Mexican Chicken Quinoa Casserole
Chicken, quinoa, and black beans combined with classic Mexican spices create a hearty, yet light, casserole you’ll enjoy any time of the year!
The weather is getting chillier here in Cincinnati. After a mild summer, and for the first time in years, I think I’m ready for fall. Maybe it’s the baby growing inside of me, but I’m really looking forward to comfort foods, comfy clothes, and cooler weather.
I actually made this dish for the first time last spring. The lovely people at Kohl’s sent me this Bobby Flay Stoneware pan to try out and I started thinking about what I wanted to make… I had a ripened avocado on the counter, so that was my inspiration.
I started throwing stuff together and came up with a mixture that I was happy with. After scooping it to the pan and baking it, I topped it with some of that fresh ripe avocado. One thing I really enjoy about this recipe is that it reheats nicely. So I can whip it up one night for dinner and we can enjoy leftovers for a couple days for lunch.
You could change up the mix-ins or the spices to fit your preferences or what you have on hand. I’ve also made this where I leave the tomatoes out while it bakes and top the casserole with freshly chopped tomatoes instead. That was a great way to use some fresh, ripe tomatoes!
Even though this was the first dish I made in my Bobby Flay pan, it isn’t the only thing I’ve made in it. We’ve made plenty of food using the pan for the past few months and have no complaints about it. I (of course) love the red color!
One Year Ago: Brownie Sundae Ice Cream
Two Years Ago: Peach Cobbler
Three Years Ago: Chocolate Biscoff Cupcakes
Four Years Ago: Baja Fish Tacos
Five Years Ago: Lemon Blueberry Ice Cream Bars
Six Years Ago: Blueberry Buckle
Seven Years Ago: BBQ Dip
Mexican Chicken Quinoa Casserole
Chicken, quinoa, and black beans combined with classic Mexican spices create a hearty, yet light, casserole you'll enjoy any time of the year!
Ingredients:
1 pkg boneless skinless chicken breasts (~2 lbs uncooked), or ~3.5 cups pre-cooked chicken, diced or shredded
1 cup uncooked quinoa
2 cups water
10 oz cherry tomatoes (~2 cups), chopped
6 oz fresh baby spinach, chopped
1 15-oz can low-sodium black beans, rinsed and drained
6 oz plain Greek yogurt
1 14.5 oz can low-sodium chicken broth
1 Tbsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp ground chipotle
1/2 Tbsp pepper
2 tsp salt
8 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
Chopped cilantro, avocado, etc for topping
Directions:
If not using leftover cooked chicken, heat oven to 375 degF. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment. Place chicken on baking sheet and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through. Turn once after ~10 minutes. Allow to cool.
Boil the 2 cups of water in a small saucepan. Once boiling, stir in quinoa and return to boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes or until quinoa absorbs water. Set aside.
Preheat oven to 350 degF. Spray 9x13 pyrex pan or two 8x8 pans with non-stick spray.
Once chicken in cool enough to handle, chop in to bite sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, tomatoes, spinach, and beans.
In a small mixing bowl, combine yogurt, chicken broth and seasonings. Stir in cheddar cheese. Pour over contents of large bowl and stir to combine (I like to use my hands to ensure complete coverage).
Pour mixture into prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbling around the edges. Remove from oven and allow to cool 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with your favorite toppings.
Recipe from Beantown Baker
I am Jen the Beantown Baker. Engineer by day and baking maven by night. Hubby serves as my #1 fan and official taste tester. We got hitched back in 2006. Barefoot. In the sand. With the waves crashing behind us. It was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. 
I LOVE beans. I so want to try that spice too! I wonder if Penzeys has it? Otherwise I wouldn’t know where to go. I’ll have to figure that one out. This looks like a recipe that I would LOVE!
Sounds delicious. My husband is obsessed with black beans so I’m sure he’d love this simple meal. Perfect for a busy weekend day (at home)! 🙂
Sorry to sound dumb but what is Sofrito – how do you prepare it?
Recipe sounds wonderful. Some of the best Cuban food I have eaten was in Ibor City in Tampa. Yummy
Debbie, if you have a Super Walmart in your area, they are carrying a whole line of hispanic foods and spices. I know I am going to check there..
Thanks
Phyllis
SweetSouthernGal
Phyllis – The instructions that follow Prepare the sofrito are how you do it. I have updated the recipe to be more clear.
Debbi – I get mine at Stop and Shop. I’m not sure if Penzeys would have it. If you can’t find it, I can send you a small packet.
Oh yum, I wish my husband would eat beans. I think I’ll make these next time he goes out of town.
These look delicious. Being Latina myself, rice and beans were an everyday thing when I ws growing up too. Black beans were my favorite.
Ahhh, it looks fantastic Jen! This picture makes it look so fabulous!
Sofrito – is just a term for the bell peppers/onions and garlic – it’s the cuban trinity of cooking!
Penzeys – doesn’t carry this spice. But I’m pretty sure Badia (the maker) can be found on Amazon.com, too!
YUM and YUM…my MIL would be so proud of you!
These look great! I love Cuban food 🙂
I have to see if I can find such beans somewhere her in Greece.