Copycat Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken
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This Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken recipe tastes even better than the original, with plenty of gooey cheese sauce and tender veggies in every bite! Spend the evening cozy at home with this hearty meal, paired with all your favorite side dishes. Ready in under an hour!
Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken
Cheddar and broccoli are a dynamic duo, which is why I already have recipes for soup, mac and cheese, casserole, and even quinoa power bites (a favorite of Munchkins!).
But I’ve been on a Cracker Barrel kick lately — could you tell? — and I knew I had to attempt the famous Cracker Barrel broccoli cheddar chicken.
I’m happy to say that it’s just as easy to make as I imagined!! No special gadgets or stuffing are required, and boy, does that crispy cracker topping really tie it all together.
And you likely already have everything you need to make it, except possibly the can of cheese soup (but I’ve got an easy substitute for that if needed). An absolute winner for busy weeknights!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Chicken – Stick with boneless, skinless breasts if you want to make broccoli cheddar chicken like Cracker Barrel.
Otherwise, you can use boneless, skinless thighs for a dark meat version. They may take a bit longer to bake — check the internal temp before serving to be safe. - Whole Milk – You can certainly use whatever is in your fridge, but the extra fat in whole milk goes a long way in making an extra creamy and flavorful sauce.
- Cheddar Cheese Soup – The kind from a can! When combined with the milk, it makes a smooth and creamy sauce that smothers the chicken and broccoli.
- Frozen Broccoli – Be sure to thaw and drain this before using. Or, lightly steam or blanch fresh florets so they’re nice and tender after baking.
- Shredded Cheese – This recipe for Cracker Barrel broccoli cheddar chicken is all about convenience, so I won’t blame you for using bagged shreds.
Just know that they won’t melt down as smoothly as freshly grated cheddar.
And feel free to experiment with different types of cheese too! A mix of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack would be delicious, and Pepper Jack would add a nice kick. - Ritz Crackers – An easy way to create a crispy, buttery topping on your broccoli cheddar chicken!
Crush and combine with melted butter and some extra cheese, then sprinkle evenly over the dish.
Tips and Tricks to Make Perfect Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Like Cracker Barrel
- Season the chicken before covering in sauce.
All you really need is some salt and pepper as there’s plenty of flavor in the canned soup.
That said, a little garlic powder and onion powder go a long way in savory dishes. You can even add paprika here too or cayenne for some heat.
Don’t forget to season both sides of each breast, regardless of what you use!
- Layer the ingredients in the right order.
While Cracker Barrel cheddar broccoli chicken is super easy to make, you can’t just toss everything in a dish and call it good.
Place the chicken in a greased baking dish — you don’t want them getting stuck to the bottom! — making sure they aren’t stacked or touching too much.
Scatter the broccoli evenly over the top, then do the same with 1 cup of shredded cheese. This helps hold everything together so it’s easier to serve.
Finally, pour the cheese soup mixture over everything and top with the cracker and cheese mixture. Everything will cook evenly when you layer it right!
- Broil for an even crispier topping.
Once the chicken hits an internal temperature of 160°F, switch the oven to broil and cook for 2-3 more minutes.
This will make the cracker topping extra browned and crispy without overcooking or drying out the chicken. Keep a close eye on the topping so it doesn’t get too dark!
Prep Ahead
- Thaw frozen broccoli
- Shred cheddar cheese
- Crush Ritz crackers
- Grease baking dish
Kitchen Tools You Will Need
- 9×13 Baking Dish – This set is one of my favorites! It comes with a lid for easy storage and is great for casseroles too.
- Mixing Bowls – I like to have a variety of sizes on hand, and this set has them all.
- Cheese Grater – Fresh cheese makes this recipe even better! Skip the bagged shreds and buy a block to grate yourself.
- Digital Meat Thermometer – The easiest way to check the internal temp of your broccoli cheddar chicken so you know when it’s safe to eat!
Serving Suggestions
Cracker Barrel broccoli cheddar chicken is typically served with mashed potatoes and green beans, though you certainly get your choice of sides at the restaurant!
Whether it’s a loaded baked potato, a fresh green salad, or their famous hashbrown casserole, there’s more than one way to enjoy this meal.
I also think this dish is tasty over rice to soak up every last saucy bite. Don’t forget a side of buttermilk biscuits or corn muffins!
Storing and Reheating Broccoli Cheddar Chicken
You can transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the cheese sauce will separate once thawed and the broccoli will become mushy.
Reheat broccoli cheddar chicken in the oven at 350°F or warm individual portions in the microwave.
Cracker Barrel Cheddar Broccoli Chicken FAQ
Any thick and creamy cheese sauce will do the trick! Make a quick version by heating 1 cup of heavy cream in a saucepan, then stirring in 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar until melted and smooth. Keep it over medium-low heat so it doesn’t separate.
I’ve also got an easy 3 cheese sauce that would taste divine, or try my beer cheese sauce for a more interesting flavor!
Sure! The dish will be more like a casserole than the broccoli cheddar chicken at Cracker Barrel, but the flavors will all be there.
Be sure that the pieces are all a similar size so they cook evenly, and reduce the overall cooking time. Start checking the chicken after 30 minutes — it’s done when it reaches 165°F.
I’ve never needed to, and I find that the cracker topping gets a lot crispier if it bakes uncovered the whole time.
That doesn’t mean every oven is the same! If you find that the topping tends to get too dark, start by covering your Cracker Barrel cheddar broccoli chicken with foil and remove it during the last 20 minutes of baking.
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Copycat Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 10.5 ounce can cheddar cheese soup
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups frozen broccoli florets, thawed
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and prepare a baking dish with cooking spray.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Place them in a single layer in the baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the can of cheddar cheese soup with the milk and paprika. Stir until smooth and well-mixed.
- Evenly distribute the thawed broccoli florets over the chicken breasts. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the broccoli.
- Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli.
- In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers, melted butter and the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the dish.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the topping is golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs well with a side of mashed potatoes or rice. Enjoy!
Donna’s Notes
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published November 2024
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