CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI CROCKPOT CASSEROLE RECIPES

Steps:

• Place onion, brown rice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt and pepper in bottom of slow cooker.
• Pour in broth and stir until well combined.
• Add chicken to the slow cooker. Sprinkle chicken with additional black pepper.
• Cover and cook on high for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours, until chicken is cooked through and rice has absorbed almost all of the broth. In my slow cooker this took 3 hours on high.
• When the slow cooking time is almost finished, cook the broccoli. You can steam it on the stove or in the microwave, or roast it in your oven. (It is also possible to cook the broccoli in the slow cooker by adding it on top of the rice and chicken during the last hour of cook time. If you slow cook the broccoli it will lose its vibrant green color. I get best results when I steam the broccoli on the stove.)
• When chicken and rice are done, remove chicken to a cutting board.
• Add the plain Greek yogurt (if using), Parmesan cheese and cheddar cheese to the rice in the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
• Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces and add to the slow cooker along with the cooked broccoli. Stir and serve.

Steps:

• Cook noodles in salted water until al dente, or slightly under-cooked by 2 minutes. Set aside.
• Meanwhile heat oil in a large skillet. Add garlic and cook on medium heat until golden, about 1 minute.
• Add the broccoli and a little salt, sauté and cover the broccoli for about 3 minutes on medium heat until the broccoli begins to soften. Set aside.
• Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly spray a 9 x 12 casserole dish with cooking spray.
• In a large pot, heat butter over medium-low heat, when melted add the shallot and cook until soft, 2-3 minutes.
• Add the flour and a pinch of salt and stir well, cooking an additional 2-3 minutes on medium-low heat. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until well combined over medium heat; whisk well for 30 seconds, then add the milk and bring to a boil. Simmer on medium heat, mixing occasionally until it thickens (about 6-7 minutes).
• Remove from heat and add reduced fat sharp cheddar and 1 tablespoon of the parmesan cheese; mix well until the cheese melts.
• Add the shredded chicken, noodles and broccoli to the sauce and mix well until evenly coated.
• Pour into a casserole dish and top with Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs.
• Spray a little more cooking spray on top and bake for about 20 - 25 minutes. Place the casserole under the broiler a few minutes to get the crumbs crisp and golden (careful not to burn). Divide in 6 equal portions.