A quick and easy casserole is a convenient dinner fir any night of the week. Quinoa, black beans, broccoli, and chicken are combined in a cheesy sauce and baked together to form one glorious meal. This meal can be easily converted into a vegetarian one by simply omitting the chicken all together. While you certainly do not need to replace it with a non-animal protein, you have that option. This tasty casserole will be ready to serve and eat in under 30 minutes.
Cheesy Black Bean, Broccoli and Quinoa Casserole
Ingredients:
1 cup quinoa
1 package frozen chopped broccoli, thawed and drained
1 15 oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoon olive oil, divided
3 boneless, skinless thin-sliced chicken breasts
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk (any fat content will work), slightly warmed in the microwave
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/3 cup Panko breadcrumbs
nonstick cooking spray
Directions:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Cook the quinoa according to package directions. This usually begins by heating 2 cups water over high heat. Within the last 5 minutes of cooking time, add the chopped broccoli on top and steam until cooked through.
Step 3: Season chicken breasts generously with salt, peppers and garlic powder. Heat 1 tablespoon olive in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until cooked through, flipping only once. Remove from pan and set aside to cool. Once cooled, chop into bite sized pieces.
Step 4: Heat a skillet over medium high heat and add the butter. Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute, to cook out the raw flour flavor. Whisking continuously, gradually add the milk, and cook until slightly thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the cooked quinoa, black beans, broccoli, chicken, 1 cup cheddar cheese and Greek yogurt. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Step 5: Spread broccoli mixture into the prepared casseole dish; sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and panko breadcrumbs. Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the top. Place the casserole into oven and bake until cheese has melted and the breadcrumbs have turned slightly golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes. Serve immediately.
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