Description
Cheesy Chicken Quinoa Casserole packed with flavorful chicken, quinoa, and gooey cheese. Quick, comforting, and sure to please a crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1½ cups quinoa, rinsed and drained
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 1 red bell pepper, diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
- 1 can diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 cups shredded cheese (a mix of cheddar and mozzarella works well)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Quinoa Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 3 cups of chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork. The quinoa should be tender but still have a slight bite to it.
- Step 2: Cook the Aromatics and Vegetables While the quinoa cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the diced bell pepper and corn, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Your kitchen should start filling with an inviting aroma at this point!
- Step 3: Combine All Components In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, vegetable mixture, shredded chicken, and drained diced tomatoes. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Gently fold in 1 cup of the shredded cheese mixture until evenly distributed throughout. The warm quinoa will slightly melt the cheese, creating pockets of creaminess throughout your Cheesy Chicken Quinoa Casserole.
- Step 4: Assemble and Bake Transfer half the quinoa mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it in an even layer. Sprinkle with ½ cup of the remaining shredded cheese. Add the remaining quinoa mixture on top and finish with the last ½ cup of shredded cheese and the Parmesan. Cover the dish with foil, making sure it doesn’t touch the cheese, and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and beginning to brown at the edges.
- Step 5: Finish and Serve Let your Cheesy Chicken Quinoa Casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This brief rest allows the casserole to set up slightly and makes serving cleaner and easier. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley just before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 450 calories
- Sugar: 5 grams
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 22 grams
- Saturated Fat: 10 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 35 grams
- Fiber: 4 grams
- Protein: 28 grams
- Cholesterol: 90 mg