Name: One Pan Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli with Quinoa Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breasts; ¾ cup yellow onion; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 garlic cloves; salt and freshly ground black pepper; 14.5 oz chicken broth; 1 cup Dry Quinoa; ¼ tsp dried thyme; 2½ cups fresh broccoli florets; 4 oz sharp cheddar

This one-pan cheesy chicken, broccoli and quinoa recipe is the perfect solution to those busy weeknights when time is short but you still want a wholesome, delicious meal. It's loaded with protein and vegetables, plus, the cheesy goodness makes it a hit with kids and adults alike.

Photos of One Pan Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli with Quinoa Recipe

The ingredients for this recipe are mostly pantry staples like chicken breasts, garlic cloves, and quinoa. However, fresh broccoli florets might not be commonly found in everyone's kitchen. If you don't have it at home, make sure to add it to your shopping list. You could also explore the cheese section of your local supermarket to find the sharp cheddar which adds a tangy depth to this dish.

One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli and Quinoa Ingredients

Chicken breasts: These are the main source of protein in this dish.

Yellow onion: It adds a nice sweetness and flavor.

Olive oil: Used for sautéing the onion and chicken.

Garlic cloves: Adds a robust flavor to the dish.

Salt and freshly ground black pepper: For seasoning.

Chicken broth: It adds lots of flavor to the quinoa.

Quinoa: A great source of protein and fiber.

Dried thyme: It adds a subtle, earthy flavor.

Broccoli florets: They add a fresh crunch and color to the dish.

Sharp cheddar: This melts beautifully and gives a rich, cheesy flavor.

One reader, Burke Hatfield says:

This one-pan cheesy chicken, broccoli, and quinoa recipe is a game-changer! It's so easy to make and tastes absolutely delicious. The combination of flavors is amazing, and it's a great way to get some healthy greens in. Plus, the cheesy topping adds the perfect finishing touch. I highly recommend trying it out!

Burke Hatfield

Techniques Required for Making One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli and Quinoa

How to sauté the chicken and onion: Sauté the onion in hot olive oil for 2 minutes, then add the chicken and cook for 2 ½ minutes, stirring occasionally.

How to add the broccoli and cheese: Sprinkle the broccoli over the cooked quinoa, then cover and simmer for about 8 minutes. After that, sprinkle the cheese over the top, cover, and heat for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese has melted.

How to drain the remaining broth: Carefully drain the remaining broth, if desired, but do not pour everything.

How To Make One Pan Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli with Quinoa

Whip up a hearty nutritious meal with this cheesy chicken and broccoli recipe, packed with filling quinoa and herbs, all simmered in a savory broth.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 20 minutes

Total: 35 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1lbchicken breasts,boneless, skinless, diced into 1-inch cubes
¾cupyellow onion,chopped
1tbspolive oil
2garlic cloves,minced
salt and freshly ground black pepper
14.5ozchicken broth,(1 can or 1¾ cups), low sodium
1cupdry quinoa
¼tspdried thyme
2½cupsfresh broccoli florets,chopped
4ozsharp cheddar,(1 cup), shredded

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the onion and sauté for 2 minutes, then add the chicken and cook for 2 ½ minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute longer.*
Add in the 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 for 12 minutes.
Then quickly lift the lid, sprinkle broccoli over top, recover and simmer for about 8 minutes longer or until the quinoa and broccoli have cooked through. Carefully drain the remaining broth, if desired, but do not pour everything.
Sprinkle cheese over the top, cover, and heat 1 to 2 minutes until cheese has melted.
Serve warm, and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

*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.

