Chicken Broccoli Quinoa casserole

One pot or one pan meals can really be a lifesaver for mamas who want to feed their families nourishing foods.

As I write this, it's the third week of school for the fall semester and I'm feeling the need for simple yet satisfying meals in the evenings.

This meal is all of that. It can be made in one pot or pan, it is simple and oh so satisfying! I also love that it can be easily doubled to make an extra meal for the freezer. Cook once, eat twice? Yes please!

Note: This recipe can be eaten from the pot right after you mix it all together. Or you can put it in a pan, sprinkle with cheese and bake.

Chicken Broccoli Quinoa Casserole Recipe

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chicken broth (homemade or a quality premade like this)

• 1 cup whole milk

• 1/2 cup organic flour

• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped small

• 2 - 2 1/2 cup cooked quinoa (1 - 1 1/2 c. uncooked, cooked according to package directions)

• 1/4 cup cooked, crumbled bacon (optional)

• 1 pound cooked, chopped, pastured chicken

• 2 teaspoon sea salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/4 cup shredded cheese (optional, any real cheese will work)

  
  

Instructions:

1. Sauce: If baking: preheat the oven to 400 degrees and generously grease a 9×13 baking dish with something like tallow, butter or avocado oil (seriously, be generous because it can stick to the sides). Bring the chicken broth and 1/2 cup milk to a low boil in a large saucepan.

2. In separate bowl, whisk the other 1/2 cup milk and flour; add the mixture to the boiling liquid and whisk until a smooth creamy sauce forms.

3. Season sauce with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Carefully taste test and adjust seasonings.

4. Add chopped broccoli to the sauce and cook in the sauce for a few minutes until just tender.

5. Assembly: In the large saucepan, add quinoa, chicken and bacon to the sauce mixture and stir to combine. Serve now as is. Or pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

6. Bake: Sprinkle with cheese or bake uncovered for 15 minutes.

7. When casserole is warmed through and cheese is melted, remove the casserole from the oven and serve!

If you try it and like it, I would recommend doubling the recipe the next time you make it. To bake a frozen casserole, let defrost in the fridge 24 hours then bake covered for 30 minutes. Once warmed through, remove cover, sprinkle with cheese and cook 5 more minutes.

I hope this helps simplify your evening dinners! (Or lunches, lol!)

Wishing you abundant health, Melisha