Description
This Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa Bake is a comforting and nutritious one-dish meal featuring tender chicken pieces, vibrant broccoli florets, and protein-packed quinoa, all baked in a creamy, sharp cheddar cheese sauce. Perfect for a wholesome family dinner, this recipe combines hearty flavors with a cheesy, golden topping for satisfying bites.
Ingredients
Cheese Sauce
- 2 Tbsp. butter
- 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion or shallots
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 2 cups lower-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp. poultry seasoning
- 1 tsp. kosher salt, divided
- 1 tsp. black pepper, divided
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
Main Dish
- 1 cup dry (uncooked) quinoa
- 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups broccoli florets
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: Preheat your oven to 375ºF. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook for 2 full minutes, whisking constantly to eliminate the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and whole milk, then increase the heat to bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in the poultry seasoning, half of the salt and pepper (1/2 tsp. each), and 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Remove from heat once combined.
- Prepare Chicken and Quinoa: Cut the chicken breasts into small, bite-sized pieces and season with the remaining 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. black pepper. Grease a 4-quart baking dish with cooking spray. Add the dry quinoa, chicken pieces, and broccoli florets to the dish, distributing them evenly.
- Combine and Bake: Pour the prepared cheese sauce over the quinoa, chicken, and broccoli. Gently stir to ensure all ingredients are mostly submerged in the sauce. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 45 minutes, stirring once halfway through to promote even cooking. Check that the quinoa is tender and the chicken is cooked through; if not, stir and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.
- Finish with Cheese: Remove the dish from the oven and stir the mixture again. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Set your oven to broil and place the baking dish under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot. Optionally, add your favorite toppings such as a few dashes of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Notes
- Use lower-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Make sure to cook the flour for the full 2 minutes to remove the raw taste for a smooth sauce.
- Stir halfway through baking to ensure even cooking and prevent quinoa from sticking to the dish.
- Broiling at the end adds a deliciously golden and bubbly cheese crust but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- This dish can be prepared in advance and baked just before serving for convenience.
