Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Recipe

Cracker Barrel’s Broccoli Cheddar Chicken is a beloved comfort food dish that combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a rich, creamy broccoli and cheddar cheese sauce. This recipe captures the essence of Southern home cooking — hearty, flavorful, and satisfying — making it a favorite for those seeking a wholesome yet indulgent meal.

At its core, this dish highlights the harmonious pairing of chicken and cheese, elevated by the vibrant green broccoli that adds texture, color, and a nutritious boost. The cheddar cheese sauce is luscious and velvety, enveloping the chicken and broccoli in a warm embrace of flavor. It’s a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special.

One reason this dish resonates so deeply is its versatility. It can be served as a main course alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or fresh bread, or it can be adapted for a lighter meal with steamed vegetables or a crisp salad. Whether you’re recreating the beloved Cracker Barrel experience at home or seeking a reliable recipe for weeknight dinners, this broccoli cheddar chicken recipe offers both comfort and elegance.

Beyond flavor, this dish is approachable and adaptable. It invites home cooks of all skill levels to experiment with ingredient variations — swapping out cheeses, incorporating additional spices, or even adding breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping. The process teaches fundamental cooking techniques such as sautéing, making cheese sauces, and baking, which are essential skills in any kitchen.

In this extensive guide, you will find detailed instructions for selecting the best ingredients, preparing the broccoli cheddar sauce from scratch, cooking the chicken to tender perfection, and assembling the dish for optimal flavor and presentation. Additionally, you’ll discover tips for making the recipe healthier, ideas for side dishes, and suggestions for customizing it to suit dietary preferences.

Whether you’re aiming to impress guests or simply enjoy a cozy meal at home, this comprehensive exploration of Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken will equip you with everything you need to create this classic dish with confidence and flair.

Detailed Instructions for Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken

Step 1: Selecting and Preparing the Chicken Breasts

Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts of similar size to ensure even cooking. If the breasts are very thick, consider butterflying them (slicing horizontally without cutting all the way through) or pounding them lightly to an even thickness of about ¾ inch. This helps the chicken cook uniformly and stay tender.

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This allows the seasoning and sauce to cling better.

Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, and a touch of garlic powder for added depth of flavor.

Step 2: Preparing the Broccoli

Use fresh broccoli florets for the best texture and flavor. Cut the broccoli into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniformity for even cooking.

Blanch the broccoli briefly in boiling salted water for about 2 minutes, then immediately transfer it to an ice bath (a bowl of ice water) to stop the cooking process and preserve its vibrant green color. Drain well and set aside.

Alternatively, you can steam the broccoli until just tender but still crisp, which is also excellent.

Step 3: Making the Cheddar Cheese Sauce

The cheese sauce is the heart of this dish, creamy and flavorful. Start by preparing a roux:

1. In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.

2. Once melted and bubbling, whisk in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste and create a smooth paste.

Gradually whisk in 2 cups of whole milk (warm or room temperature) a little at a time, ensuring the mixture remains smooth and lump-free.

Continue to cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.

Reduce heat to low and slowly add 1½ to 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and fully incorporated.

Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for a subtle warmth that enhances the cheese flavor.

If desired, add a small amount of Dijon mustard or Worcestershire sauce for complexity.

Step 4: Cooking the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter.

Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and almost cooked through. The internal temperature should reach around 150°F (65°C) as the chicken will finish cooking in the oven.

Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 5: Assembling the Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of the cheddar cheese sauce on the bottom.

Arrange the seared chicken breasts in the dish, then spoon the blanched broccoli evenly over the chicken.

Pour the remaining cheese sauce generously over the top, ensuring each piece is well coated.

Step 6: Baking

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C) and the sauce is bubbling.

For a golden, bubbly finish, optionally sprinkle extra shredded cheddar cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Step 7: Resting and Serving

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

Serve the broccoli cheddar chicken hot, accompanied by mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the luscious sauce.