This quinoa chicken casserole with broccoli and pumpkin is perfect for a cozy weeknight meal when the weather gets colder. Easy and simple to make with chicken and quinoa leftovers, and dinner is ready within 20 minutes!
As much as I love nutritious and satisfying meals, they often take a while to make. So busy moms like me don't always get to prepare them as much as we could throughout the week. However, this chicken broccoli quinoa casserole is everything I wanted it to be and easily became a staple in our weekly rotation.
It's the perfect balance of ingredients that even your kids can't resist. The combination of tender shredded chicken, creamy pumpkin, and broccoli creates an easy dish that's delicious and packed with protein and veggies.
I love how this recipe is versatile and make-ahead friendly. While my two little ones are busy with their toys or just running around the house, I can easily prep the ingredients and have this meal on the table in no time. The mozzarella cheese on top never fails to make them excited - I'm actually relieved that the cheese overshadows the broccoli sticking out (though sometimes I see a few pieces being pushed to the side).
The addition of pumpkin may be surprising, but trust me, the creamy texture and subtle sweetness blend well with the chicken and broccoli. Plus, wouldn't you want to sneak in extra vegetables? I often make a double batch because the leftovers taste just as amazing for lunch the next day. This recipe is a lifesaver during busy weeks.
Whether you're looking for a nutritious weeknight dinner or a comforting dish to bring to a potluck, this casserole delivers every time. It's become such a favorite that my kids now get excited when they smell the herbs and cheese wafting from the oven – and what busy parent doesn't love a comfort food that the whole family anticipates?
Ingredients
- Diced pumpkin - provides a sweet, earthy flavor and a creamy texture when cooked.
- Shredded chicken breast - offers a lean protein source that adds heartiness to the dish.
- Broccoli florets - contribute a fresh, slightly bitter flavor and a vibrant color, enhancing the dish’s nutrition.
- Cooked quinoa - adds a nutty flavor and extra protein, making the dish more filling.
- Poultry seasoning - imparts a savory blend of herbs that complements the chicken and enhances overall flavor.
- Oregano - adds a warm, aromatic flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
- Heavy cream - creates a rich, creamy base that binds the dish together and adds indulgence.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese - melts beautifully, adding a gooey texture and mild flavor that enhances the overall dish.
See the recipe card for exact quantities.
Step-by-step Instructions
If you're in the mood for a comforting and nutritious meal, this chicken broccoli quinoa casserole is an excellent choice! Packed with protein from the chicken breast and the wholesome goodness of quinoa and broccoli, this cheesy casserole is sure to satisfy the whole family. Follow these straightforward steps to create a hearty chicken broccoli quinoa dish that’s both delicious and perfect for any weeknight dinner!
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Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your chicken broccoli casserole will bake evenly and thoroughly. While the oven is heating, prepare your baking dish by greasing a 9x13-inch casserole dish with oil or butter to prevent sticking.
Cook the Pumpkin
In a non-stick skillet over medium heat, add ¼ cup of water and the diced pumpkin. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the pumpkin to soften. This step enhances the flavor of the pumpkin, which will complement the chicken and quinoa in the casserole.
Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken breast, broccoli florets, cooked pumpkin, cooked quinoa, poultry seasoning, oregano, and heavy cream. Stir everything together until well mixed. This mixture will be the base of your cheesy chicken broccoli quinoa casserole. Taste the mixture and adjust the salt and pepper according to your preference.
Layer the Casserole
Once the mixture is ready, transfer half of it into the greased casserole dish. Spread it out evenly. Next, sprinkle ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over this layer. This will add a cheesy flavor that complements the chicken and broccoli. Cover the cheese with the remaining chicken broccoli quinoa mixture, spreading it evenly across the dish. Finally, top the entire casserole with the remaining mozzarella cheese to create a delicious, melty finish.
Bake the Casserole
Place the chicken broccoli quinoa casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes. During this time, the cheese will melt, and the flavors will meld together, creating a comforting dish.
Let It Rest
After baking, remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the casserole to set, making it easier to serve.
Garnish and Serve
Before serving, garnish the casserole with chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Enjoy your comforting chicken broccoli quinoa casserole, a perfect blend of flavors that will please everyone at the table!
Storage
To store leftovers of your chicken broccoli quinoa casserole, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will keep for up to 5 days. If you want to freeze the casserole, allow it to cool down completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, where it can be stored for up to 1 month. When you're ready to enjoy the comforting chicken broccoli quinoa casserole again, simply reheat it in the microwave until heated through, ensuring it's warm and ready to serve.
Top Tips for Instant Pot Chicken and Peppers Stew
Use frozen broccoli for convenience: For an easy dinner, consider using frozen broccoli in your chicken broccoli casserole recipe. It’s a great time-saver, as you can simply add the broccoli directly to the mixture without needing to cook it first. Just make sure to thaw it and drain any excess water before mixing it with the other ingredients to prevent a watery casserole.
Cook the quinoa properly: When preparing your quinoa, make sure to rinse it thoroughly before cooking to remove any bitterness. Use a ratio of 1 cup of quinoa to 2 cups of chicken stock for added flavor. Once the quinoa is cooked, let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing it with a fork.
Layer for flavor and texture: To create a comforting casserole that is loaded with chicken and flavor, layer the ingredients effectively. Start with a base of cooked quinoa, then add the chicken pieces mixed with poultry seasoning and garlic powder, followed by the broccoli. Top the casserole with a creamy sauce made from milk and cream of mushroom soup, then sprinkle sharp cheddar on top before baking uncovered.
What to Serve with Quinoa Chicken Casserole with Broccoli and Pumpkin
To complement this comforting dish with hearty ingredients, it's great to serve it with a rich, velvety soups like my red bell pepper bisque or butternut squash soup. You can also prepare garlic bread made with Italian rosemary sourdough to tie everything together.
If you're looking for more casserole recipes, you may like my butternut squash lasagna with spinach recipe or my ground beef zucchini and rice casserole.
Recipe
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Quinoa Chicken Casserole with Broccoli and Pumpkin
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup diced pumpkin 4.33 oz | 123 g
- 1 ½ cups shredded chicken breast 7.93 oz | 225 g
- 1 ½ cups broccoli florets roughly chopped (4.4 oz | 125 g)
- ½ cup quinoa cooked (3.17 oz | 90 g)
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 2 cups heavy cream 16.90 fluid oz | 500 ml
- Sea salt to taste
- Ground black pepper to taste
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese 7.12 oz | 202 g
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 F | 200 C. Grease a 9x13 baking dish with oil or butter.
- Heat a non-stick skillet on medium heat. Add ¼ cup of water and the pumpkin. Cook for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, toss chicken, broccoli, diced pumpkin, quinoa, poultry seasoning, oregano and heavy cream. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking.
- Transfer half of the mixture in the baking dish. Sprinkle with ½ cup of mozzarella cheese. Cover with the rest of the chicken quinoa and finish with the cheese on top.
- Bake in the oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with parsley.
- Enjoy !
