cracker barrel broccoli cheddar chicken recipe
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Prep Time: 20 min
Cook Time : 40 min
Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
Chicken & Seasoning
Cheddar Sauce
Broccoli & Topping
Chicken & Seasoning
Cheddar Sauce
Broccoli & Topping
Chicken & Seasoning
Cheddar Sauce
Broccoli & Topping
How to Make Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken
Season the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so the chicken doesn’t stick while it bakes.
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides with kosher salt and black pepper. Make sure you season both sides since this is the only seasoning going directly onto the chicken.
Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Try not to overlap them so they have enough room to cook evenly.
Make the Cheddar Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the condensed cheddar cheese soup, whole milk, and paprika. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
The cheddar soup makes this sauce especially easy because there’s no roux or complicated cheese sauce to prepare. Just stir everything together and it’s ready to go.
Add the Cheddar Soup Mixture
Pour the half cheddar soup mixture evenly over the chicken.
Try to spread it across the entire dish rather than pouring it all in one spot. The sauce will work its way down between the chicken and broccoli as it bakes.
Layer the Broccoli and Cheese
Scatter the thawed and well-drained broccoli florets evenly over it.
Now Pour the remaining half cheddar soup mixture evenly over the broccoli and spread it evenly.
Next, sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese over the broccoli. This layer of cheese melts into the chicken and broccoli as everything bakes, giving the casserole plenty of cheesy flavor.
If you’re using frozen broccoli, be sure to drain it really well after thawing. Extra water can make the finished casserole thinner than you want.
5. Make the Ritz Cracker Topping
Add the crushed Ritz crackers to a small bowl and pour in the melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated.
Add the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese and gently mix it through the buttery crumbs.
Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. This is what gives the finished dish that golden, buttery crunch that makes every bite a little more satisfying.
6. Bake Until Hot and Bubbly
Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15–20 minutes, or until the cracker topping is golden brown, the sauce is bubbling, and the chicken is cooked through.
Because chicken breasts can vary quite a bit in thickness, don’t rely on the clock alone. Check the thickest part of the chicken with an instant-read thermometer. It should reach 165°F.
7. Let It Rest and Serve
Once the casserole comes out of the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
This gives the creamy cheddar sauce a chance to settle slightly and makes the casserole easier to serve. Spoon the broccoli and cheesy sauce over each chicken breast, making sure everyone gets plenty of that crispy Ritz cracker topping.
Equipment You Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Medium mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Aluminum foil
- Instant-read thermometer
Nutrition Per Serving
|
Nutrient |
Amount |
|
Calories |
~500 kcal |
|
Protein |
~49 g |
|
Total Fat |
~35 g |
|
Saturated Fat |
~18 g |
|
Carbohydrates |
~13 g |
|
Fiber |
~2 g |
|
Sugar |
~3 g |
|
Cholesterol |
~145 mg |
|
Sodium |
~1,150 mg |
Tips I’ve Learned for Making This
No huge chicken breasts
Smaller breasts are much easier to work with in this casserole. They cook more evenly and leave plenty of room for the broccoli, cheese, and sauce.
Right order Layering
Want everything held together while serving? Simply put the chicken first, followed by broccoli then cheddar and finally topping.
Dry the broccoli
If you have frozen florets, thaw them and drain them well. I like to give them a quick pat with paper towels, too. It makes a difference in how thick the finished sauce is.
Cheddar that worth
It’s always easier to grab a bag I know, but shredding a block of sharp cheddar takes very little time and gives you a smoother melt.
Season before anything
Once the casserole is assembled, you can’t really get seasoning directly onto the chicken. A simple coating of salt and pepper before layering is all you need.
Edge to edge topping
Nobody gets stuck with the piece that has no crunchy topping. That way. I always cover the casserole evenly with the buttered crumbs.
What to Serve ? My Favorite Sides for Broccoli Cheddar Chicken
I don’t usually pile a dozen sides onto the table with Broccoli Cheddar Chicken . It is hearty enough that two simple sides are plenty. Mashed potatoes are at the top of my list.
Green beans alongside it add a little freshness and give the plate some color.
For something to round out the meal, warm cornbread muffin or homemade Cracker Barrel biscuits are both great choices..
If you’re looking for a lighter one, go with a simple green salad instead.
Reason to Love cracker barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken
- incredibly easy to make. No complicated cheese sauce or separate cooking for the chicken.
- Full of comfort-food flavor. Tender chicken, creamy cheddar sauce, broccoli, and buttery Ritz crackers come together in every bite.
- Great weeknight dinner. An easy meal to have ready when you want something hearty without spending all evening in the kitchen.
- It brings the Cracker Barrel favorite home. Similar cozy combination right from your own oven.
Easy Ways to Switch Things Up
You don’t need to follow this cracker barrel broccoli cheddar chicken recipe with a ruler. Here are a few easy substitutions that work beautifully when you’re cooking with what you already have.
Fresh broccoli works just fine.
If you have a fresh head of broccoli in the fridge, it is still fine. Cut it into small florets and give it a quick steam or blanch. But before adding it to the casserole, you must let it drain before.
Play around with the cheese.
I prefer Sharp cheddar as it gives that classic cheesy bite, but mild cheddar is also lovely if you are a softer flavor lover. Monterey Jack makes things extra creamy, and Pepper Jack is perfect if you like a little spice.
Use another buttery cracker.
Ritz crackers are my go-to, but Club crackers make a great substitute. Just crush them and coat them with the melted butter as directed.
Want a little more flavor?
A sprinkle of garlic powder or onion powder can add some extra savory flavor. For a little Southern-style heat, add a pinch of cayenne.
Turn it into a leftover-chicken dinner.
Got some rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken? Shred it up and use it instead of the raw chicken breasts. It’s a great shortcut for a busy night.
storage and Reheating
Got some chicken left over? Good news—this casserole reheats nicely for an easy second meal.
Before putting it in the refrigerator, let the leftovers cool slightly , then cover the baking dish well or transfer the chicken to an airtight container. Refrigerate for 3–4 days.
You can also freeze it, but I wouldn’t make this my first choice. The broccoli can lose some of its texture, and the creamy cheese sauce may separate a little after thawing. If possible, enjoy your leftovers within the refrigerated storage window.
For the best reheating:
Warm larger portions in a covered baking dish at 350°F. Once the casserole is hot, uncover it for a few minutes so the Ritz topping has a chance to regain some of its crunch.
The microwave is perfectly fine for an individual portion. Cover it loosely and heat in short bursts until warmed through.
If it looks a little dry I add a small splash of milk before reheating to help loosen the sauce.
Got the same as cracker barrel. Thank you Kim