Our Chicken Quinoa Casserole is the cozy kitchen hug you've been seeking! This dish is your ticket to a no-fuss, nutritious, and utterly delicious dinner that the entire family will rally around. With its symphony of flavors and the ease of a one-dish bake, it’s like wrapping your taste buds in a warm blanket of yummy goodness.
Our Chicken Quinoa Casserole is a symphony of flavors and textures, all playing harmoniously in one casserole dish. Imagine tender chunks of chicken, fluffy quinoa, and veggies, all swimming in a creamy sauce and topped with a golden, crunchy crust.
No complicated layering or hours in the kitchen required; this casserole is simplicity at its finest. It's a family-friendly meal that's sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
So grab your apron, fire up that oven, and let's get cooking!
Ingredients
- Olive Oil Spray: If you're out of spray, a little drizzle of your favorite cooking oil will do the trick!
- Onions: These add a depth of flavor that really makes this casserole sing. Red, yellow, or white - pick your favorite or mix it up!
- Celery Ribs: These bring a delightful crunch and a hint of fresh, earthy flavor. No celery on hand? Try some bell pepper or carrots for a different twist.
- Cooked Quinoa: Our star grain! Quinoa is not only delicious but also packed with protein and fiber. You could substitute with brown rice or even couscous if you prefer.
- Chopped Cooked Chicken or Beyond Meat Chicken Strips: Use your preferred chicken cut or go plant-based with Beyond Meat Chicken Strips. Both options work wonderfully in this recipe.
- Cream of Celery Soup: This lends a creamy, comforting base to our casserole. You can use a homemade version or your favorite store-bought brand. Cream of mushroom or cream of chicken can also be used as a substitute.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Either of these add a tangy creaminess that balances out the hearty flavors. Feel free to use a dairy-free alternative if needed.
- Milk: This helps to create a luscious, creamy sauce. Any type of milk - dairy or non-dairy - will work.
- Sea Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors in the dish. Feel free to adjust to your taste!
- Fresh Ground Black Pepper: This adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor. If you like a bit more kick, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes!
- Breadcrumbs: These give our casserole a delightful crunch on top. Panko, gluten-free, or even crushed up croutons can be used in place of traditional breadcrumbs.
Tips and Tricks
- Get Creative with Veggies: While this recipe calls for onions and celery, don't be afraid to get creative! Add in any veggies you have on hand or ones that your family loves. Carrots, bell peppers, or peas would all make great additions.
- Make it Ahead: This Chicken Quinoa Casserole is perfect for meal prepping. You can prepare it the night before, store it in the fridge, then just pop it in the oven when you're ready. Perfect for those busy weeknight dinners!
- Swap the Protein: Not a fan of chicken? No problem! This dish is equally delicious with turkey, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Try Different Grains: Quinoa is a great choice for this casserole because of its nutritional value and texture. However, you could also try brown rice or farro for a different twist.
- Add a Crunchy Topping: The breadcrumbs add a fantastic crunch to the top of this casserole. For a variation, try crushed tortilla chips or even French fried onions. These will add an unexpected flavor and texture that your family will love!
- Serving Suggestions: This Chicken Quinoa Casserole is a meal in itself, but if you want to round it out, consider serving it with a side salad or some roasted veggies. For a comfort food twist, serve it with some warm, crusty bread like my air fryer garlic bread to soak up all the creamy goodness.
More Quinoa Casseroles to Try
- Add a little party to your mealtime with our colorful and zesty Fiesta Quinoa Casserole, a real family favorite!
- For those with a sweet tooth, our Sweet Potato Quinoa Casserole is a delicious blend of savory flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Welcome the fall season with open arms with our heartwarming Butternut Squash Quinoa Casserole - it's like a cozy hug in a dish!
- Who said greens can't be fun? Our Broccoli Quinoa Casserole is an amazing way to get the kids to love their veggies, and it's packed full of nutrients too.
Chicken and Quinoa Casserole
Ingredients
- Olive oil spray
- 2 onions chopped
- 4 celery ribs chopped
- 4 cups cooked quinoa
- 5 cups chopped cooked chicken or Beyond Meat Chicken Strips
- 3 cups cream of celery soup I used this recipe
- 16 ounces Sour Cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- ½ cup gluten free breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 3 quart casserole dish with olive oil.
- Spray a skillet with olive oil and heat to medium. Add onion and celery and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, until tender. Transfer to a large bowl and add quinoa and chicken. Toss well to combine.
- In a medium bowl whisk together cream of celery soup, yogurt, milk, sea salt and pepper. Add to quinoa and chicken mixture and toss well to combine. Transfer to prepared baking dish and top with breadcrumbs. Bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly.
Rebecca L
Do you know where the cream of celery recipe is? It looks like there used to be a link, but it's gone now. TY
Wendy Polisi
Sorry about that! I just added it back.
Karen Yannacio Morse
Yum and yum and I'll be over for dinner soon! haha... Wondering if you could substitute the quinoa for cous-cous? I'm more of a fan of that... but it might not work. Would love your thoughts!
Karen | GlamKaren.com
Wendy Polisi
Thanks so much Karen! Yes, you could sub in couscous or even rice!
*Wendy Polisi*
*https://wendypolisi.com *
Terri Steffes
I would have to say that going to historical places and talking about what it was like back then has now turned into a must for every family vacation. We also love reading the same books!
Wendy Polisi
I absolutely love that idea Terri! Thanks so much for sharing.
*Wendy Polisi*
*https://wendypolisi.com *
Rebecca Bryant
what a delicious way to use Quinoa. I have be eating quinoa for a week now and am loving it.
Wendy Polisi
Thanks Rebecca! I think there over 600 quinoa recipes on the website, so I'm here for you if you need some inspiration. 🙂
Karon Warren
I'm all about one-dish dinners, and this looks yummy. Now if I can just get my kids to eat it AND like it.
Wendy Polisi
The struggle is real with my kids too!
PennyPincherJenny
This looks soooo good!! I am always looking for new casserole's even better that it includes quinoa. Pinning this for later!
Wendy Polisi
Thanks so much Jenny!
Swanky Recipes
I've been seeing these photos everywhere today and just had to stop by to comment on this delicious chicken and quinoa casserole. The family loves loves loves quinoa and I can't wait to make this recipe!
Wendy Polisi
Thanks so much! Hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
Wendy Polisi
Thanks Robin!
jillconyers
This looks delicious. How well do you think it would work with chickpeas to make it vegetarian/ Yummy I bet.
Wendy Polisi
I would bet that would be good. Tempeh would also be good if you tolerate soy.
Ana De Jesus
The cream of celery soup looks delicious and quinoa is a great ingredient to add to a casserole too. Need to pin this x
Wendy Polisi
I always keep that soup on hand in the freezer! It is so useful.
Ana Marino
I love quinoa! I switch my pic for quinoa about a year and half ago. It certainly is a change, but I love it now. My mom always makes chicken and quinoa, and she adds tons of vegetable to it! like carrots and broccoli
Wendy Polisi
We love it too Ana!
Yvonne Lo
This looks like such a fun, healthy and more importantly delicious alternative to the rice version! Thank you for sharing!
Wendy Polisi
Thanks so much Yvonne!
Shirley Eliza Martinez
Chicken Quinoa! Yummy. I'd love to try this recipe and it's so healthy. Hopefully my kid would eat it too.
Wendy Polisi
We never know with kids, do we? Let me know if you try it Shirley.
Arin Agase | Heart of Chic
This looks so incredibly delicious! I just love an easy, healthy recipe that will double as leftovers for the work week! Yum!
Wendy Polisi
Thanks so much! I absolutely love having leftovers too.