Nutrition

Calories: 564.10kcal
Fat: 27.50g
Saturated Fat: 9.66g
Trans Fat: 0.45g
Monounsaturated Fat: 10.49g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.70g
Carbohydrates: 37.87g
Fiber: 3.82g
Sugar: 3.00g
Protein: 40.98g
Cholesterol: 103.72mg
Sodium: 854.44mg
Calcium: 274.37mg
Potassium: 827.47mg
Iron: 3.73mg
Vitamin A: 170.21µg
Vitamin C: 44.28mg

Helpful Technique for Perfecting One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli and Quinoa

When cooking the quinoa and broccoli, it's important to remember that both ingredients have different cooking times. Quinoa usually takes around 12-15 minutes to become tender, while broccoli can become soft in just a few minutes. To ensure that both ingredients are perfectly cooked, add the broccoli towards the end of the quinoa's cooking time. This way, your broccoli will retain its vibrant green color and crisp texture, while the quinoa will be fluffy and tender.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This One-Pan Recipe

Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and measure out ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.

One-pan wonders: Look for recipes that allow you to cook everything in a single pan to minimize cleanup and save time.

Batch cooking: Make extra portions and store them for future meals to reduce the need for daily cooking.

Substitute Ingredients For One Pan Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli with Quinoa Recipe

chicken breasts - Substitute with turkey breasts: Turkey breasts can be used as a lean and flavorful alternative to chicken breasts in this recipe. They have a similar texture and can be cooked in the same way.
yellow onion - Substitute with white onion: White onions can be used as a substitute for yellow onions, providing a slightly sharper flavor that complements the dish.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil is a healthy alternative to olive oil and has a mild flavor that won't overpower the other ingredients.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: If fresh garlic cloves are not available, garlic powder can be used as a substitute, providing a similar flavor.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth, adding depth of flavor to the dish.
quinoa - Substitute with brown rice: Brown rice can be used as a substitute for quinoa, providing a nutty flavor and similar texture.
dried thyme - Substitute with dried oregano: Dried oregano can be used as a substitute for dried thyme, adding a slightly different herbaceous flavor to the dish.
broccoli florets - Substitute with cauliflower florets: Cauliflower florets can be used as a substitute for broccoli, providing a similar texture and mild flavor.
sharp cheddar - Substitute with gouda cheese: Gouda cheese can be used as a substitute for sharp cheddar, providing a rich and creamy flavor to the dish.

Presentation Tips for a Delightful One-Pan Meal

Elevate the chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into elegant medallions and arrange them in a circular pattern on the plate, creating a visually appealing focal point for the dish.
Artful quinoa placement: Mold the cooked quinoa into a perfect round shape using a food ring mold, then carefully remove the mold to reveal a neat and precise quinoa base for the dish.
Broccoli floret arrangement: Arrange the fresh broccoli florets in a symmetrical and artistic manner around the perimeter of the plate, adding a pop of vibrant green color and a touch of freshness to the presentation.
Cheese drizzle: Create an intricate drizzle pattern with the melted sharp cheddar, using a squeeze bottle or a small spoon, to add a gourmet touch and a burst of rich, cheesy flavor to the dish.
Garnish with microgreens: Sprinkle delicate and colorful microgreens over the entire dish, adding a final touch of elegance and a hint of earthy freshness to the overall presentation.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli and Quinoa

Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods. It's a versatile tool for cooking a wide range of dishes.
Knife: Essential for cutting and preparing ingredients, a sharp knife is crucial for efficient and safe cooking.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting and chopping ingredients, protecting your countertops and ensuring food safety.
Spatula: Used for flipping, lifting, and spreading ingredients, a spatula is essential for cooking and baking.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurement of ingredients is crucial in cooking and baking, and these tools ensure precision.
Deep skillet: A deep, wide pan with straight sides and a cover, ideal for cooking one-pan meals and dishes with sauces.
Cheese grater: Used to grate cheese and other ingredients, a cheese grater is essential for adding texture and flavor to dishes.
Cooking spoon: A long-handled spoon used for stirring, mixing, and serving food while cooking.
Cutting knife: A sharp, versatile knife used for slicing, dicing, and chopping a variety of ingredients.
Strainer: Essential for draining liquids and separating solids from liquids, a strainer is useful for various cooking and baking tasks.
Mixing bowl: Used for combining ingredients, mixing batters, and preparing various components of a dish.
Cheese grater: Used to grate cheese and other ingredients, a cheese grater is essential for adding texture and flavor to dishes.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurement of ingredients is crucial in cooking and baking, and these tools ensure precision.
Olive oil: A staple in cooking, olive oil is used for sautéing, frying, and adding flavor to dishes.
Garlic press: Used to crush and mince garlic, a garlic press is a convenient tool for adding garlic flavor to dishes.
Cooking pot: A large, deep pot used for boiling, simmering, and cooking soups, stews, and pasta dishes.
Grater: Used for grating cheese, vegetables, and other ingredients, a grater adds texture and flavor to dishes.
Cheese slicer: A tool designed for slicing cheese with precision, ideal for creating uniform slices for presentation and cooking.
Tongs: Essential for flipping, turning, and serving foods, tongs provide a secure grip and precise control while cooking.
Cheese knife: Designed for cutting and serving cheese, a cheese knife is specialized for different types and textures of cheese.

