One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Quinoa
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One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Quinoa features tender chicken, melty cheese, bright broccoli, and nutty quinoa—all in one easy pot for a lightning-fast weeknight dinner that checks all of your boxes. It’s protein-rich, full of healthy grains and veggies, and totally satisfying to the entire family. Keep these ingredients on hand and save this recipe for those nights where you don’t know what to make for dinner!
I’m always on the lookout for easy dinners that are delicious, healthy, and filling, and meals that my whole family agrees on. This one-pot meal is all made in one pot and can be ready in about 30 minutes (cut the broccoli and grate cheese while the chicken and quinoa cook to use time best). My whole family loved it and I’ve already made it three times! I loved how easy it was to stir together and that it required minimal cleanup. It reminded me a lot of the Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken Rice Casserole my mom always made but this uses quinoa and it’s made on the stovetop instead of in the oven.
One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Quinoa
I’m very happy with the nutrition of this meal. The fiber and grains from cooked quinoa are healthy and filling. Broccoli is one of my favorite vegetables, but you could also try bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans if you like. I used chicken breasts, but chicken thighs would be even more tasty. Even though this has cheese I’d still consider it a healthy meal because each serving only has 1 oz of cheese. I’ve made this with both medium and sharp cheese and like both, of course, if you like a stronger cheddar flavor then use sharp or you could even use extra sharp.
In addition to melted cheese over the entire mixture, you can top your bowls with even more healthy ingredients. Juicy tomatoes would be delicious, as would a yummy sauce like a ranch or Alfredo. You can also experiment with spices, adding red pepper for some heat or garlic salt for a more savory taste.
This healthy dinner is also great for meal prep. Divide your one-pot chicken quinoa into airtight containers that you can reheat in the microwave for last-minute lunch or dinner.
I hope your family loves this as much as mine did. Thanks, Melissa for the inspiration! Be sure to head over to her blog and try her original rice version. This girl is the queen of one-pot meals!
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One Pan Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli with Quinoa
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts , diced into 1-inch cubes
- 3/4 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 (14.5 oz) can low sodium-chicken broth (1 3/4 cup)
- 1 cup dry quinoa
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
- 2 1/2 cups chopped fresh broccoli florets
- 4 oz shredded sharp cheddar (1 cup)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add onion and saute 2 minutes, then add chicken and cook 2 1/2 minutes stirring occasionally. Add garlic and saute 1 minute longer (chicken should be cooked on outsides but inside doesn't need to be fully cooked through at this point because it will boil and simmer).
- Add in broth, quinoa and thyme and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a full boil then cover, reduce heat to a simmer and cook 12 minutes.
- Then quickly lift lid, sprinkle broccoli over top, recover and simmer about 8 minutes longer or until quinoa and broccoli have cooked through (it may have a little broth in the bottom still at this point and you can carefully drain it off if desired, just don't pour everything down the drain!). Sprinkle cheese over top, cover and heat 1 - 2 minute until cheese has melted.
- Recipe adapted from Number 2 pencil