BROCCOLI AND CHEESE STUFFED CHICKEN BREASTS

Estimated Time: 45 minutes or 2 to 4 hours

1 cup frozen broccoli florets, thawed in the microwave (or 1 head fresh broccoli, trimmed and lightly steamed)

¼ cup low-fat cottage cheese

1 large egg white

2 tablespoons plus ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

½ cup shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese

1 teaspoon minced garlic (or ½ teaspoon garlic powder)

1 teaspoon dried minced onion (or ½ teaspoon onion powder)

Pinch of salt

Pinch of black pepper

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

¼ cup whole wheat Italian bread crumbs (or panko bread crumbs)

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Spray a 9 × 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. In a large bowl mix together the broccoli, cottage cheese, egg white, 2 tablespoons Parmesan, Cheddar, garlic, onion, and salt and pepper until well combined. Place each chicken breast between plastic wrap or in a large zip-top bag and pound thin using a mallet or rolling pin. Place approximately ¼ cup of stuffing on each chicken breast and roll the chicken tightly over the stuffing. Secure the chicken breasts with toothpicks.

In a small bowl mix together the bread crumbs and the remaining ¼ cup Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the topping over each chicken breast. Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish (if not using toothpicks to secure, place seam side down). Bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.

Yields 4 Servings

Nutritional Information Per Serving: 215 calories; 6 grams fat; 3 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram fiber; 0 grams sugar; 36 grams protein

NOTE: You can also make this in a slow cooker. Pour ½ cup chicken broth in the slow cooker and put the stuffed chicken breasts in. Cover and cook on low heat for 4 hours or on high heat for approximately 2 hours or until fully cooked (or when chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees). Enjoy!

Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts present beautifully and look like they took hours to prepare. Not to mention, the taste is phenomenal! The only down side is that the average broccoli and cheese stuffed chicken breast has around 300 calories per chicken breast. This recipe is guaranteed to please even the pickiest eater in a much healthier way.