Broccoli Quinoa Casserole Recipe
This healthy Broccoli Quinoa Casserole is a comforting and nutritious meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Packed with tender chicken, fluffy quinoa, and steamed broccoli, it is easy to prepare ahead, freezer-friendly, and offers a delicious blend of cheesy, herb-infused flavors. Ideal for meal prepping, this casserole provides a complete protein-rich dish with a creamy texture and satisfying taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 large servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 2 cups cooked chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces (rotisserie or Instant Pot cooked)
- 3 cups steamed broccoli florets (1 to 1.5 inch pieces)
- 1 egg
- ½ cup chicken stock
- 2 cups shredded cheese (mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or cheddar), divided
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook Quinoa: Prepare quinoa according to package directions using your preferred method: stovetop, rice cooker, or Instant Pot. Allow the quinoa to cool completely before assembling the casserole.
- Steam Broccoli: In a pan or pot, heat ½ inch of water and bring it to a simmer. Add broccoli florets, cover, and steam for 3-5 minutes until bright green and tender in the center. Drain any excess water.
- Assemble Casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a deep 9 x 9 inch baking dish with oil. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, egg, chicken stock, half of the shredded cheese, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well and press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish and bake the casserole for 40 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the egg to set. Remove the cover and bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden.
- Serve: Portion the casserole into bowls or plates and enjoy warm, optionally accompanied by a fresh side salad for extra vegetables.
Notes
- These servings are large; reducing portion sizes can yield up to 6 servings.
- Start with cooked, cooled chicken; rotisserie chicken or Instant Pot cooked chicken both work well.
- When cooking quinoa in an Instant Pot, halve the amount of cooking liquid for best results.
- You can substitute broccoli with cauliflower for a similar texture and flavor.
- For freezer meals, assemble the casserole as described, freeze unbaked in a metal dish, then thaw completely before baking as directed.
- Store leftover casserole in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat covered at 350°F (175°C) in the oven.
- Reusable silicone covers are recommended for baking and reheating to reduce foil and plastic waste.
Keywords: broccoli quinoa casserole, healthy casserole, chicken quinoa casserole, make ahead dinner, freezer-friendly casserole, cheesy casserole, meal prep recipe
Find it online: https://cookwithlea.com/broccoli-quinoa-casserole-recipe/
