Description of this recipe
This One-Pan Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Casserole is a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make dish that combines the spicy flavor of buffalo chicken with the nutritional benefits of quinoa and a colorful array of vegetables. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, meal prepping, or a potluck gathering. The entire casserole cooks in one dish, minimizing cleanup, and it’s packed with protein, fiber, and flavor. The creamy buffalo sauce, combined with melted cheese, creates a comforting and satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Why you will love this recipe
You’ll absolutely adore this One-Pan Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Casserole because it’s incredibly versatile, customizable, and requires minimal effort. Forget spending hours in the kitchen juggling multiple pots and pans. This recipe simplifies the cooking process without sacrificing taste. It’s a complete meal in one dish, offering a balanced combination of protein, complex carbohydrates, and essential nutrients. Plus, the buffalo chicken flavor is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a spice enthusiast or prefer a milder taste, you can easily adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to your liking. The leftovers taste fantastic, making it an ideal meal for busy individuals or families looking to streamline their meal planning.
Ingredients:
- 1.25 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or 3.5-4 cups of cooked, diced chicken
- 1 cup pre-rinsed quinoa (or rinse quinoa in a sieve)
- 8 ounces Colby Jack or cheddar shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (plus more for topping). Highly recommend Kinder’s buttery buffalo sauce!
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup water or low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 bell peppers, diced small
- 1 white onion, diced small (optional, or just top with green onions)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Diced green onions, for topping
- Bleu cheese, optional for toppings
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). This ensures the casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly. Prepare your 9×13-inch glass baking dish by lightly greasing it or spraying it with non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make serving easier.
Step 2: Partially cook the chicken. While the oven preheats, air fry or sauté the chicken for about 10–12 minutes until mostly cooked, then dice it into small pieces. This step reduces the overall baking time and ensures the chicken remains tender and juicy. Alternatively, you can use cooked or even raw chicken; just ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) by the end of baking to eliminate any risk of foodborne illness. If using raw chicken, dice it into very small pieces.
Step 3: Prep the veggies. Finely dice the onion and bell peppers. Uniformly sized vegetables ensure even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the casserole. If needed, rinse the quinoa using a fine mesh sieve until the water runs clear. This removes any residual saponins, which can impart a bitter taste. Alternatively, use pre-rinsed quinoa to save time.
Step 4: Assemble the casserole. Add the quinoa to the bottom of the prepared 9×13-inch glass baking dish, spreading it evenly. Layer on the diced vegetables (onion, bell peppers, and shredded carrots) and the diced chicken. Distribute the ingredients uniformly to ensure each bite is a balanced mix of flavors and textures.
Step 5: Make the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the buffalo sauce, Greek yogurt, garlic powder, onion powder, and broth (or water) until smooth. The Greek yogurt adds creaminess and tang while also increasing the protein content of the sauce. The garlic and onion powders enhance the overall flavor profile.
Step 6: Combine. Pour the sauce evenly over the casserole, making sure everything is coated. Use a spoon or spatula to gently distribute the sauce, ensuring it penetrates all the layers. Sprinkle with half the shredded cheese. The cheese will melt into the casserole, creating a rich and gooey texture.
Step 7: Bake covered. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 60 minutes. Covering the casserole prevents the quinoa from drying out and allows the ingredients to steam and meld together beautifully.
Step 8: Uncover and finish. Remove the foil, top with the remaining cheese, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. This final step adds a delicious, cheesy crust to the casserole.
Step 9: Rest and serve. Let the casserole stand for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to serve. Drizzle with extra buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, or sprinkle with green onions or bleu cheese, if desired. These toppings add an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the One-Pan Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Casserole as a main course for lunch or dinner. It pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and balanced meal. For a lighter option, serve it with a dollop of avocado or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. You can also serve it with tortilla chips for a fun and casual appetizer.
Tips:
- To save time, use pre-cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to suit your taste preferences.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- To prevent the quinoa from sticking to the bottom of the dish, rinse it thoroughly before cooking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
70 minutes
Total Time:
90 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Per serving, approximate)
Calories: 450-550 Protein: 40-50g Sodium: 500-700mg
Conclusion
This One-Pan Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a versatile and delicious way to enjoy a complete, balanced meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Its ease of preparation and customizable nature make it a staple for busy weeknights, meal prepping, and casual gatherings. The combination of spicy buffalo flavor, creamy cheese, and nutritious ingredients like quinoa and vegetables offers a satisfying and guilt-free dining experience. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire.
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
- Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese? A1: Absolutely! While the recipe calls for Colby Jack or cheddar cheese, you can easily substitute it with your favorite cheese. Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a blend of cheeses would work well. Consider using a cheese that melts well and complements the buffalo chicken flavor.
- Q2: Can I make this casserole vegetarian? A2: Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to make it vegetarian. Simply omit the chicken and add a substitute such as black beans, chickpeas, or crumbled tofu. You may also want to increase the amount of vegetables to add more substance to the casserole.
- Q3: How do I prevent the casserole from drying out? A3: To prevent the casserole from drying out, make sure to cover it tightly with foil during the first part of baking. This will trap the moisture and allow the quinoa to cook properly. Also, ensure that the sauce is evenly distributed throughout the casserole. If you notice it’s drying out, you can add a little extra broth or water.
- Q4: Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time? A4: Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time. Assemble all the ingredients in the baking dish, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and follow the baking instructions as directed. Keep in mind that the cooking time might need to be slightly increased if the casserole is cold.
- Q5: What are some good topping options for this casserole? A5: The possibilities for toppings are endless! Some popular options include extra buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, blue cheese crumbles, green onions, avocado slices, fresh cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream. Feel free to get creative and experiment with your favorite toppings to customize the casserole to your liking.
