Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken recipe brings together tender chicken breasts, fresh broccoli, and a rich cheddar cheese sauce for a comforting and delicious meal. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner that feels special yet simple.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed until tender)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup Ritz crackers, crushed
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 cup cheddar cheese soup (such as Campbell’s)
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Step 2: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, then place them in the prepared baking dish.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the cheddar cheese soup and milk until the mixture is smooth.
- Step 4: Pour the cheese soup mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the dish.
- Step 5: Evenly spread the steamed broccoli florets over the chicken and soup mixture.
- Step 6: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the broccoli.
- Step 7: Combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter, then sprinkle this mixture over the cheese layer.
- Step 8: Bake the dish uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is fully cooked.
- Step 9: Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors settle.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the cracker topping.
- Use fresh cheddar cheese instead of shredded for a creamier texture.
- Substitute broccoli with cauliflower or a mix of your favorite vegetables.
- To make it lower in carbs, swap the Ritz crackers with crushed almonds or pork rinds.
Storage
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through, adding a splash of milk to keep the sauce creamy if needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just be sure to thaw and steam it until tender before layering it over the chicken to avoid excess moisture.
What can I use instead of cheddar cheese soup?
If you don’t have cheddar cheese soup, you can make a quick cheese sauce using a roux with butter, flour, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese. This homemade sauce will add a fresh taste to the dish.
PrintCracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Recipe
This Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken is a comforting, flavorful baked dish featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in creamy cheddar cheese soup, topped with steamed broccoli, melty cheddar cheese, and a buttery Ritz cracker crust. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that satisfies the whole family.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Vegetables and Cheese
- 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed until tender)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Topping and Sauce
- 1/2 cup Ritz crackers, crushed
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 cup cheddar cheese soup (such as Campbell’s)
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the chicken and toppings don’t stick.
- Season Chicken: Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, then arrange them in the prepared baking dish.
- Make Soup Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the cheddar cheese soup and milk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour Sauce: Evenly pour the cheddar cheese soup mixture over the seasoned chicken breasts, coating them well.
- Add Broccoli: Spread the steamed broccoli florets evenly over the chicken and sauce, distributing them across the dish.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the broccoli-covered chicken.
- Prepare Cracker Topping: Combine the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter in a small bowl, then sprinkle this buttery cracker mixture evenly over the shredded cheese layer.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) signaling it is fully cooked and the topping is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute and make for easier slicing.
Notes
- Make sure to steam the broccoli until just tender to avoid overcooking during baking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Ritz crackers add buttery crispiness as a topping; substitutions may change texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- You can add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for extra flavor if desired.
Keywords: Broccoli Cheddar Chicken, Cracker Barrel chicken recipe, baked chicken breast, cheesy chicken casserole
