Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice

Prep time: 25 minutes

Cook time: 35 minutes

2 tablespoons butter

1 cup milk

1 1/4 cups chicken broth

1 cup long grain white rice

1 teaspoon each: dried thyme and garlic salt

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cups coarsely chopped fresh broccoli (or frozen, thawed chopped broccoli)

1 1/4 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

1/2 cup shredded smoked Gouda or smoked Cheddar cheese (or additional sharp Cheddar)

Freshly ground pepper to taste

Bring butter, broth, milk, rice and seasonings to a simmer in a large saucepan. Add chicken and onion to the pot. Cover and cook over low heat for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and stir broccoli into rice. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Stir in remaining milk, then lightly stir in cheese. Cook over low heat just until cheese is melted, being careful to not overcook. Season with pepper. Makes 4 servings.

Instant Pot Preparation:

Coat the bottom of the pot with the butter. Place Breeze, stock or broth, seasonings and rice in the pot, making sure the rice is completely covered with liquid. Top with chicken and onion. Lock lid and select Pressure Cook, set to 5 minutes. When cooking is done, let stand for 5 minutes then carefully open vent. Stir in broccoli; cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Add cheese, stirring just until melted.

Slow Cooker Preparation:

Coat the bottom of the slow cooker with the butter. Place 3/4 cup broth, 3/4 cup milk, seasonings and rice in the pot, making sure the rice is completely covered with liquid. Top with chicken and onion. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours. Stir in broccoli and cover slow cooker; let stand for 5 minutes. Add cheese, stirring just until melted.

Make ahead tip:

Cook rice, herbs, chicken and onion according to recipe above; let cool. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to prepare recipe, heat mixture in a medium saucepan until hot. Following remaining instructions for adding broccoli, additional milk and cheeses,