Broccoli-Quinoa Casserole with Chicken and Cheddar
This updated riff on chicken-rice casserole, whole-grain quinoa stands in for the typical white rice. It's a modern interpretation that still has loads of old-school comfort-food appeal.
Dovetailing tip: Take the chicken that you cooked for Meal 1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes. Add the chicken near the end of making the recipe to keep the chicken from shredding.
Prep Time:
Cook Time:
Total Time:
Ingredients:
| 1 1/2 tablespoons | olive oil |
| 1 cup | uncooked quinoa, rinsed and drained |
| 1 1/4 cups | water |
| 2 cups | broccoli florets |
| cooking spray | |
| 2 cups | cooked skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces |
| 1/2 teaspoon | kosher salt, divided |
| 1/2 teaspoon | freshly ground black pepper, divided |
| 1 1/2 cups | chopped onions |
| 6 | garlic cloves, minced |
| 1/2 cup | whole milk |
| 2 1/2 tablespoons | all-purpose flour |
| 1 1/2 cups | unsalted chicken stock |
| 2 ounces | fresh Parmesan cheese, grated (about 1/2 cup) |
| 1/2 cup | mayonnaise |
| 4 ounces | sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (1 cup) |
Directions:
Heat a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons oil; swirl to coat. Add quinoa; cook 2 minutes or until toasted, stirring frequently. Add 1 1/4 cups water; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes or until quinoa is tender. Remove from heat; let stand 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
Preheat oven to 400°.
Heat a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add onion and garlic; sauté 5 minutes. Combine milk and flour, stirring with a whisk. Add milk mixture, stock, remaining 3/8 teaspoon salt, and remaining 3/8 teaspoon pepper to pan. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently; cook 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat; gently stir in chicken; cool slightly. Add Parmesan, stirring until cheese melts. Stir in quinoa, broccoli, chicken, and mayonnaise. Spoon mixture into a 2-quart glass or ceramic baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with cheddar. Bake at 400° for 15 minutes or until casserole is bubbly and cheese melts.
Source: myrecipes.com
