If you’re looking for a comforting, wholesome dinner that combines cheesy goodness with nutritious ingredients, you’re going to fall in love with this Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa Bake Recipe. It’s a satisfying dish that brings together tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and fluffy quinoa, all swimming in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfectly balanced with flavors and textures, this bake is both simple to make and guaranteed to please everyone gathered at your table, especially on those busy weeknights when you need something quick yet delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several bowls and a bottle arranged on a white marbled surface, each containing different cooking ingredients. From top left, a wooden bowl is filled with small beige quinoa grains, next to another wooden bowl with a blend of spices in green, black, and white colors. To the right, there is a wooden bowl holding white flour. Below, a small bowl holds chopped garlic cloves with a white color and rough texture. At the center, a larger wooden bowl contains raw light pink pieces of chicken. To the left, there is a small white bowl with grated orange cheddar cheese. Below these, a large wooden bowl is full of green broccoli florets. Just under the broccoli, a clear glass jar contains a pale yellow broth. To the right of the broccoli, a wooden bowl is filled with chopped light purple onions. Lastly, at the bottom right corner, there is a clear glass bottle filled with white milk. All bowls have a natural wooden finish except for the cheddar bowl, and the background is a clean white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa Bake Recipe lies in its straightforward and accessible ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—from building the creamy sauce to adding vibrant color and hearty textures, making this dish as flavorful as it is nutritious.

Butter, 2 Tbsp.: Creates a rich base for the sauce and helps sauté the aromatics perfectly.
Extra-virgin olive oil, 1 Tbsp.: Adds a subtle fruitiness and balances the butter’s richness.
Chopped yellow onion or shallots, 1/2 cup: Brings a sweet, savory depth to the creamy sauce.
Garlic cloves, minced, 3: Injects aromatic warmth and a savory punch that brightens the whole dish.
All-purpose flour, 3 Tbsp.: Thickens the sauce to perfectly coat every bite without being heavy.
Lower-sodium chicken broth, 2 cups: Keeps the dish flavorful without overpowering saltiness.
Whole milk, 1 cup: Adds creaminess and makes the sauce luscious and smooth.
Poultry seasoning, 1 tsp.: Infuses a comforting herb blend that highlights the chicken perfectly.
Kosher salt, 1 tsp. divided: Balances flavors, making every ingredient shine.
Black pepper, 1 tsp. divided: Adds a mild spice that complements the creamy, cheesy elements.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup divided: Provides that dreamy, melty cheese factor everyone adores.
Dry (uncooked) quinoa, 1 cup: Gives this bake a nutty flavor and a light yet filling texture.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts, 1 lb.: The protein powerhouse that keeps the dish hearty and satisfying.
Broccoli florets, 4 cups: Offers a fresh, green crunch that brightens the entire bake both visually and taste-wise.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Aromatics

Start by preheating your oven to 375ºF—that way it’s ready just as your casserole comes together. While the oven warms, melt the butter alongside the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add your finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for about 3 to 5 minutes until soft and fragrant. This step is the foundation for that buttery, savory sauce that ties the whole dish together, so take your time and savor these aromas filling your kitchen.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Next, sprinkle in the flour and stir it in thoroughly, cooking for about 2 minutes. This quick cooking helps banish any raw flour taste, ensuring your sauce is smooth and clean in flavor. Then, slowly whisk in chicken broth and milk while gradually increasing the heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, whisking often. Within about 5 minutes, the sauce will thicken to a silky consistency. Stir in poultry seasoning, half the salt and pepper, and half the shredded cheddar, and then remove the sauce from heat. This rich, seasoned cheese sauce is the heart of the Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa Bake Recipe, transforming humble ingredients into pure comfort.

Step 3: Prep the Chicken and Layer the Bake

While your sauce cools slightly, cut the chicken breasts into small, bite-sized pieces. Season them with the remaining salt and pepper to maximize flavor. Prepare a 4-quart baking dish by greasing it lightly with cooking spray. Add your quinoa, chicken pieces, and broccoli florets evenly into the dish. Pour the warm cheese sauce over the mix and gently stir to combine, making sure everything is mostly submerged in that luscious sauce. This layering ensures every forkful has a perfect balance of cheesy sauce, protein, veggies, and grain.

Step 4: Bake and Broil to Perfection

Place your dish in the oven and bake for 45 minutes, stirring once halfway through to encourage even cooking and prevent sticking. At this point, the quinoa should be fluffy, and the chicken cooked through, but if not, simply give it another 5 to 10 minutes. Once done, remove the bake from the oven and give it one last stir before sprinkling the remaining cheddar cheese over the top. Broil for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns a gorgeous golden brown. This final step adds a crave-worthy cheesy crust that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa Bake Recipe

The dish shows one thick layer of creamy broccoli casserole on a white speckled plate. The casserole has light green broccoli florets mixed with soft, pale grains, and a golden-brown melted cheese crust with some crispy spots on top. A small green herb sprig lies on the middle, adding a fresh touch. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, with a glass of amber drink partly visible on the top left and a red pot handle on the bottom right corner. A white textured napkin is near the plate's bottom left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance the flavor and presentation by adding fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or chives, which introduce a burst of color and freshness. A few dashes of hot sauce are also a fantastic addition if you enjoy a little kick, adding complexity and heat that contrast beautifully with the creamy cheese.

Side Dishes

Though this bake is a full meal on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans can add lightness and extra veggies to your plate. A loaf of crusty bread is also perfect for soaking up any leftover cheesy sauce—trust me, no crumb should go to waste!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual portions in ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets. This not only makes for a stunning presentation but also keeps the bake hot longer at the table. You can also sprinkle extra shredded cheese and breadcrumbs on top before baking for an added crunchy topping layer that’s utterly irresistible.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it easy to enjoy a nourishing meal during a busy week without having to cook from scratch again.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion the bake into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven at 350ºF until warmed through. Adding a sprinkle of water or broth before reheating helps keep the quinoa moist, and topping with a little extra cheese before heating can restore that freshly baked charm.

FAQs

Can I use brown quinoa instead of white quinoa in this recipe?

Absolutely! Brown quinoa will work well, though it may require a slightly longer baking time as it takes a bit longer to cook. Keep an eye on the dish and adjust baking time as needed to ensure everything is tender.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Yes, this Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa Bake Recipe is excellent for meal prep. Make a big batch ahead of time, portion it out, and enjoy ready-made, wholesome meals throughout the week.

Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Feel free to swap chicken for turkey or cooked sausage if you prefer. For a vegetarian twist, consider adding extra broccoli and a protein like chickpeas or tofu, but be mindful the cooking times may need adjustment.

What can I do to make this dish spicier?

Adding diced jalapeños to the cheese sauce or mixing in some crushed red pepper flakes before baking can give the dish a pleasant heat. Don’t forget those dashes of hot sauce when serving for an extra spicy punch!

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk and substitute the cheddar cheese with a dairy-free alternative. Keep the butter and flour amounts the same for thickening, or consider a dairy-free butter substitute for the best flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa Bake Recipe is truly a one-dish wonder that combines convenience, nutrition, and soul-soothing flavor in every bite. It’s perfect for anyone wanting to enjoy a homemade meal without stress but with maximum deliciousness. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to dinner!

Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa Bake Recipe