The Coziest Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Recipe Ever

A warm, comforting cracker barrel broccoli cheddar chicken that whispers home-cooked memories.

Hearty dishes often tell stories beyond their ingredients.

Memories of farmhouse kitchens and shared meals dance through this recipe’s rich flavors.

Tender chicken nestled beneath a blanket of melted cheese and vibrant green broccoli.

Creamy textures and savory notes promise a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Each bite brings together classic comfort food elements in a delightful symphony.

Gathering around the table with this dish promises laughter, connection, and pure culinary joy.

You’ll want to savor every delicious moment of this remarkable meal.

How To Make Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375F (190C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Dress Up The Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Massage these seasonings onto both sides of the chicken and nestle them into the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Craft The Creamy Broccoli Blend

• Cream of chicken soup
• Mayonnaise
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Fresh broccoli florets

Stir everything together until it’s smooth and irresistible.

Step 4: Layer The Deliciousness

Slather the broccoli cheese mixture over the chicken breasts. Sprinkle an extra handful of cheddar on top. Want some crunch? Crush some buttery crackers and scatter them over the cheese.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Shield the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the oven. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil. Continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the chicken reaches a safe 165F (74C) and develops a gorgeous golden top.

Step 6: Serve And Savor

Let the dish rest for a few minutes. Serve alongside fluffy mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or a crisp green salad. Dinner is served!

Handy Tricks For Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken

• Customize Cheese Selection: Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or a blend to elevate the flavor profile and add personal flair.
• Lighten Up the Dish: Swap full-fat ingredients with Greek yogurt, low-fat cream soup, and reduced-fat cheese to create a healthier version without compromising taste.
• Add Extra Veggie Boost: Incorporate additional vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, or spinach into the broccoli mixture for increased nutrition and texture.
• Create Crispy Topping Variations: Replace crackers with panko breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or seasoned breadcrumbs for a unique crunchy element.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup, alternative crackers, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.

Store Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Properly

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil, preserving the meal for up to 2 months without losing flavor quality.
• Reheating Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350F, cover dish with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F.
• Microwave Option: Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

What To Serve With Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Choose a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the rich, creamy cheese sauce. These wines offer bright acidity that complements the sharp cheddar and balances the chicken's savory flavors.
• Craft Hearty Beer Match: Select an amber ale or mild pale ale that stands up to the robust cheese and chicken combination. The malty undertones will enhance the dish's creamy texture and provide a satisfying drinking experience.
• Elevate with Herb-Infused Side: Create a light lemon-herb rice pilaf or roasted garlic mashed potatoes. These herbal, bright side dishes will freshen up the dense cheesy chicken and add complexity to each bite.
• Refresh with Crisp Salad: Prepare a tangy mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing. The salad's acidity and crunch will contrast beautifully with the rich, creamy chicken casserole, providing a balanced meal.

Ways To Switch Up Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken

• Southwestern Spice Boost: Replace garlic and onion powder with taco seasoning, add diced green chiles to the broccoli mixture, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Herb Makeover: Swap out cheddar for crumbled feta, incorporate chopped spinach instead of broccoli, season with oregano and basil, and finish with a drizzle of olive oil.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute broccoli with roasted cauliflower florets, use almond flour instead of crackers, and add extra sharp cheddar for enhanced flavor without extra carbohydrates.
• Protein-Packed Ranch Style: Mix ranch seasoning into the cream sauce, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, sprinkle with crispy bacon bits, and garnish with chopped chives for added protein and crunch.

Answers To Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Questions

• What makes this Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken special?

This dish combines the creamy, cheesy goodness of broccoli cheddar sauce with tender chicken, creating a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal that tastes just like a restaurant favorite.

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli! Just make sure to thaw and drain it completely before mixing into the cheese sauce to prevent excess moisture in the dish.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This chicken casserole reheats well and can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or preparing meals in advance for the week.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

You can use low-fat cream of chicken soup, reduced-fat cheese, and Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise to create a lighter version of this delicious casserole.

Why Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Tastes So Good

• Quick Comfort Meal: Combines classic comfort food ingredients like chicken, broccoli, and cheese into one deliciously satisfying dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
• Effortless Gourmet Experience: Requires minimal cooking skills with straightforward steps, letting home cooks create restaurant-quality meal without complex techniques or expensive ingredients.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and weeknight meals, offering a balanced combination of protein, vegetables, and creamy cheese that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Customizable Convenience: Easy to adapt with optional cracker topping for extra crunch, flexible side dish options, and simple seasoning that can be adjusted to personal taste preferences.

What Goes Into Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Tender, lean protein that serves as the base of the dish. Skinless and boneless work best for even cooking and easy serving.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Mayonnaise: Provide rich, creamy texture and enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese that adds a tangy and robust cheese flavor. Sharp varieties offer more intense taste.

• Broccoli Florets: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutritional value and vibrant color. Fresh or frozen both work well, but thaw frozen broccoli completely before using.

• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Classic seasoning mix that enhances the chicken's natural flavor. Freshly ground black pepper provides more intense taste.

• Crackers: Adds a crunchy texture to the dish. Ritz or butter crackers are traditional choices for a golden, crisp finish.
• Butter: Helps bind the cracker crumbs and creates a golden brown topping.

Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cracker Barrel broccoli cheddar chicken brings classic comfort straight to kitchen counters with rich, cheesy goodness. Wholesome ingredients and simple preparation make this hearty dish perfect for families craving restaurant-style meals at home.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables and Dairy:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets (thawed if frozen)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• ½ cup mayonnaise or sour cream

Seasoning and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces / 300 grams) cream of chicken soup
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs (optional)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (optional, for topping)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to a moderate temperature and lightly coating a rectangular baking vessel with a thin protective layer to prevent sticking.
2. Transform the chicken breasts into a flavor-rich canvas by generously massaging them with a blend of aromatic seasonings, ensuring both sides are thoroughly infused with savory notes.
3. Craft a luscious sauce by harmonizing cream of chicken soup, creamy binding agent, and a generous portion of sharp cheddar cheese, then gently fold in vibrant broccoli florets to create a cohesive mixture.
4. Artfully drape the cheese-laden broccoli mixture over the seasoned chicken, creating a uniform blanket that promises rich flavor and textural intrigue. Crown the dish with an additional sprinkle of cheese for enhanced decadence.
5. Optional: Elevate the dish’s texture by combining cracker crumbs with melted butter, then scatter this golden, crisp topping across the surface for an irresistible crunch.
6. Carefully shield the dish with aluminum foil, allowing the chicken to steam and cook evenly. After initial cooking, unveil the dish to encourage golden caramelization and complete the cooking process.
7. Verify the chicken’s doneness by confirming its internal temperature reaches the safe threshold, ensuring a juicy and perfectly cooked protein.
8. Allow the dish a brief moment of rest to redistribute internal moisture, then serve alongside complementary side dishes that will transform this meal into a satisfying culinary experience.

Notes

• Choose chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help spices adhere better and create a more flavorful crust.
• Use fresh broccoli florets for optimal texture and nutritional value, avoiding frozen varieties that might release excess water.
• For a low-carb version, replace crackers with crushed pork rinds or almond flour to maintain the crispy topping.
• Swap regular cheddar with reduced-fat cheese to decrease overall calorie content without compromising taste.
• Allow chicken to rest after baking, which helps redistribute juices and keeps meat tender and moist.
• Create a gluten-free variation by using gluten-free cream of chicken soup and crackers.
• Check internal chicken temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee food safety and perfect doneness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 930 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg