This Chicken Broccoli Quinoa Skillet is everything you want in a weeknight dinner – simple, wholesome, and loaded with flavor. The juicy chunks of chicken are cooked to golden perfection, paired with tender broccoli and nutty quinoa in a cheesy, creamy sauce that ties everything together. Best of all, this meal comes together in one pan, making it a lifesaver for busy families or anyone craving comfort without the mess. With high protein content, fresh veggies, and a warm, satisfying texture, it’s a recipe you’ll keep on repeat all year long.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 1/4 cups uncooked quinoa, rinsed
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2 1/2 cups chicken broth
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2 cups broccoli florets, chopped small
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1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 tablespoons chopped parsley for garnish
Directions:
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In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the chicken pieces until lightly browned, about 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
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Add quinoa to the pan and toast for 1 minute, then pour in chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
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Stir in broccoli, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Return chicken to the skillet.
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Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15–18 minutes or until the quinoa is fully cooked and broth is absorbed.
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Uncover, stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until melted and creamy.
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Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 370 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Nourishing One-Pan Meal: Chicken Broccoli Quinoa Skillet
When it comes to weeknight dinners, few dishes deliver the satisfying combination of flavor, nutrition, and ease of preparation quite like a skillet meal. The Chicken Broccoli Quinoa Skillet hits all the marks it’s wholesome, hearty, and comes together in a single pan. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this creamy, cheesy dish deserves a spot in your regular recipe rotation.
Let’s dive deeper into why this meal is such a smart choice for anyone seeking balance between nutrition, convenience, and taste.
Why Skillet Meals Are the Weeknight Savior
One of the greatest challenges in home cooking is juggling flavor and speed. Most of us want meals that are fast and healthy but don’t compromise on comfort and taste. That’s where skillet meals shine.
Skillet dinners like this Chicken Broccoli Quinoa dish combine several components protein, vegetables, and grains into a cohesive, balanced meal in a single pan. This not only means fewer dishes to wash, but also allows flavors to meld together beautifully. From browning the chicken to simmering the quinoa in broth and finishing with a sprinkle of melty cheese, each layer of the skillet contributes to an ultra-satisfying, deeply flavorful outcome.
The Nutritional Power of Chicken, Broccoli, and Quinoa
At the heart of this dish are three powerhouse ingredients that deliver a wealth of nutritional benefits:
Chicken: A Lean, High-Quality Protein
Chicken breast is a staple in healthy eating for good reason. It’s a lean source of protein, low in saturated fat, and rich in important nutrients like vitamin B6, phosphorus, and niacin. Protein is essential for muscle repair, hormone balance, and immune function and including a high-quality source like chicken in your meal keeps you fuller for longer.
Broccoli: A Cruciferous Superfood
Broccoli adds more than just vibrant green color to this skillet it’s one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables available. Packed with vitamins C and K, folate, and dietary fiber, broccoli supports immune function, bone health, and digestion. Its high antioxidant content also helps reduce inflammation and protect against chronic disease.
Quinoa: A Complete Protein Grain
Unlike many grains, quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids. It’s also gluten-free, high in fiber, and a good source of magnesium, iron, and zinc. The mild, nutty flavor of quinoa makes it a perfect base for this dish, absorbing the seasoned broth and cheesy goodness.
Balancing Flavor and Comfort with Cheese and Seasonings
What really sets this dish apart is its ability to feel indulgent without being heavy. The inclusion of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses brings creamy texture and a savory depth of flavor that satisfies comfort food cravings, while still allowing the meal to stay on the lighter side.
Adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes gives the dish a gentle heat, but the level of spice can easily be adjusted to suit your preferences. Garlic, onion, and fresh parsley round out the flavor profile, making this meal taste like it’s been slow-cooked for hours when in reality, it’s ready in just over 30 minutes.
Meal Prep-Friendly and Family Approved
One of the best things about this Chicken Broccoli Quinoa Skillet is how well it fits into a meal-prepping lifestyle. The components hold up beautifully when reheated, making it an ideal recipe for cooking ahead and enjoying throughout the week. The quinoa doesn’t get soggy, and the cheese stays creamy, not rubbery something not every casserole-style dish can claim.
It’s also a dish that wins over even picky eaters. The familiar flavors of chicken and cheese, combined with a soft texture and mild seasonings, make this skillet appealing to kids and adults alike. You can easily add more vegetables, adjust the cheese, or even swap the chicken for another protein like turkey or tofu to accommodate dietary needs or preferences.
Customization Options to Suit Any Lifestyle
This recipe is as flexible as it is flavorful. Here are a few ways you can tailor it to match your needs:
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Dairy-Free: Substitute the cheese with a plant-based alternative or nutritional yeast.
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Low-Carb: Replace the quinoa with riced cauliflower to reduce the carb count while maintaining texture.
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Vegetarian: Use chickpeas or white beans instead of chicken for a plant-based protein boost.
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Spice It Up: Add cayenne or your favorite hot sauce to bring up the heat level.
With minimal effort, this dish can suit a wide range of dietary preferences, making it a go-to for households with varying needs.
Ideal Occasions for Serving
The Chicken Broccoli Quinoa Skillet is perfect for more than just weekday dinners. It’s an excellent choice for:
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Lunch Meal Prep: Portion into containers and refrigerate for a protein-packed lunch that keeps you energized.
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Potluck Gatherings: A crowd-pleasing option that travels well and reheats easily.
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Post-Workout Refueling: With lean protein, complex carbs, and fiber, this dish supports muscle recovery and satiety.
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Cold Weather Comfort: The warm, cheesy texture makes it a cozy choice during fall and winter evenings.
Sustainability in the Kitchen
Another noteworthy feature of one-pan meals like this one is how they support a more sustainable kitchen. Fewer dishes mean less water usage, and using just one skillet helps reduce energy consumption. Plus, by using fresh, whole ingredients and avoiding highly processed packaged foods, you’re cutting back on unnecessary packaging waste.
Leftovers can also be frozen in single-serve portions, reducing food waste and giving you a nutritious backup meal on busy nights.
Conclusion:
The Chicken Broccoli Quinoa Skillet is more than just a simple dinner it’s a versatile, wholesome, and deeply satisfying meal that checks every box. It offers a rich balance of macronutrients, bold flavors, and comforting textures, all while being easy to prepare and incredibly forgiving when it comes to substitutions or additions.
Whether you’re a busy parent, a beginner cook, or just someone who craves nourishing, home-cooked meals without the stress, this dish belongs in your regular recipe lineup. As skillet dinners continue to grow in popularity for their convenience and flavor, this Chicken Broccoli Quinoa version proves that healthy eating can be delicious, filling, and fast.