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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheating: Configure the oven to 375°F, creating an optimal cooking environment for the chicken.
- Seasoning Preparation: Massage chicken breasts with a robust blend of herbs and spices, ensuring comprehensive flavor infusion across each surface.
- 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.
- 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.
- Crispy Topping (Optional): Meld crushed crackers with melted butter, then delicately distribute over the dish to introduce a golden, crunchy dimension.
- 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.
- Doneness Verification: Confirm chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature, guaranteeing safe and succulent protein preparation.
- 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