Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Sauce to Chicken: Pour the cheese soup mixture evenly over the seasoned chicken breasts, coating them well for full flavor.
- Layer Broccoli: Evenly distribute the steamed, tender broccoli florets over the chicken and sauce layer, adding a fresh vegetable component.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously on top of the broccoli to create a gooey, cheesy layer.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
