Chicken Parmesan Quinoa Bake
Try this Chicken Parmesan Quinoa Bake recipe.
Try this Chicken Parmesan Quinoa Bake recipe.
- 1 egg
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 cup quinoa uncooked
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 4 large chicken breasts
- 1 green pepper diced
- 1/2 cup yellow onion finely diced
- 1.5 cup mushrooms diced
- 2 cups marinara sauce (any kind of spaghetti sauce will w
- 2 tablespoons flour (i used white whole wheat but white or gluten-free will work, too!)
- Carbohydrate 3.75769042210785 g
- Cholesterol 527.946666666667 mg
- Fat 42.2994821882708 g
- Fiber 0.68537653514631 g
- Protein 188.950028901452 g
- Saturated Fat 13.2239540050705 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (883g)
- Sodium 792.198127665165 mg
- Sugar 3.07231388696154 g
- Trans Fat 4.78666108974644 g
- Calories 1202 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 375°F and spray a casserole dish with coconut oil cooking spray.
- Prep veggies by dicing a whole green pepper and 1.5 cups of mushrooms.
- Finely dice ½ a yellow onion (~1/2 cup).
- Place 1 cup of uncooked quinoa on the bottom of your casserole dish and then layer on veggies.
- Add 2 cups of marinara sauce, 1 cup of chicken broth, and a tablespoon of minced garlic to the casserole dish and mix everything together. Set aside.
- In a medium-size bowl, mix together flour, shredded parmesan, and garlic powder.
- Then, crack an egg into a small bowl and whisk.
- Prep chicken breast by dipping into the egg and then into the parmesan mixture making sure everything is generously coated.
- Place chicken breast on top of quinoa mixture.
- Finally, sprinkle on the leftover parmesan mixture and even more cheese if you desire.
- Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Bake at 375°, uncovered for 20 minutes.
- Then, cover with tin foil and bake for an additional 40 minutes or until the quinoa is fully cooked.
Chicken Parmesan Quinoa Bake: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a constant uphill battle. Between school drop-offs, demanding meetings, and the never-ending cycle of laundry and household chores, the last thing I want to do when I get home is spend hours slaving away in the kitchen. That's why I've become obsessed with finding recipes that are quick, easy, and most importantly, satisfying. This Chicken Parmesan Quinoa Bake is my latest obsession, and I'm thrilled to share it with you.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. It's a one-pan wonder, which means less cleanup (a huge win in my book!). The combination of tender chicken breasts, savory marinara sauce, and fluffy quinoa is a delicious symphony of flavors. Plus, it's packed with protein and fiber, making it a healthy and fulfilling meal that will keep you energized throughout the day. I love how versatile this recipe is; feel free to experiment with different vegetables to create your own unique flavor profile. Adding zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach would be delightful additions!
One of the biggest challenges I face in meal prepping is creating dishes that are appealing to my family, including my picky eater teenage son. This Chicken Parmesan Quinoa Bake has become a surprising family favorite; even my son devours this without a complaint. The cheesy topping is particularly tempting for him, a fact I happily leverage in my culinary strategies! The preparation is straightforward, perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something quick, healthy, and that everyone will enjoy. You can easily prepare the ingredients in advance, even assembly it the night before, and simply pop it into the oven when you're ready for dinner. It’s a total time-saver that doesn't compromise on flavor.
Beyond its practicality, this Chicken Parmesan Quinoa Bake is incredibly adaptable. If you’re watching your carb intake, you can easily adjust the amount of quinoa. Feel free to substitute the chicken with turkey or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. You can also get creative with the cheese; a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan would be a fantastic addition. What makes this dish so incredibly convenient is the ability to customize it to your dietary preferences and dietary needs.
The best part? The leftovers are just as delicious the next day! I often make a double batch on Sundays to ensure that we have quick and easy meals prepared for the rest of the week. This saves me precious time and energy during the already hectic weeknights. And trust me, the ease of preparation coupled with the scrumptious taste makes this Chicken Parmesan Quinoa Bake a culinary winner in my household.
This recipe is a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. With minimal effort and readily available ingredients, you can create a hearty and satisfying meal that nourishes your body and pleases your palate. So, give this Chicken Parmesan Quinoa Bake a try, and I guarantee it will quickly become a staple in your family's meal rotation. It's the perfect solution for busy weeknights, and a delicious way to satisfy everyone's cravings for a hearty, comforting, and healthy meal.
Tips and Tricks for Success:
- Prep Ahead: Chop your vegetables and prepare the chicken mixture earlier in the day to save time on busy weeknights.
- Customize it: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as zucchini, broccoli, or spinach, to the bake.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Cheese is Key: Don't skimp on the cheese! It adds both flavor and a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Leftovers are Great: This dish tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Let me know in the comments below how yours turned out!
