Easy Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Recipe

If you’ve ever savored the comforting flavors of Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken, you know it’s a true crowd-pleaser that combines tender chicken breasts with creamy broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese in one delicious, hearty dish. This easy Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken recipe replicates that beloved experience right in your own kitchen, perfect for busy weeknights or anytime comfort food cravings strike. Its perfect blend of simple ingredients and cheesy goodness ensures the whole family will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simplified comfort: This recipe captures all the rich, savory tastes of your favorite restaurant dish without complicated steps.
• Quick preparation: Ready in under 30 minutes, it makes weeknight dinners a breeze.
• Family-friendly flavors: Broccoli and cheddar create a deliciously creamy combo that both kids and adults love.
• Nutritious ingredients: Balanced with protein-packed chicken and wholesome veggies for a satisfying meal.
• Customizable: Easy to tweak for dietary preferences or to add your favorite extras.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to delivering both the flavor and texture we expect from this Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken. Each element plays a role—from juicy chicken breasts that soak up the cheesy broccoli sauce to sharp cheddar that adds a rich, melt-in-your-mouth finish.

• Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, they provide the tender protein base.
• Broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen, they add vibrant color and a mild crunch.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Grated for a rich, creamy cheese sauce that brings everything together.
• Butter and garlic: For sautéing, infusing warmth and depth to the dish.
• Heavy cream or half-and-half: Creates the luscious, velvety sauce coating the chicken and broccoli.
• Flour: Used to thicken the sauce just right.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the natural flavors.

Variations for Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken

This easy Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken recipe is a perfect base to personalize. Whether you want to switch things up for dietary reasons or just experiment with new flavors, these variations make it easy and fun to customize your dish.

• Low-carb swap: Replace flour with almond flour or coconut flour for a keto-friendly version.
• Added protein: Boost the dish with cooked bacon bits or shredded rotisserie chicken for extra flavor.
• Veggie boost: Toss in mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for more vegetable variety and color.
• Dairy-free version: Use coconut cream and vegan cheddar cheese alternatives to keep it creamy.
• Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.

How to Make Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning your boneless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet with some butter over medium heat, and cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides and cooked through. Remove and set aside to rest, ensuring juicy, tender bites in the final dish.

Step 2: Cook the Broccoli

In the same skillet, add a touch more butter and sauté fresh or thawed broccoli florets until just tender but still vibrant and bright green. This slight crispness balances the creamy sauce perfectly.

Step 3: Make the Cheddar Sauce

Sprinkle flour over the broccoli and stir to coat. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly, allowing the sauce to thicken. Once it’s smooth and creamy, reduce heat and stir in grated sharp cheddar cheese until melted and luscious.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the cheesy broccoli sauce. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes so the flavors meld beautifully. This stage helps the chicken soak up some extra creamy goodness.

Pro Tips for Making Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken

• Use sharp cheddar: For maximum flavor, pick a strong sharp cheddar instead of mild cheese.
• Don’t overcook the chicken: Slightly undercook your chicken breasts before adding sauce to prevent dryness.
• Fresh broccoli is best: While frozen works, fresh broccoli gives a better texture and taste.
• Constant stirring: Stir the sauce continuously when adding cream and cheese to avoid lumps.
• Let it rest: Allow the dish to sit a few minutes off the heat before serving so flavors intensify.

How to Serve Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions adds a lively green pop and fresh aroma that complements the creamy cheddar sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with buttery mashed potatoes, a side of rice pilaf, or even warm crusty bread to soak up every bit of that cheesy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the chicken over a bed of garlic-infused pasta for an elevated meal, or place individual portions in ramekins and bake lightly for a gratin-inspired dish with golden tops.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled leftovers into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep freshness and flavor intact.

Freezing

This Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken freezes well; portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a covered skillet or microwave to avoid drying out the chicken, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well if thawed and drained properly to avoid excess moisture, though fresh broccoli will give a better texture.

What type of cheddar cheese is best?

A sharp cheddar cheese offers the best flavor punch and melts smoothly into the sauce, making your dish extra creamy and tangy.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Using heavy cream and cheese fits keto guidelines, but to keep it low-carb, swap the flour for a keto-friendly thickener like almond flour.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Definitely! Substitute the butter with olive oil, use coconut cream in place of heavy cream, and try a dairy-free cheese alternative for a similar creamy texture.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Cook chicken breasts until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) or until juices run clear when pierced with a fork.

Final Thoughts

This easy Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken recipe is one you’ll turn to time and again. The blend of creamy cheese sauce, tender chicken, and fresh broccoli creates a warm, satisfying meal that’s simple to make but feels special on the table. Why not whip it up tonight and enjoy a taste of homemade comfort that everyone will adore?

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