Copycat Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken

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Copycat Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken

This cheesy, comforting Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Bake is a family-friendly dinner that brings the flavors of Cracker Barrel right to your kitchen! Tender chicken breasts are smothered in a creamy cheddar sauce, layered with vibrant broccoli, and topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crumble for the perfect golden crunch. It’s easy, satisfying, and ready in under an hour—perfect for weeknights!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35–45 minutes
Total Time: 45–55 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories per Serving: 275 kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 to 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1-inch thick)
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) cheddar cheese soup
  • 1 cup milk (whole or 2% recommended)
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh or thawed from frozen
  • 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, roughly crushed

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a thin coating of oil.
  2. Make the Cheese Sauce:
    In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cheddar cheese soup, milk, paprika, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
  3. Assemble the Casserole:
    Place the chicken breasts evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the chicken.
  4. Add Broccoli and Crackers:
    Scatter the broccoli florets evenly over the chicken and sauce. Sprinkle the crushed Ritz crackers on top for that irresistible golden crunch.
  5. Top with Sauce and Cheese:
    Pour the remaining cheese sauce over the casserole. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
  6. Bake:
    Bake uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is cooked through. The cheese should be bubbling, and the topping golden brown.
  7. Serve:
    Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Season with extra salt and pepper to taste, if desired.

Recipe Tips

  • Chicken Thickness Matters:
    If your chicken breasts are much thicker than 1 inch, consider slicing them horizontally or pounding them to an even thickness to ensure they cook through evenly without drying out.
  • Frozen Broccoli?
    No problem! Just thaw it and pat it dry before adding to the dish to prevent excess moisture.
  • Try Chicken Thighs:
    Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and tend to be even juicier than breasts.
  • Customize Your Crunch:
    Swap Ritz crackers for panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes if you prefer a different texture.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this rich and cheesy casserole with:

  • A crisp green salad
  • Garlic mashed potatoes
  • Buttered rice or wild rice pilaf
  • Steamed carrots or green beans

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or reheat the entire dish covered in the oven at 325°F until heated through.

Freezer Friendly: Assemble the casserole ahead (minus the crackers) and freeze for up to 2 months. Add the crackers and bake straight from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to the cook time.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 275 kcal
  • Protein: 27g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 91mg
  • Sodium: 747mg
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Vitamin A: 738 IU
  • Vitamin C: 28mg
  • Calcium: 336mg
  • Iron: 1mg

 

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