Storage and Freezing Guidelines for One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli and Quinoa

Let the one-pan cheesy chicken, broccoli and quinoa cool completely before storing or freezing.
To store in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled dish into an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
For longer storage, you can freeze the one-pan meal:
- Divide the cooled dish into individual serving portions and place them in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
- Remove as much air as possible from the bags before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
To reheat the frozen one-pan cheesy chicken, broccoli and quinoa:
- Thaw the desired portion in the refrigerator overnight.
- Transfer the thawed dish to a microwave-safe container and reheat in the microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the dish in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to prevent the dish from drying out.
Note: The texture of the quinoa and broccoli may change slightly after freezing and reheating, but the dish will still be flavorful and enjoyable.

How To Reheat Leftover Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli and Quinoa

To reheat leftover one-pan cheesy chicken, broccoli and quinoa, start by transferring the desired portion into a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture and prevent the quinoa from drying out during the reheating process.
Microwave the covered bowl on high power for 1-2 minutes, depending on the quantity of leftovers and the strength of your microwave. Pause the microwave halfway through the reheating time to stir the contents, ensuring even heat distribution throughout the dish.
If you prefer to reheat your leftovers on the stovetop, place the desired portion in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to the pan to help rehydrate the quinoa and prevent sticking.
Stir the contents of the skillet occasionally, making sure to break up any clumps of quinoa or chicken. Heat the leftovers for 5-7 minutes, or until they reach your desired temperature. If the mixture appears too dry during the reheating process, add more broth or water as needed.
For a crispy twist, you can reheat the leftovers in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and transfer the desired portion of the one-pan cheesy chicken, broccoli and quinoa to an oven-safe dish. Cover the dish with foil to maintain moisture and place it in the preheated oven.
Bake the leftovers for 15-20 minutes, or until they are heated through. In the last 5 minutes of baking, remove the foil and sprinkle some extra shredded cheddar cheese on top of the dish. Return the uncovered dish to the oven, allowing the cheese to melt and form a golden, bubbly crust.
Regardless of your chosen reheating method, be sure to check the internal temperature of the leftovers with a food thermometer. The chicken should reach a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safe to consume.
Once the leftovers are heated through, let them cool for a minute or two before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro for added flavor and visual appeal. Enjoy your reheated one-pan cheesy chicken, broccoli and quinoa as a quick and delicious meal!

Interesting Trivia About One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli and Quinoa

Quinoa is a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids, making it an excellent addition to a balanced diet.

Is Making Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli and Quinoa at Home Cost-Effective?

This one-pan cheesy chicken, broccoli and quinoa recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are simple and readily available, making it budget-friendly. The combination of chicken, broccoli, and quinoa provides a nutritious and filling meal. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20, making it an affordable option for a satisfying dinner. The overall verdict for this recipe would be an 8/10 for its simplicity, nutritional value, and economical nature.

Is This Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli and Quinoa Recipe Healthy?

