Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa Casserole

Name: Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, cubed; 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 cup quinoa; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup milk; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp paprika

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 45 min

🍽 Serves: 6

★★★★★

Be the First to Review!

This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa Casserole is your ticket to a comforting, hearty meal that's both nutritious and full of flavor. It's a one-dish wonder that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce over fluffy quinoa. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep!

Save Print Jump to Recipe

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa Casserole

The star of this casserole is the chicken breast, providing lean protein and a mild flavor that pairs well with the rich cheese sauce. Broccoli florets add a pop of color and crunch, boosting the nutritional value with fiber and vitamins. Quinoa serves as a hearty base, soaking up the flavors of the dish while offering a complete protein and essential amino acids.

Chicken broth is used to cook the quinoa, infusing it with savory depth. Milk and cream cheese form the creamy foundation without making the dish too heavy. Cheddar cheese, shredded and melty, tops the casserole with a golden, bubbly finish.

Onion and garlic are sautéed to build a flavorful base, while olive oil ensures a smooth cooking process. Lastly, a sprinkle of salt, black pepper, and paprika brings everything together with a gentle kick of spice.

Tips & Tricks

If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for chickpeas or cubed tofu.
To save time, use pre-cooked chicken or leftovers from a roast chicken.
You can use frozen broccoli florets; just thaw them beforehand.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed in a lemon vinaigrette, which balances the richness of the dish. A side of garlic bread or a crusty baguette would also complement the creamy texture. For an extra touch, sprinkle some fresh parsley over the top before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?: Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you're ready to eat.
Can I freeze this casserole?: Absolutely! Once cooled, cover it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?: Greek yogurt or sour cream can be a substitute, though the flavor and texture will be slightly different.

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it's hot and ready when your casserole is assembled. In a large saucepan, bring 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil. Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water, then add it to the boiling broth. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy.

While the quinoa is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing them until they turn translucent and fragrant. This should take about 3–4 minutes. Next, add the cubed chicken breast to the skillet. Cook the chicken until it's browned on all sides, which will take another 5–7 minutes.

Add the broccoli florets to the skillet with the chicken, stirring occasionally. Cook for an additional 3–4 minutes until the broccoli turns a bright green. This step ensures the broccoli retains its texture and color.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chicken, broccoli, sautéed onion and garlic, 1 cup of milk, and 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese. Season the mixture with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, stirring everything together until well mixed.

Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving so it sets slightly and is easier to serve.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Packed with protein and vegetables, it's a wholesome meal in one dish.
Creamy, cheesy texture without heavy cream — thanks to cream cheese and milk.
A great way to introduce quinoa to your diet with familiar flavors.
Flexible and forgiving; you can customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices.

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast, cubed

2 cups broccoli florets

1 cup quinoa

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup milk

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp paprika

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a large saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil and add the quinoa. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.

3. In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until translucent.

4. Add cubed chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides.

5. Stir in broccoli florets and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until bright green.

6. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chicken, broccoli, sautéed onion and garlic, milk, cream cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika.

7. Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish and top with shredded cheddar cheese.