Creamy Cheesy Chicken and Garlic Quinoa Bake

 Here’s a delicious recipe for Creamy Cheesy Chicken and Garlic Quinoa Bake, a comforting, one-pan dish that combines tender chicken, quinoa, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner!

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Ingredients

For the Bake

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced

1 tbsp olive oil

1 small onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup quinoa, rinsed

2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)

1 cup heavy cream (or a lighter version like half-and-half or Greek yogurt)

1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)

1 tsp dried thyme

1/2 tsp paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For Topping

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

1 tbsp melted butter (optional for extra crispiness)

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Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.

Add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.

Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.

3. Cook the Quinoa

Stir in the quinoa and cook for 1-2 minutes to toast it slightly.

Add the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.

4. Make the Creamy Sauce

Once the quinoa is cooked, stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheese, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.

Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir to combine.

5. Assemble the Bake

Transfer the chicken and quinoa mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter (if using).

Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

6. Bake the Casserole

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbly.

7. Serve

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot.

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Tips

You can use any type of cheese you prefer or have on hand, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack.

For added veggies, you can stir in spinach, peas, or broccoli before baking.

If you prefer a lighter version, you can use low-fat cream or substitute Greek yogurt for part of the cream.

Enjoy this Creamy Cheesy Chicken and Garlic Quinoa Bake—a rich, satisfying meal that’s sure to please the whole family!