Twice-Baked Potatoes - with Broccoli, Chicken & Cheese topping

I rarely think to make twice-baked potatoes, but I was intrigued by the idea of having a twice baked potato that became a full meal, particularly one that incorporates broccoli.  I sometimes find broccoli can be overpowering in a meal, but paired with the chicken, potato and cheese here, it worked! It became a delicious combination the whole family loved. Enjoy!

Twice-Baked Potatoes - with Broccoli, Chicken & Cheese Topping
Based on a recipe from Southern Living

Scrub, poke several times with a fork and then cook 4 large russet potatoes either by baking in the oven until soft or microwaving.  (Oven takes ~40 minutes at 400F, microwave takes ~ 10-15 minutes to give you a rough guideline)

Preheat oven to 400F. Line a baking sheet with foil.

Slice potatoes in half and carefully scoop out the insides, placing potato flesh into a large mixing bowl.  Place the potato shells on your foil-lined baking pan.

Mix into potato in large bowl:
4 oz regular or light cream cheese
1/2 cup milk
Salt and pepper, if desired (you'll season the topping, so this doesn't need salt/pepper, I find)

Fill potato skins with potato mixture, as shown below.  Bake in the oven ~15 minutes, until lightly browning on top.  Meanwhile, prepare topping.

Potatoes filled and ready to be baked. 

Prepare filling while potatoes are cooking: 

Saute in large saucepan over medium heat until onion has softened: 

2 Tbsp butter

1 small/medium onion, diced

Add and cook until softened: 

2-3 cups broccoli heads (bagged fresh or 10oz pkg frozen work well, or 1-2 clusters fresh broccoli)

Stir in: 

2 cups chopped, cooked chicken

1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar, grated

salt and pepper, to taste

Remove from heat, taste and season with additional salt/pepper, if desired.

Topping ready to go!

Potatoes after lightly browning. You can let them cook until a bit more browned on top, if you want a little more of a crunchy topping.  

Remove potatoes from the oven and serve with a big scoop of broccoli, chicken and cheese topping on top. Enjoy!!!