Broccoli and Cheese Chicken Quinoa Casserole
This Broccoli and Cheese Chicken Quinoa Casserole is a healthy dinner idea that will rock your taste buds! A light and creamy casserole filled with broccoli, chicken, quinoa and cheese!
Servings : 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa , rinsed*
- 1 bag (16-ounces) broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 to 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts , cut into cubes
- salt and fresh ground pepper , to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2- cup all purpose flour
- 2 cups 1%-milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper , or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder , or to taste
- salt and fresh ground pepper , to taste
- 1/2- cup reduced fat shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4- cup shredded parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375F.
- Grease a casserole dish with cooking spray.
- Layer quinoa on the bottom of the casserole dish.
- Top with frozen broccoli and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a frying pan.
- Add chicken cubes and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until browned on all sides.
- Transfer chicken to the casserole dish. Set aside.
- Place a saucepan over high heat; add chicken broth and flour and whisk and cook until smooth, about 1 minute.
- Whisk in milk, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, chili powder, salt and pepper; continue to cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until thickened.
- Pour sauce over the chicken-mixture in the casserole dish; mix to combine.
- Sprinkle cheeses on top and cover with foil.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the quinoa is thoroughly cooked.
- Remove from oven and let stand few minutes.
- Serve.
Notes
* Rinse quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water for 2 minutes.
Couple of commenters had issues with the quinoa being too crunchy or not cooking at all - I believe the reason for this is because you have to rinse the quinoa before adding it to the casserole dish. However, if hesitant, please precook the quinoa, then add it to the casserole dish and continue with the recipe as is.
Nutrition
Calories: 410 kcal | Carbohydrates: 46 g | Protein: 29 g | Fat: 11 g | Saturated Fat: 3 g | Cholesterol: 50 mg | Sodium: 322 mg | Potassium: 702 mg | Fiber: 3 g | Sugar: 6 g | Vitamin A: 430 IU | Vitamin C: 0.7 mg | Calcium: 298 mg | Iron: 3.1 mg | Net Carbs: 43 g
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.