arsenal. Give it a try—you might just discover a new go-to that feels like a warm hug on your plate.
Print
Broccoli Quinoa Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Broccoli Quinoa Casserole is a hearty, nutritious, and comforting dish combining cooked quinoa, tender chicken, steamed broccoli, and melted cheese baked to perfection. It’s an easy-to-make casserole perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner that offers a balanced meal of protein, fiber, and vegetables.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 3 cups steamed broccoli florets
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 2 cups shredded cheese, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook Quinoa: Prepare quinoa according to package instructions using your preferred method such as stovetop, rice cooker, or Instant Pot until fluffy and fully cooked.
- Steam Broccoli: In a pan or pot, heat ½ inch of water and add the broccoli florets. Cover the pot and steam for 3 to 5 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and tender in the center.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a deep 9 x 9 inch baking dish with cooking oil to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, egg, chicken stock, half of the shredded cheese, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Assemble Casserole: Press the mixture firmly into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top of the mixture.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil or a lid and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes to let the casserole set and the flavors meld.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the cover and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes to brown the cheese topping slightly for extra flavor and texture.
- Serve: Once baked, let the casserole cool slightly, then cut into portions and serve warm. Enjoy your wholesome Broccoli Quinoa Casserole!
Notes
- For cooked chicken, you can use leftover roasted chicken or quickly sauté chicken breast pieces before mixing.
- Quinoa can be cooked ahead of time and refrigerated for convenience.
- Steaming broccoli retains more nutrients and keeps it tender-crisp.
- You can substitute chicken stock with vegetable broth for a slightly different flavor or to make the dish suitable for vegetarians (if chicken is substituted as well).
- To make it gluten-free, ensure that chicken stock and cheese are certified gluten-free.
