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For the quinoa and broccoli:
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1.
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Bring the quinoa and water to a boil in a saucepan.
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When the water comes to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer and cover.
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Cook until the water is absorbed, about 12 minutes.
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2.
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While quinoa is cooking, steam the broccoli florets.
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My steaming method: Fill a large saucepan with about an inch of water.
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Place a steamer basket in the pan and fill it with the broccoli.
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Cover, and bring to a boil.
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Once water is boiling (which will happen in just a couple of minutes), reduce heat to a simmer.
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When broccoli is soft, after about 5 minutes, depending on how large the florets are, remove from heat and drain it.
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3.
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Roughly chop the cooked broccoli and combine with the cooked quinoa in a large bowl.
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For the chicken:
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1.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
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When the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces into the pan.
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2.
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Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until cooked through.
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Remove from heat and set aside.
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For the cheese sauce:
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1.
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In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
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Add the shallots to the melted butter and cook for a few minutes, until shallots have softened.
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2.
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Stir the flour into the butter/shallot mix.
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3.
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Very slowly, add the milk and chicken stock into the pan while stirring.
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Start with just a tablespoon of liquid at a time, making sure it is entirely absorbed before you add more.
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As the mixture looks more liquid-y than solid you can add more and more liquid.
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4.
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Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
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It probably will take between 5 and 10 minutes.
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When the mixture is thickened, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the cheese, garlic powder, and basil
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To assemble the casserole:
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1.
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
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2.
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Place chicken in the bottom of a large casserole dish.
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I used a large oval baker but a 9x11 should work fine as well.
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Or use several smaller dishesthey are great for freezing.
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Top with quinoa and broccoli, and finally with the cheese sauce.
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3.
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Put it into the preheated oven.
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Cook for about 10 minutes to let everything heat through.
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If you have frozen or refrigerated it first, you will need to bake it longer.
