Broccoli Quinoa Casserole Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Assemble Casserole: Press the quinoa mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- 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.
- 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