This one-pan cheesy chicken, broccoli, and quinoa recipe is a nutritious and well-balanced meal. It contains lean protein from the chicken, complex carbohydrates and fiber from the quinoa, and essential vitamins and minerals from the broccoli. The use of sharp cheddar cheese adds flavor and calcium to the dish. However, the recipe could be further improved to enhance its healthiness.

To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of cheese used or opt for a lower-fat variety to decrease the overall fat and calorie content
Increase the proportion of broccoli to boost the fiber and nutrient density of the meal
Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content
Add additional vegetables, such as bell peppers or carrots, to increase the variety of vitamins and minerals
Replace the olive oil with a healthier cooking oil, such as avocado oil or coconut oil, which have higher smoke points and beneficial fatty acid profiles
Experiment with different herbs and spices, like rosemary or paprika, to add flavor without relying on excess salt or cheese

Editor's Opinion: Thoughts on This Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli and Quinoa Dish

This one-pan cheesy chicken, broccoli, and quinoa recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The chicken is tender, the quinoa is perfectly cooked, and the broccoli adds a fresh crunch. The sharp cheddar cheese brings a rich and creamy element to the dish, tying everything together beautifully. The recipe is easy to follow and results in a satisfying and wholesome meal. It's a great option for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends. Enjoy the delightful blend of flavors and the convenience of only using one pan for this delicious dish.

Enhance Your One Pan Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli with Quinoa Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic and chives, topped with a dollop of butter.

Roasted Vegetables: Colorful medley of roasted vegetables, including carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini, seasoned with herbs and olive oil.

Garlic Bread: Warm and crispy garlic bread, brushed with garlic-infused butter and sprinkled with parsley for a burst of flavor.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love One-Pan Meals

Savory Beef Stew: This hearty beef stew is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with tender beef, potatoes, and carrots, it's a comforting and satisfying meal.

Citrus Grilled Salmon: This zesty grilled salmon is bursting with flavor. The citrus marinade adds a refreshing twist to the dish, making it perfect for a light and healthy dinner option.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding: This tropical-inspired chia pudding is a delicious and nutritious dessert option. The combination of sweet mango and creamy coconut makes for a refreshing treat.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli and Quinoa

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your taste buds with these savory stuffed mushrooms, filled with a flavorful mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs. These bite-sized delights are the perfect way to start off any meal.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip: Indulge in the creamy goodness of this spinach and artichoke dip, served with crispy tortilla chips for the ultimate appetizer experience. The rich, cheesy dip is sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Desserts:

Chocolate Lava Cake: Indulge in a decadent, rich chocolate lava cake that oozes with molten chocolate when you cut into it. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect balance of sweetness and richness.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Create a creamy and luscious strawberry cheesecake with a buttery graham cracker crust. Top it with fresh strawberries and a drizzle of strawberry sauce for a burst of fruity flavor.

Why trust this One Pan Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli with Quinoa Recipe:

This recipe offers a delicious and nutritious one-pan meal, perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of chicken, quinoa, and broccoli provides a balanced mix of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. The use of chicken broth infuses rich flavor into the dish, while the addition of sharp cheddar brings a comforting and indulgent touch. The step-by-step instructions ensure a hassle-free cooking experience, and the final result is a cheesy, flavorful, and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Trust in the wholesome ingredients and simple preparation of this recipe for a delightful dining experience.

Want to share your experience making this One Pan Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli with Quinoa Recipe? Join the discussion in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know how it turned out!

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use a different type of cheese if you prefer. Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses to find the perfect flavor for your dish.

Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with other proteins such as turkey, tofu, or even shrimp. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the protein you choose.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli if that's what you have on hand. Just make sure to thaw and drain the broccoli before adding it to the dish. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble them when you're ready to serve. Just store the cooked chicken, quinoa, and broccoli separately, then reheat and combine when you're ready to enjoy.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Certainly! You can easily double the ingredients to make a larger batch. Just make sure to use a larger pan or cook in batches to ensure everything cooks evenly. Adjust the seasoning and cooking time as needed.