This Baked Caprese Chicken & Quinoa Casserole is a hearty, protein-packed meal filled with juicy rotisserie chicken, nutty quinoa, a rich tomato sauce, and melty mozzarella cheese. Topped with fresh basil and grape tomatoes, this dish brings all the flavors of a classic Caprese salad into a warm and comforting casserole. Perfect for a healthy family dinner or meal prep!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

3 cups diced rotisserie chicken (or any cooked chicken)
1 cup uncooked quinoa
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups crushed tomatoes
2 Tbsp tomato paste
1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup half and half
1/4 to 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
Handful of fresh basil, chopped

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Quinoa:
- Rinse and soak quinoa for 10 minutes in warm water.
- In a small saucepan, bring 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil.
- Drain the quinoa and add it to the boiling broth.
- Cover, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook for 12-15 minutes.
- Remove from heat, let sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Set aside.
Make the Tomato Sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and balsamic vinegar. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in half and half, crushed red pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook until heated through, then remove from heat.
Assemble the Casserole:
- In a large bowl, mix together cooked chicken, quinoa, Parmesan cheese, and 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Pour the tomato sauce over the mixture and stir until well combined.
Bake the Casserole:
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 baking dish.
- Top with the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese and grape tomatoes.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through.
Garnish & Serve:
- Top with fresh basil and serve warm. Enjoy!

Nutrients (Per Serving – Approx. 1 1/4 Cups)

Calories: 336 kcal
Carbohydrates: 29.2 g
Protein: 31.3 g
Fat: 10.5 g
Saturated Fat: 4.3 g
Sodium: 759.9 mg
Fiber: 4.8 g
Sugar: 2.5 g

Why You’ll Love This Baked Caprese Chicken & Quinoa Casserole

This casserole is more than just a delicious meal—it’s a nutritious and convenient way to enjoy the comforting flavors of baked Italian dishes. Here’s why you’ll love it:

High in Protein: With chicken, quinoa, and cheese, this dish provides over 30g of protein per serving, making it a great meal for muscle recovery and energy.
Gluten-Free Alternative: Quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making this casserole a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make a batch in advance and enjoy throughout the week—this casserole reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.
Balanced Flavors: The sweet acidity of balsamic vinegar, the savory richness of chicken and cheese, and the freshness of basil and tomatoes create an incredibly well-rounded dish.

The Magic of Quinoa in Casseroles

Unlike traditional pasta-based casseroles, this dish uses quinoa as its grain base, making it a nutrient-dense alternative to rice or pasta. Here’s why quinoa works so well:

High in Protein & Fiber: Quinoa contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein, and its fiber content helps with digestion and keeps you full longer.
Light and Fluffy Texture: When properly cooked, quinoa stays light and slightly chewy, blending beautifully with the other ingredients.
Absorbs Flavors Well: Since quinoa has a mild, nutty flavor, it absorbs the savory tomato sauce and seasonings, making every bite extra delicious.

A Rich and Savory Tomato Sauce

A well-balanced tomato sauce is key to making this casserole flavorful and comforting. Instead of a store-bought sauce, this recipe uses crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and balsamic vinegar for depth and richness. The addition of half and half gives the sauce a slightly creamy texture, making it extra smooth and satisfying.

For those who enjoy a little heat, crushed red pepper flakes can be added to give the sauce a mild kick. The result is a robust, tangy, and slightly creamy tomato sauce that ties the whole dish together.

Rotisserie Chicken – A Time-Saving Secret

One of the best parts about this recipe is how rotisserie chicken helps cut down on prep time while still delivering a juicy, well-seasoned protein source. Instead of cooking chicken from scratch, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken makes this dish incredibly quick and easy to prepare.

Of course, if you prefer, you can also use:

Leftover grilled or roasted chicken
Shredded slow-cooked or pressure-cooked chicken
Diced baked chicken breast

No matter which option you choose, the chicken absorbs the rich tomato sauce, making every bite flavorful and tender.

The Perfect Cheese Blend for a Gooey, Melty Finish

No casserole is complete without cheese, and this dish features a perfect combination of Parmesan and mozzarella.

Mozzarella Cheese – Adds that classic gooey, stretchy texture when baked, making the dish extra comforting.
Parmesan Cheese – Provides a nutty, salty depth of flavor, balancing out the tangy tomato sauce.

For extra cheesiness, you can experiment with fresh mozzarella slices, provolone, or even a sprinkle of feta for a unique twist.

Fresh Toppings for a Burst of Flavor

What sets this dish apart from other casseroles is the use of fresh toppings that brighten up the flavors.

Grape Tomatoes: Roasting these in the oven softens them slightly, bringing out their natural sweetness and juiciness.
Fresh Basil: Adds an herby, aromatic finish that makes this casserole taste fresh and vibrant.

Adding these elements after baking keeps their flavors bright and refreshing, preventing the dish from feeling too heavy.

How to Serve Baked Caprese Chicken & Quinoa Casserole

This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can also pair it with other dishes to make your dinner even more satisfying. Here are a few serving ideas:

With a Side Salad: A simple arugula or mixed greens salad with balsamic vinaigrette complements the dish beautifully.
Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: Serve with toasted garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks for a comforting side.
Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini add extra nutrients and freshness to the meal.
With a Glass of Wine: Pair with a light red wine like Pinot Noir or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

This casserole is great for leftovers and meal prep, making it perfect for busy weeks.

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: This dish freezes well! Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F until heated through.
Reheating: Warm up individual portions in the microwave or oven. Add a splash of chicken broth or tomato sauce if needed to keep it moist.

Nutritional Benefits of This Dish

Not only is this casserole delicious and satisfying, but it’s also packed with nutritional benefits:

High in Protein: With chicken, quinoa, and cheese, this dish provides plenty of protein for muscle recovery and satiety.
Rich in Fiber: Quinoa and tomatoes contribute fiber for digestion and gut health.
Healthy Fats: The olive oil, cheese, and half and half provide beneficial fats that support overall health.
Loaded with Antioxidants: Tomatoes, basil, and garlic contain antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and promote well-being.

Final Thoughts

Baked Caprese Chicken & Quinoa Casserole is a hearty, nutritious, and flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for any occasion. It takes the classic flavors of a Caprese salad and transforms them into a warm, cheesy, and comforting casserole that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying.

Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or serving guests, this dish is sure to be a hit. With high protein, balanced flavors, and wholesome ingredients, it’s a meal you can feel good about eating.

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