Cracker 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
Scale
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
