You guessed it... another easy chicken weeknight meal. That's what happens when you buy a pack of chicken breasts from Costco. And right now, when it is so cold outside and literally on the verge of snow, nothing sounds more prefect that a bowl of creamy comfort food. So what happens when you have lots of chicken and craving comfort food? Creamy chicken, broccoli and quinoa casserole. Or in other words, the best casserole ever.
This casserole is made with fresh, healthy ingredients. I know what you are thinking, how is it healthy if it has cheese? Well a little cheese never hurt no one! This casserole is healthy because it uses real, wholesome ingredients from scratch. That means no canned goop soup full of preservatives and ingredients that you have never heard of. Juicy chicken, fresh broccoli and superfood quinoa, how can you can say no to that? Seriously... how?
Growing up Persian, I am no stranger to a stewy dish. However, baked casseroles weren't really on the menu. I cannot believe how much I was missing out. If you are like me, and are kind of new to the casserole game, there is no better place to start than with a classic chicken and broccoli casserole. And why not make it healthy with real ingredients while you are it?
Creamy Chicken, Broccoli and Quinoa Casserole
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Nothing says comfort food better than a creamy chicken, broccoli and quinoa casserole made with fresh and healthy ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup chicken or vegetable stock
- ¾ cup milk or half and half cream
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ cup Panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch square casserole dish.
- Season sliced chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and cook 3-4 minutes on each side, until browned. Set aside.
- On the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Scrape the brown bits off the bottom of the pan. Add onions and sauté for 1 minute. Add garlic and sauté for another minute or 2 until onions are soft and translucent.
- Add in flour and cook for 1 minute until lightly browned. Whisk in the chicken stock and milk. Bring to a boil and add parsley. Cook for 2 minutes, continuously whisking.
- Turn heat down to low, add broccoli and simmer covered for 3 minutes.
- Stir in quinoa, chicken, Greek yogurt, ¾ cup of the cheese, salt and pepper. Toss to combine.
- Spread mixture into the casserole dish. Bake for 12 minutes.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese and the Panko bread crumbs on top. Bake for another 5 minutes until cheese in melted and top is lightly browned.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main
- Cuisine: American
Michelle says
This has been a favorite of my family (including toddler) for a while. I’ve recently decided to cut back on dairy... not completely, but trying to substitute when I can. Do you have suggestions for dairy free substitutions? I know coconut milk/cream can be subbed for the heavy cream, but what about the yogurt? I will still use shredded cheese because I love it so. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated because I’d love to keep this in the meal rotation!!
★★★★★
Sam | Ahead of Thyme says
You could try different vegan yogurts including a coconut milk yogurt alternative or a soy yogurt alternative.
Ashley says
I love this recipe, and have made it many times! Just wondering if it can be made in the crockpot?
Sam | Ahead of Thyme says
I have never tried it in a crockpot, but I'm sure it's possible. Let me know if you experiment with it.
Setora says
This is the best, creamiest, feels like it's bad for you but it's not recipe!!! My family loves it, we've b made it so many times now and can't get enough of it!
★★★★★
Sam | Ahead of Thyme says
That's awesome! So happy you like the recipe 🙂
Amna says
Made this for dinner on a cold London night. It turned out absolutely delicious! Will experiment with other vegetables. Mushroom would be good
All That I'm Eating says
I haven't thought about using quinoa like this, it sounds really healthy and perfect for some weeknight cooking.