Sizzling Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand delicious solutions that pack serious flavor with cracker barrel broccoli cheddar chicken tossed into a comforting meal.

Hearty and satisfying, this dish brings restaurant-quality goodness straight to your kitchen.

Home cooks adore how simple ingredients combine into something extraordinary.

Each bite delivers creamy cheese and tender chicken with vibrant broccoli accents.

Rich, cheesy sauce coats perfectly seasoned protein for a meal that feels indulgent yet balanced.

Families will devour this recipe faster than you can say “seconds, please!” Let’s dive into a culinary experience that transforms ordinary ingredients into an unforgettable dinner.

Ways To Plate Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken

• Family Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty chicken dish with creamy mashed potatoes that soak up the delicious cheese sauce perfectly.
• Veggie Companion: Roast some seasonal vegetables like carrots or asparagus alongside the chicken to add extra nutrition and color to the plate.
• Quick Weeknight Twist: Transform leftovers into a delicious chicken salad by chopping the chicken and mixing with a little extra mayo and fresh herbs.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the entire dish in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for an easy, stress-free dinner solution.

Make-Ahead And Storage Ideas For Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken

• Smart Fridge Storage: Transfer leftovers into airtight glass containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor retention and food safety.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Carefully wrap individual portions in freezer-safe wrap or containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture and taste quality.
• Reheating Pro Tips: Warm in oven at 350F covered with foil to prevent drying. Add slight splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Heat until internal temperature reaches 165F for safe consumption.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare chicken mixture ahead and store separately. Keep uncooked components refrigerated for 1-2 days. Assemble and bake just before serving to guarantee fresh, delicious results with minimal day-of preparation stress.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35-40 minutes

Total Time: 45-50 minutes

Calories: 420 kcal

Servings: 3

What Goes Into Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender canvas for the creamy topping, choose fresh, plump breasts without discoloration or unusual odors for best results.
• Salt: Enhances natural chicken flavors and balances overall dish seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and depth to chicken's taste profile.
• Garlic Powder: Provides aromatic background note without raw garlic intensity.
• Onion Powder: Delivers gentle, sweet undertone to complement chicken's mild flavor.

• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates luxurious, velvety base that binds ingredients together smoothly.
• Mayonnaise: Introduces rich, tangy creaminess and helps maintain moisture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty component that adds robust flavor and golden color.
• Broccoli Florets: Brings vibrant green color, nutritional boost, and textural contrast.

• Crackers: Delivers delightful crunch and rustic homestyle appeal.
• Butter: Helps crackers achieve golden, crisp texture and adds richness.

Tools To Bake Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken

• Baking dish (9×13 inch): Perfect for even cooking and serving the chicken.
• Medium mixing bowl: Ideal for combining the broccoli cheddar mixture.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Cheese grater: Helps shred fresh cheddar cheese for maximum flavor.
• Aluminum foil: Covers the dish during initial baking to prevent burning.
• Whisk or spatula: Great for mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Cutting board: Useful for preparing ingredients and seasoning chicken.
• Sharp knife: Needed for cutting chicken or broccoli if necessary.

Easy Steps For Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken

• Oven Preparation

Warm up the kitchen with a toasty 375-degree environment. Grab a baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray to prevent sticking.

• Chicken Foundation

Place chicken breasts in the dish, sprinkling them with a blend of savory seasonings that’ll make taste buds dance with excitement.

• Creamy Broccoli Blanket

Create a luscious mixture combining creamy soup, tangy mayo, vibrant broccoli, and rich cheese. This magical blend will transform ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

• Cheesy Topping

Lavish the chicken with the creamy broccoli mixture, ensuring every inch gets covered. Shower the top with an extra handful of cheese for that irresistible golden finish.

• Baking Magic

Cover the dish with foil and let the oven work its transformative powers. After a short time, remove the foil to allow the top to turn a beautiful golden brown and develop those crispy edges everyone craves.

• Serving Celebration

Let the dish rest briefly, allowing flavors to settle and mingle. Plate alongside your favorite comfort sides for a meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Helpful Tips For Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken

• Smart Serving Solutions: Skip the crackers for a gluten-free version by using crushed gluten-free crackers or removing the topping entirely.
• Low-Carb Hero: Replace cream of chicken soup with a homemade mix of heavy cream, chicken broth, and seasonings to reduce carbohydrates and control sodium levels.
• Vegetable Swap Magic: Experiment with different vegetables like cauliflower, asparagus, or spinach instead of broccoli to create exciting flavor profiles and keep the meal interesting.
• Protein Power Move: For a leaner option, substitute chicken breasts with turkey breasts or thin-sliced chicken thighs to adjust fat content and maintain juiciness.

Hearty Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Cracker Barrel broccoli cheddar chicken brings together classic comfort flavors in a hearty one-pan meal. Creamy cheese sauce and tender chicken create a satisfying dinner perfect for family gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets (thawed if frozen)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• ½ cup mayonnaise or sour cream
• 1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) cream of chicken soup
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs (optional)
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter, melted (optional, for topping)

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Instructions

1. Preheating: Configure the oven to 375°F, creating an optimal cooking environment for the chicken.
2. Seasoning Preparation: Massage chicken breasts with a robust blend of herbs and spices, ensuring comprehensive flavor infusion across each surface.
3. Sauce Composition: Whisk cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and sharp cheddar cheese into a luxurious, velvety sauce. Gently incorporate broccoli florets, creating a harmonious, creamy mixture.
4. Assembly and Layering: Position seasoned chicken in a greased baking dish, then lavishly cover with the broccoli-cheese sauce. Sprinkle additional cheddar across the top for enhanced richness.
5. Crispy Topping (Optional): Meld crushed crackers with melted butter, then delicately distribute over the dish to introduce a golden, crunchy dimension.
6. Baking Technique: Envelop the dish with aluminum foil, allowing initial steaming. Uncover during the final cooking phase to promote beautiful golden caramelization and ensure thorough cooking.
7. Doneness Verification: Confirm chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature, guaranteeing safe and succulent protein preparation.
8. Serving Presentation: Permit the dish a brief resting period, then plate alongside complementary sides for a complete, satisfying meal experience.

Notes

• Optimize Seasoning Technique: Massage chicken with spices thoroughly, ensuring both sides are evenly coated for maximum flavor penetration.
• Prevent Dryness: Cover with foil during initial baking to lock in moisture, then uncover to achieve golden, crispy top without compromising chicken’s juiciness.
• Cheese Melting Perfection: Use room temperature cheese and distribute evenly to create smooth, consistent sauce that coats chicken and broccoli uniformly.
• Temperature Precision: Use meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F internally, guaranteeing safe consumption while maintaining tender texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg