One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Quinoa
If you’re on the lookout for a comforting, nutritious, and simple weeknight dinner, then look no further than this One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Quinoa. It’s a dish that brings together tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and fluffy quinoa, all drizzled with delicious melted cheese, creating a meal that is as satisfying as it is wholesome. With just one pan to clean up afterward, this recipe is perfect for busy families or anyone who wants to keep the kitchen mess to a minimum. Let’s dive into why this dish is a must-try!
Reasons to Love One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Quinoa
There are countless reasons to fall in love with this One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Quinoa. Here are just a few:
- Quick and Easy: With everything cooked in one pan, you save time on prep and cleanup.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and quinoa, as well as vitamins from broccoli, it’s a wholesome meal option.
- Cheesy Goodness: The addition of sharp cheddar cheese takes this dish to the next level, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Versatile: You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.
- One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal and relax after a busy day.
What We’re Using
For this One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Quinoa, we’ll need the following 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 to taste
- 1 (14.5 oz) can low sodium chicken broth (about 1 3/4 cups)
- 1 cup dry quinoa
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
- 2 1/2 cups chopped fresh broccoli florets
- 4 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 1 cup)
Before You Start: Equipment
Before we embark on our culinary adventure, make sure you have the following equipment at the ready:
- Large Skillet: A deep skillet or sauté pan is ideal for this dish, allowing you to mix and cook everything in one place.
- Wooden Spoon: For stirring the ingredients and ensuring everything cooks evenly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to a successful dish.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping the chicken, onion, and broccoli.
One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Quinoa, Made Easy
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Quinoa:
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped yellow onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Next, add the diced chicken breast to the skillet. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
Step 3: Add the Quinoa and Broth
Once the chicken is cooked, add 1 cup of dry quinoa to the skillet along with the can of low sodium chicken broth and 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme. Stir well to combine, ensuring the quinoa is evenly distributed.
Step 4: Bring to a Boil
Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Step 5: Add the Broccoli
After 15 minutes, remove the lid and add the chopped fresh broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir to combine, then cover again and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant green.
Step 6: Cheese It Up!
Finally, sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top of the chicken and quinoa mixture. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey.
Smart Substitutions
If you want to make this One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Quinoa a little different, consider these substitutions:
- Chicken: Swap out the chicken for diced turkey or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Quinoa: If you don’t have quinoa, you can use rice or couscous instead.
- Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a kick.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or peas.
Recipe Notes & Chef’s Commentary
When making this One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Quinoa, it’s important to keep an eye on the cooking times for the chicken and quinoa to ensure everything is perfectly cooked. If you prefer your broccoli a bit crunchier, feel free to reduce the cooking time slightly. This dish is incredibly forgiving, making it a great option for both beginner and experienced cooks.
- This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can easily double the ingredients and store leftovers for quick lunches throughout the week.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or some red pepper flakes when serving.
- Don’t skip the cheese! It adds richness and depth that elevates the dish to comfort food status.
Prep Ahead & Store
If you want to get ahead of the game, you can prep some of the ingredients in advance. Chop the chicken, onion, and broccoli the night before and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply follow the steps above.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Quick Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli! Just add it in the last few minutes of cooking, as it will cook faster than fresh broccoli.
Is quinoa gluten-free?
Yes, quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat before serving.
What can I serve with this dish?
This One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Quinoa is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with a simple green salad or some crusty bread for a heartier dinner.
In Closing
This One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Quinoa is sure to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. With its easy preparation, wholesome ingredients, and cheesy goodness, it’s a meal that everyone will love. Plus, the minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy what really matters—delicious food and cherished moments with family and friends. So grab your pan, get cooking, and indulge in this delightful dish!
One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Quinoa
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped yellow onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Next, add the diced chicken breast to the skillet. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Once the chicken is cooked, add 1 cup of dry quinoa to the skillet along with the can of low sodium chicken broth and 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme. Stir well to combine, ensuring the quinoa is evenly distributed.
- Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- After 15 minutes, remove the lid and add the chopped fresh broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir to combine, then cover again and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant green.
- Finally, sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top of the chicken and quinoa mixture. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey.
Notes
- This recipe is perfect for meal prep; easily double the ingredients for quick lunches throughout the week.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or some red pepper flakes when serving.
- Don’t skip the cheese! It adds richness and depth that elevates the dish to comfort food status.
