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.
