Creamy Cheesy Chicken with Broccoli and Cauliflower

Chef's Notes: This is a variation on this recipe which was recommended by my cousin Amber. It satisfies that winter need for comfort food while still being low-carb and reasonably healthy.

Creamy Cheesy Chicken with Broccoli and Cauliflower
(serves 4)

Ingredients

1 pound boneless chicken thighs (or breasts)
2 C. chicken broth
2 tsp. parsley
2 tsp. tarragon
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 C. onion, minced
Fresh ground pepper
***
4 oz. cream cheese, cubed
4 oz. monterey (or cheddar) cheese, cubed
***
2 C. broccoli florets
2 C. cauliflower florets

Directions

Place chicken thighs, broth, onion, garlic, and spices in crock pot and cook on low 6 - 8 hours. Shred the chicken and drain off most of the liquid. Stir in the cream cheese and monterey cheese and cook on low for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour.

While the chicken finishes cooking, steam the broccoli and cauliflower until crisp-tender.

To serve, divide the broccoli & cauliflower onto 4 plates and top with an equal portion of chicken mixture.

Calories: 344: Fat: 23; Carbs: 6.5; Protein 32

Cheesy Veggie Casserole

Despite the presence of vegetables, this casserole is certainly not what I would call "healthy." But it's tasty, and an easy dish to take to a get-together. 

Click HERE for printable recipe

Cheesy Veggie Casserole

(Serves 10 - 12)

Half of a 28-oz. bag steak fries

16 oz. bag frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, beans)

16 oz. bag frozen broccoli & cauliflower*

7 oz. can sliced mushrooms, drained

Two 10 3/4 oz. cans cream of mushroom soup

15 oz. jar Cheez-Whiz

8 oz. sour cream

French fried onions, optional (I detest the things and never use them)

Spread steak fries in a single layer in a glass 8X10 dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray. In a mixing bowl, combine soup, Cheez-Whiz, and sour cream; add vegetables and stir together. Pour soup-vegetable mixture over fries. For best results, cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake, covered, 375 degrees for 45 minutes. Uncover, (top with French fried onions if using), bake additional 15 minutes.

*I find it necessary to thaw the broccoli/cauliflower blend so that I can cut any large pieces into smaller bite-size pieces. It's also helpful to sort through and discard any tough pieces of stalk.

You can make different variations of this recipe. Use all mixed vegetables. Use only 2 bags of California veggies (broccoli, cauliflower, carrots). Omit the mushrooms. Substitute cream of celery or cream of chicken soup for the cream of mushroom soup. Make béchamel sauce to use in place of the cream of soup.  Add a layer of shredded chicken or turkey (about 4 cups) between the steak fries and veggies.  Use dill dip, ranch dip, or French onion dip in place of the sour cream. It's a very flexible recipe!

Bad cell phone pic of Cheesy Veggie Casserole