Creamy Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole

Name: Creamy Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked quinoa; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced; 3 cups broccoli florets, steamed; 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup; 1/2 cup milk; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Author: Tessa

Published: August 9, 2025

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Creamy Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole has been my family’s ultimate comfort food for years, especially on those chilly weeknights when we need something truly satisfying. There’s just something about a warm, bubbly casserole that makes everyone gather around the table with happy smiles. This particular recipe became a staple in our home after a particularly hectic Tuesday evening. I was scrambling for dinner ideas, and with some leftover chicken, quinoa, and a head of broccoli in the fridge, I decided to throw them all together with a creamy sauce. The result was an instant hit! It’s not only incredibly easy to whip up, but it also packs a punch of nutritional goodness, making it a meal I feel great about serving. It truly transforms simple ingredients into something special.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole

This Creamy Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole isn’t just another dish; it’s a lifesaver for busy families and a delicious way to get a wholesome meal on the table. You’ll absolutely adore how it balances convenience with incredible flavor, all while packing a nutritional punch. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone happy, from the pickiest eaters to the health-conscious.

Quick and Easy Meal Prep

Making this Creamy Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole is a breeze, which is why it’s perfect for those busy weeknights when time is short. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have a hearty, home-cooked meal ready without spending hours in the kitchen. It truly simplifies dinner time.

Delicious and Nutritious

Beyond its amazing taste, this Creamy Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole is packed with goodness. The tender chicken provides lean protein, the fluffy quinoa offers essential fiber, and the vibrant broccoli delivers a dose of vital vitamins. It’s a wholesome meal that satisfies your taste buds and nourishes your body.

Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole

Creating this delicious Creamy Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole starts with gathering the right ingredients. I’ve found that using quality items makes all the difference in the final taste, so don’t skimp here! Each component plays a vital role in building that comforting, savory flavor we all love. Here’s exactly what you’ll need to get started on your own family-favorite casserole.

Creamy Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole - detail 1

Pantry Staples and Fresh Produce

For the base of your Creamy Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole, you’ll want 2 cups of cooked quinoa – this adds a wonderful texture and a healthy boost. Then, grab 2 cups of cooked chicken, either shredded or diced; leftover roast chicken or a rotisserie chicken works perfectly here to save time. You’ll also need 3 cups of steamed broccoli florets for that lovely green goodness. Finally, for the cheesy magic, have 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (divided) and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.

Flavor Enhancers

The heart of the creamy, dreamy flavor in this Creamy Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole comes from a few key enhancers. We’ll start with one can (10.5 ounces) of cream of chicken soup, which forms the rich, savory base. A ½ cup of milk helps to thin out the soup slightly, making it perfectly pourable and ensuring everything gets coated. To round out the taste, we’ll add ¼ teaspoon of black pepper for a gentle warmth and ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder, which provides a subtle aromatic depth without overpowering the other flavors. These simple additions truly elevate the casserole.

How to Prepare Your Creamy Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole

Making this Creamy Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole is incredibly straightforward, even for beginner cooks. I’ve broken down the process into easy-to-follow steps so you can create a perfectly golden, bubbly casserole every time. The key is to have all your components ready before you start mixing, which makes the assembly a breeze. Let’s get cooking!

Prepping the Components

First things first for your Creamy Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole: preheat your oven to a cozy 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and lightly grease it – a little cooking spray or butter works wonders here to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, gently combine your cooked quinoa, shredded chicken, and steamed broccoli florets. This forms the wholesome base of our delicious casserole.

Assembling and Baking Your Casserole

Now for the creamy magic in your Creamy Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole! In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, half a cup of cheddar cheese, the Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and garlic powder until it’s beautifully smooth. Pour this rich soup mixture over the quinoa, chicken, and broccoli in your large bowl. Stir everything until it’s evenly coated – you want every bite to have that wonderful creamy flavor. Spread the mixture into your prepared baking dish, then sprinkle the remaining half cup of cheddar cheese over the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and the cheese is golden. Let it stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Creamy Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole - detail 2

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole

The beauty of this Creamy Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole is that it’s a complete meal on its own! However, to round out your dinner, I love serving it with a simple side salad tossed with a light vinaigrette. A basket of warm, crusty bread is also fantastic for soaking up any extra creamy sauce. Enjoy your delicious Creamy Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole!

Tips for a Perfect Creamy Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole

Achieving the perfect Creamy Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole is all about a few key details that can elevate it from good to absolutely amazing. I’ve learned these tricks over countless batches, ensuring a consistently delicious and comforting meal every time. From ingredient choices to timing, these insights will help you master this family favorite.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about this Creamy Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole is how adaptable it is! Feel free to swap out the cheddar for Monterey Jack or a blend of your favorite cheeses for a different flavor profile. If you’re not a fan of broccoli, spinach or mixed vegetables work wonderfully. For a little extra protein and smoky flavor, try adding some cooked, crumbled beef bacon or turkey bacon into the mix before baking.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Creamy Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole is fantastic for meal prep! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just remember to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if you’re baking it from cold. Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days, and it reheats well in the microwave or oven.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole

I get a lot of questions about this Creamy Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole, and I love helping you make it perfectly! Here are some of the most common queries I receive, along with my best advice to ensure your casserole turns out wonderfully every single time. Don’t hesitate to ask if you have more!

Can I use uncooked quinoa in this Creamy Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole?

No, I strongly recommend using pre-cooked quinoa for this Creamy Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole. Uncooked quinoa needs a specific liquid ratio and cooking time that won’t work in the casserole. Using cooked quinoa ensures it’s perfectly fluffy and absorbs the creamy sauce without making the casserole dry or mushy, giving you the best texture.

How can I make this Creamy Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole spicier?

If you love a little kick in your Creamy Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole, there are easy ways to add heat! A dash of your favorite hot sauce stirred into the soup mixture works wonders. You could also add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a tiny bit of cayenne pepper for a spicier casserole. Start small and taste as you go!

Is Creamy Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! This Creamy Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole freezes beautifully, making it perfect for future meals. Once baked and fully cooled, you can wrap individual portions or the entire casserole tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Estimated Nutritional Information for Creamy Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole

While this Creamy Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole is packed with wholesome ingredients, please remember that the nutritional values provided are estimates. Factors like specific brands of ingredients, exact portion sizes, and any substitutions you make can alter the final numbers. For a typical serving (1/6 of the casserole), you can expect around 350 calories, 15g fat, 25g protein, and 30g carbohydrates.

Your Feedback on This Creamy Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole

I truly hope you and your family enjoy this Creamy Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole as much as mine does! I’d love to hear about your experience. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts, rate the recipe, or even post a picture of your delicious creation on social media using #CreamyChickenQuinoaCasserole. Happy cooking!