Broccoli Quinoa Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Broccoli Quinoa Casserole is a comforting and nutritious meal that combines protein-packed quinoa and chicken with fresh steamed broccoli and melted cheese. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a wholesome family dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked quinoa
• 2 cups cooked chicken
• 3 cups steamed broccoli
• 1 egg
• ½ cup chicken stock
• 2 cups shredded cheese, divided
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook quinoa according to package directions using your stovetop, rice cooker, or Instant Pot. Fluff the quinoa once cooked.
2. Step 2: Steam broccoli by heating ½ inch of water in a pot, adding broccoli florets, covering, and steaming for 3-5 minutes until bright green and tender.
3. Step 3: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly oil a deep 9 x 9 inch baking dish and set aside.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chicken, steamed broccoli, egg, chicken stock, half of the shredded cheese, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Step 5: Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top.
6. Step 6: Cover the dish and bake for 40 minutes. Then remove the cover and bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
7. Step 7: Let cool slightly, then cut into portions and serve warm. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use leftover roasted chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Substitute any shredded cheese you like, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend.
• For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and add cooked chickpeas or white beans for protein.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. For longer storage, freeze the casserole in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months and thaw before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh broccoli instead of steamed?

It’s best to steam the broccoli first to ensure it’s fully cooked and soft in the casserole. Using raw broccoli may result in a crunchy texture and uneven cooking.

What if I don’t have chicken stock?

You can substitute chicken stock with vegetable broth or water. Using broth adds more flavor, but water works fine if you don’t have broth on hand.

Broccoli Quinoa Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 68 reviews

This Broccoli Quinoa Casserole is a wholesome and hearty dish combining protein-rich quinoa and chicken with nutrient-packed steamed broccoli, baked together in a savory cheese and herb sauce. Perfect for a comforting dinner or meal prep, it offers a balanced blend of flavors and textures in a single casserole.

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked quinoa
• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
• 3 cups steamed broccoli florets
• 1 egg
• ½ cup chicken stock

Cheese

• 2 cups shredded cheese (divided in half)

Seasonings

• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

1. Cook Quinoa: Prepare 2 cups of quinoa according to package directions using your preferred method—stovetop, rice cooker, or Instant Pot—until fluffy and tender. Once cooked, fluff with a fork to separate the grains.
2. Steam Broccoli: Heat ½ inch of water in a pan or pot. Add broccoli florets, cover, and steam for 3-5 minutes, until the broccoli is bright green and soft in the center but still has a slight crunch.
3. Combine Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a deep 9 x 9 inch baking dish with cooking oil and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, egg, chicken stock, half of the shredded cheese, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until evenly incorporated.
4. Assemble Casserole: Press the quinoa mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
5. Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Then remove the cover and continue baking uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes to allow the cheese on top to brown and become bubbly.
6. Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Portion the casserole into bowls or plates and serve warm.

Notes

• Note 1: Use any cooked chicken you have available—rotisserie chicken, leftover roasted chicken, or quickly cooked chicken breasts.
• Note 2: Cooking quinoa can be done multiple ways; select stovetop, rice cooker, or Instant Pot methods as preferred.
• To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the chicken with cooked chickpeas or other plant-based protein and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
• Feel free to swap the cheese to your preference, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend.
• Ensure not to oversteam the broccoli to keep some texture in the casserole.

Keywords: broccoli quinoa casserole, quinoa recipes, chicken casserole, baked casserole, healthy dinner, one-dish meal