Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken
Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken is a comforting and easy-to-make dinner featuring tender boneless chicken breasts, vibrant steamed broccoli, and a luscious sharp cheddar cheese sauce. Perfect for weeknights, this dish combines simple ingredients for a cheesy, creamy meal that appeals to the whole family with balanced flavors and quick prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Searing, Steaming
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free flour used)
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
- Onion powder, to taste
Vegetables
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
Cheddar Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter (divided, plus extra for roux)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to build a well-rounded flavor base.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside, keeping it warm.
- Steam the Broccoli: While the chicken cooks, lightly steam the broccoli florets until just tender but still bright green and crisp to maintain their vibrant color and fresh flavor.
- Make the Cheddar Sauce: In the same skillet, melt additional butter. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about a minute. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly until the sauce thickens and is smooth. Reduce heat, then stir in sharp cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Combine and Bake: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet or transfer to a baking dish. Top evenly with steamed broccoli and pour the cheddar sauce over the entire dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes until bubbly and heated through.
Notes
- Use a meat mallet to pound chicken breasts for even thickness and consistent cooking.
- Steam broccoli briefly to keep texture crisp and prevent mushiness.
- Sharp cheddar cheese works best, but combining with Monterey Jack can add extra meltiness.
- Use fresh broccoli and good-quality cheese for best flavor and texture.
- Let chicken rest after searing to keep it juicy and tender.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: Cracker Barrel, Broccoli Cheddar Chicken, cheesy chicken, broccoli recipe, comfort food, weeknight dinner, easy dinner, gluten free option