Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with cheesy broccoli and a crispy, buttery cracker topping. It’s an easy weeknight meal that feels special and delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed until tender)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup Ritz crackers, crushed
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 cup cheddar cheese soup (such as Campbell’s)
• 1/2 cup milk

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, then place them in the prepared baking dish.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the cheddar cheese soup and milk until smooth and well combined.
4. Step 4: Pour the soup mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the baking dish.
5. Step 5: Evenly distribute the steamed broccoli florets over the chicken and soup mixture.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the broccoli.
7. Step 7: Combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
8. Step 8: Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the topping is golden brown.
9. Step 9: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of paprika or onion powder to the seasoning mix on the chicken.
• Try swapping broccoli for cauliflower or a mix of your favorite vegetables for variety.
• Use crushed buttery crackers like buttery Goldfish or buttery breadcrumbs as alternatives to Ritz crackers.
• Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through to keep the topping crisp, or microwave covered on medium power for 2-3 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli can be used. Make sure to steam or thaw it thoroughly and drain any excess moisture before adding it to the dish to prevent it from becoming soggy.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the dish up to the point before baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake as directed when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.

Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Recipe

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This Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken recipe combines tender baked chicken breasts with steamed broccoli, rich cheddar cheese soup, and a buttery Ritz cracker topping for a comforting, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare in one baking dish.

• Author: Sana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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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

• 1/2 cup Ritz crackers, crushed
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Sauce

• 1 cup cheddar cheese soup (such as Campbell’s)
• 1/2 cup milk

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
2. Season Chicken: Season each boneless, skinless chicken breast evenly with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, then place them neatly in the prepared baking dish.
3. Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cheddar cheese soup and milk until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring a rich sauce for the chicken.
4. Add Sauce to Chicken: Pour the cheese soup mixture evenly over the seasoned chicken breasts, coating them well for full flavor.
5. Layer Broccoli: Evenly distribute the steamed, tender broccoli florets over the chicken and sauce layer, adding a fresh vegetable component.
6. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously on top of the broccoli to create a gooey, cheesy layer.
7. Prepare Topping: Combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter, mixing until the crumbs are evenly coated, then sprinkle this buttery topping over the cheese.
8. Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the topping is golden and crisp.
9. Rest: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute and for easier slicing.

Notes

• For easily steamed broccoli, you can microwave broccoli florets with a splash of water for 3-4 minutes until just tender.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked (165°F internal temperature) to avoid undercooking.
• Ritz crackers provide a buttery, crunchy topping but can be substituted with panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter for a similar texture.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• This dish pairs well with rice or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Keywords: Broccoli cheddar chicken, baked chicken, cheesy chicken dish, Cracker Barrel style chicken, easy chicken dinner