For a cheesy, healthy casserole that is easy to make, this Chicken Parmesan Quinoa Bake is sure to become a family favorite! {gluten free, kid friendly}
After making Caprese Chicken Quinoa Bake last summer, I have been looking forward to making more quinoa casserole recipes. While I am excited to share many of them with you soon, this Chicken Parmesan Quinoa Bake recipe is one of my kids’ favorite meals. They get so excited, you would think I’m serving cookies for dinner! But alas, it’s just a deliciously cheesy, tomato-ey chicken quinoa casserole that is so simple, delicious and healthy too!
Fortunately, Chicken Parmesan Quinoa Bake is one of the easiest meals to make! First, cook the quinoa. I often make the quinoa ahead of time, in the morning or during afternoon nap time. Next poach the chicken (rotisserie chicken could be used as a time-saver as well). Then simply combine quinoa, chicken, sauce and cheese and pour into a baking dish and bake. That’s it!
We love casseroles, like this Chicken Parmesan Quinoa Bake, because it makes a complete meal with very little effort. I often serve ‘bake’ (which is what the kids call it) with a side of steamed broccoli.
- ⅔ cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1⅓ cups vegetable broth (or water)
- 8 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1½ cups pasta sauce (I use tomato basil)
- 4 ounces (1 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for topping (optional)
- Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Spray a 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- MAKE QUINOA: Put quinoa and broth in sauce pan and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cover for 15 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed. Once cooked, remove from heat and let sit covered until ready to assemble.
- POACH CHICKEN: Meanwhile, put chicken in another sauce pan and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover and cook for 10 minutes, or until chicken is thoroughly cooked. Carefully remove cooked chicken to a separate bowl and using two forks, shred chicken.
- ASSEMBLE and BAKE: In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, shredded chicken, pasta sauce and mozzarella cheese. Pour into prepared baking dish, using a silicone spatula to spread the mixture into the pan. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Serve topped with Parmesan cheese, if desired.
The theme for Sunday Supper this week is Captivating Casseroles! The group is sharing wonderful casserole recipes from breakfast to desserts and everything in between. So many delicious recipes to check out this week…enjoy!
Captivating Breakfast Casseroles
- Boozy Baked French Toast from Brunch with Joy
- Orange & Date Wife Saver Breakfast Casserole from A Mama, Baby & Shar-pei in the Kitchen
- Spinach, Sausage and Polenta Breakfast Casserole from The Redhead Baker
Appetizing Casserole Sides
- Baked Cauli-Tots Casserole from Cupcake and Kale Chips
- Savory Sweet Potato and Sausage Bread Pudding from Nik Snacks
- Shredded Brussels Sprouts Casserole from Take A Bite Out of Boca
Main Event Casseroles
- Artichoke and Spinach Macaroni and Cheese Casserole from Ruffles & Truffles
- Baked Penne with Roasted Cauliflower and Italian Sausage from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Bison Meatloaf Casserole from Jane’s Adventures in Dinner
- Cheesy Chicken Corkscrew Casserole from Recipes Food and Cooking
- Cheesy, Creamy, Cauliflower and Sausage Casserole from Eating In Instead
- Chicken Enchiladas from Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch
- Chicken Parmesan Quinoa Bake from Alida’s Kitchen
- Chicken Ramen Mini Casseroles from The Ninja Baker
- Chicken with Whole Grains Casserole from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Chinese Noodle Casserole from Momma’s Meals
- Crab Casserole for Two from Magnolia Days
- Homemade Poppy Seed Chicken from Food Done Light
- Fully Loaded Tater Tot Casserole from Culinary Adventures with Camilla
- King Ranch Casserole from The Texan New Yorker
- King Ranch Mac and Cheese from The Weekend Gourmet
- Baked Ziti with Meatballs from Curious Cuisiniere
- Mexican Lasagna from MealDiva
- Mom’s Taco Casserole from Lifestyle Food Artistry
- Moroccan Polenta Casserole from Pancake Warriors
- Moussaka from Nosh My Way
- Neeps & Tatties Casserole from Happy Baking Days
- Quick No Boil Tuna Pasta Bake from Mess Makes Food
- Sausage Peppers and Onion Pasta Casserole from Family Foodie
- Southwestern Spaghetti Pie from The Messy Baker
- Cheesy, Layered Italian Pasta Torta from La Bella Vita Cucina
- Stove-top Four Cheese Mac and Cheese from The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen
- Supreme Pizza Strata from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
- Sweet Corn and Green Chile Chicken Tamale Pie from Simply Healthy Family
- Taco Casserole from Peanut Butter and Peppers
Decadent Dessert and Sweet Casseroles
- Baked Lemon Dessert from Food Lust People Love
- The Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls from Pies and Plots
- Butterscotch Bread Pudding from The Foodie Army Wife
- Classic Apple Crisp from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Ultimate Deep Dish Brownies from Recipe for Perfection
- Vegan Oreo Rice Krispie Treats from Killer Bunnies, Inc
Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. To get more great Sunday Supper Recipes, visit our website or check out our Pinterest board.
Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.
Adding this to my quinoa to-make recipes that will hopefully get my husband to eat and enjoy quinoa.
Another fantastic way to eat quinoa! LOVE this casserole, Alida!
I haven’t actually seen anyone use quinoa in a casserole before this recipe, how neat! I’m going to have to try it out! 😉
FYI. The link for Supreme Pizza Strata from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures had no target.
Thank you for the heads up – that has been fixed!
Your children’s enthusiasm for this dish has sold me, Alida! I must try this wonderful cheesy quinoa bake!
I have a hard time getting my kids excited about quinoa, but this may be just the recipe to do it!
Looks amazing! We love quinoa over here so I can’t wait to try your recipe!
I love using quinoa in place of rice in casseroles. It really is a healthy and hearty substitute. This recipe is proof positive of that! YUM!
I absolutely adore anything chicken parmesan, and trying quinoa is on my 2015 list, so I think I need to make this one! Thanks for posting!
I love that you used a grain in this Parmesan dish! Beautiful dish! I’m inspired to try this one out! Love Quinoa!
I can see how this scrumptious quinoa concoction would be a winner with little and big kids, Alida. Thank you for sharing the recipe!
I love finding healthy casserole ideas. This is perfect to bring to a potluck too.
Quinoa is quickly becoming my favorite grain. This casserole looks awesome!
We haven’t jumped into quinoa-eating yet, but, this sounds like a perfect place to start!
Looks delicious Alida..can’t wait to try it 🙂
Love the quinoa in here, Alida!
Yum! I’ve been on a farro kick lately but now I’m craving quinoa again!
I am a complete quinoa addict going so far as to buy every single bag when the shipments arrived in Kenya (in Kenya you never know when the next shipment will arrive so you tend to hoard things). Quinoa in lasagna is a first for me but it definitely looks tasty.
I’d give anything for my kids to eat something like this! I guess I will just have to try! I love how easy it seems!
I love that you used quinoa in this! I am always looking for new quinoa recipes! Yum!
Ah, quinoa. Wonder if this would get my husband to like it? 🙂