CHICKEN BREASTS AND BROCCOLI RECIPES

Steps:

• Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and preheat to 400 degrees F.
• Place the broccoli in a microwave-safe bowl then add 2 tablespoons water. Cover the bowl (a large plate works best) then microwave for 2 minutes. Remove the broccoli to paper towels, drain very well and let cool slightly. 
• Chop the broccoli into small, pea-sized pieces then return it to the bowl. Add the Cheddar, cream cheese, chives, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Stir until well combined. 
• Arrange the chicken breasts on a cutting board, and using a sharp knife, cut a deep pocket horizontally into each chicken breast without cutting all the way through to the other side. 
• Divide the broccoli mixture among the chicken breasts, pressing it firmly into each pocket. 
• Season the outsides of the chicken breasts on both sides with garlic powder, salt, pepper and any other preferred spices. 
• Divide the olive oil among two ovenproof skillets set over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 2 of the chicken breasts to each skillet. Cook the chicken until seared on one side, about 3 minutes, then flip it once and cook until seared on the other side, 2 to 3 minutes. 
• Transfer the skillets to the oven and continue cooking the chicken breasts until the thickest part of each breast reaches 165 degrees F, 10 to 15 minutes. 
• Remove the chicken breasts from the oven and serve. 

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.