Hatching Healthy Habits: Chicken Quinoa Parmesan Casserole!

Make Family Dinner a Priority!

According to the Familydinnerproject.org, studies have shown that families who participate in family dinner have on average better academic performance, higher self-esteem, lower risk of substance abuse, lower risk of depression, and lower rates of obesity. Click here to read article! Try making this easy casserole for your family and all gather around the table to enjoy it!

A lot of people love italian food, however it is often loaded with carbohydrates and lots of calories. This casserole uses quinoa instead of pasta to make a healthier, lower calorie dish. Your family can enjoy a second helping without doubling their calorie intake for the day! Make a healthy choice for your entire family!

Chicken Quinoa Parmesan Casserole!

Ingredients:
1 cup uncooked quinoa (I used multi colored, but you can use any color!)
1 lb Boneless Chicken Breast
1 cup Mozzarella Cheese
1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese
1 Medium Sweet Onion
1 T Olive Oil
2 T Balsamic Vinegar
15 oz canned Diced Tomatoes
15 oz canned Tomato Sauce
1/2 T Basil
1/2 T Oregano
3 or more garlic gloves
Any other herbs or spice you desire

Note: When buying canned products look for the "No Salt Added" label for a healthier choice!

Instructions:
Step #1: Set oven to 375 degrees and grease a 9 by 13 glass baking dish and set aside.
Step #2: Cook boneless chicken breast (grill, boil or bake).
Step #3: Follow directions on quinoa package to cook quinoa. Suggestion: Try using a rice cooker to cook quinoa for a hassle free time!

Step #4: Mince garlic and chop sweet onion.

Step #5: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook olive oil and sweet onion until onion has become see-through.

Step #6: Next, add garlic and balsamic vinegar to skillet. Cook mixture until the balsamic vinegar has been absorbed by the onion (see photo below).

Step #7: Now, add in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil and oregano (You can try adding any other herbs and spices you might like as well!)

Step #8: Combine chicken, quinoa and sauce in large bowl and mix together thoroughly.

Step #9: Put half of the mixture in the greased 9 by 13 pan and top with half the Mozzarella cheese.

Step #10: Then, put the rest of the mixture on top of the cheese, creating a second layer. Put the rest of the Mozzarella cheese, as well as the Parmesan cheese on top of the casserole. (You can put any type of cheese you prefer into the casserole)

Step #11: Cover glass pan with tin foil and place in oven for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove tin foil and bake for another 10 minutes to allow cheese on top to melt.