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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Verify the chicken’s doneness by confirming its internal temperature reaches the safe threshold, ensuring a juicy and perfectly cooked protein.
- 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