Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Quinoa Bake is the healthy, cheesy, and easy recipe that will please everyone at your table. The flavors are simple and appealing, the prep is a breeze, and it’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love this Chicken Broccoli Bake

We all love a casserole, right? Especially a cheesy chicken and broccoli combo, which may be the most universally appealing duo.

This one take a detour from classic creamy, cheesy casseroles with its secretly healthy ingredient lineup. In the lineup, you have:

• Gluten free + protein-packed quinoa
• Lean chicken breasts
• Nutrient-rich broccoli
• Just enough melty cheddar cheese to appease the picky eaters

And best of all, this chicken broccoli bake contains NO SOUP (cream of, canned, or otherwise).

Instead, the smooth, bubbly sauce is made of aromatics, broth, whole milk, spices, and cheddar.

This quinoa bake is easy to scale up to feed a crowd, as well as freezer-friendly. It saves and reheats like a dream, making it an ideal option for healthy meals throughout the week.

Recipe Ingredients

This recipe checks all of the boxes for a weeknight win.

Plus, it’s filling and comforting while boasting a wholesome ingredient list.

• Chicken: I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken breasts to keep the casserole lean, however you can also use tenders or thighs.
• Broccoli: You need 4 cups of broccoli florets, which amounts to 1 large crown. Alternately, grab a bag of pre-chopped florets for convenience. 
• Quinoa: Quinoa is actually not a grain, but a protein-rich pseudo-seed. It’s nutritious, filling, and one of the only plant-based sources of all nine essential amino acids.
• Aromatics: A mix of garlic and shallots create the aromatic foundation of this quinoa bake. Alternatively, you can use yellow onion.
• Flour: A little flour helps thicken the cheesy sauce mixture. For a gluten free alternative, use corn starch or a 1:1 gluten free baking flour blend, such as Bob’s Red Mill.
• Broth: Use chicken or vegetable broth.
• Milk: I prefer using whole milk, however you can also use cashew milk for a dairy-free alternative. 
• Cheddar: Sharp cheddar is my favorite, because a little goes a long way. It’s bold, complex, and a perfect pairing with the broccoli. For a dairy-free alternative, use your favorite brand of cheesy shreds.

The Directions

Step 1: Make Cheese Sauce. Heat butter and oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add shallots and garlic; cook 3 to 5 minutes, until soft. Stir in flour and cook 2 full minutes to remove raw flour taste.

Slowly whisk in broth and milk; increase heat to bring mixture to a simmer. Gently simmer for 5 minutes, until sauce thickens. Stir in poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add cheese and stir until melted.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Casserole Dish. Pour cheese sauce overtop, and carefully stir to make sure all components are submerged in sauce.

Step 3: Bake at 375ºF for 40 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the quinoa and chicken are cooked through.

Step 4: Top with more cheese, and broil for 3 to 5 minutes, until the cheesy is bubbly.

How to Store and Reheat:

• To Store. Refrigerate quinoa bake in an airtight storage container for up to 4 days.
• To Reheat. Rewarm leftovers in a small baking dish in the oven at 350ºF. Alternatively, you can rewarm individual portions in the microwave.
• To Freeze. Freeze in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note:
  • You can freeze either before or after baking it – just be sure your dish is freezer-safe.

Recommended Tools to Make Chicken Broccoli Bake:

• 4-quart Casserole Dish: Love that this one comes with a lid for easy storage and travel.
• Small Saucepan: For making the cheesy sauce.
• My Favorite Measuring Spoons: These double-sided spoons have one narrow end designed to fit in spice jars, and one round end for measuring liquids. They’re also magnetic for easy storage.

More Healthy Casserole Recipes to Try:

If you try this chicken broccoli bake, snap a pic and tag #dishingouthealth so I can see your beautiful creations. Also, follow along on Facebook and Pinterest for the latest recipe updates!