There is something deeply comforting about sitting down to a warm plate of chicken baked with broccoli and cheddar. At Cracker Barrel, this dish has long been a favorite for its creamy, cheesy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly baked topping. It’s hearty, homestyle, and simple enough to prepare in your own kitchen without much fuss. This recipe recreates that classic restaurant flavor in a way that is family-friendly, budget-friendly, and weeknight-friendly.
Cooking at home gives you the flexibility to adjust ingredients and customize flavor. Maybe you want it a little cheesier, maybe you’d like more broccoli, or perhaps you prefer a crispier cracker topping. All of that is possible with this homemade version. The base remains the same: juicy chicken breasts baked under a blanket of cheddar cheese soup, milk, broccoli, shredded cheddar, and crushed buttery crackers. The final result is golden, bubbling, and irresistibly comforting.
This dish is a perfect example of balance. The protein from chicken makes it filling, the broccoli brings in a healthy vegetable element, and the creamy cheese sauce ties everything together. It works well as a main dish for dinner but can also be served in smaller portions alongside other comforting classics like mashed potatoes, biscuits, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients You Will Need
The ingredient list is straightforward. Most items are pantry or fridge staples, and you won’t have trouble finding them at your local grocery store.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: About one inch thick. If they are too thick, you can slice them in half horizontally. This ensures they cook evenly and absorb the flavor of the sauce.
Cheddar cheese soup: This canned soup is the secret to the rich, creamy sauce that defines the dish. It eliminates the need for making a roux or cheese sauce from scratch, which makes this recipe weeknight-friendly.
Milk: A small splash helps thin out the cheese soup and create a silky texture that coats the chicken and broccoli. Whole milk is best for richness, but you can use 2 percent or even evaporated milk if that’s what you have on hand.
Seasonings: Paprika, salt, and black pepper keep the flavors balanced. Paprika adds warmth and a gentle color boost, while salt and pepper enhance the taste of the cheese and chicken.
Shredded cheddar cheese: This goes into the sauce and also melts over the top of the chicken for extra cheesy goodness. Sharp cheddar is a great choice because it balances out the richness of the soup, but mild cheddar works too.
Broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli is ideal for crispness, but frozen florets can work well if thawed and drained. Avoid broccoli pieces that are too large; cut them into bite-sized florets so that they cook evenly and blend seamlessly with the creamy sauce.
Ritz crackers: Crushed buttery crackers form the golden topping that sets this dish apart. They become crispy in the oven and add a satisfying crunch that balances the creamy sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish lightly with butter or nonstick spray. Place the chicken breasts in the dish in a single layer. If the chicken is extra thick, slice it into thinner cutlets so it cooks through in the same amount of time as the rest of the dish. Sprinkle each piece with salt, pepper, and a touch of paprika.
Make the Cheese Sauce
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cheddar cheese soup with about half a cup of milk. Whisk until smooth. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese. This sauce will be creamy, flavorful, and ready to pour right over the chicken.
Add the Broccoli
Spread the broccoli florets evenly over the chicken breasts in the dish. This ensures that every serving gets plenty of broccoli. If you prefer your broccoli more tender, you can blanch it briefly in boiling water before adding it.
Pour the Sauce
Pour the cheese soup mixture over the chicken and broccoli. Use a spoon to spread it out so everything is covered evenly. The sauce will seep into the bottom of the dish, coating the chicken as it bakes.
Add Extra Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top of the sauce. This gives the dish a cheesy crust that bakes into golden, bubbly perfection.
Cracker Topping
Crush the Ritz crackers by placing them in a resealable bag and pressing down with a rolling pin. You want small crumbs with a little texture. Sprinkle the crushed crackers evenly over the top of the dish. For added flavor, you can drizzle a tablespoon of melted butter over the crackers before baking.
Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The top will be golden brown, the crackers crisp, and the sauce bubbling at the edges.
Rest and Serve
Remove from the oven and let it rest for five minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to settle slightly and makes serving easier. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Serving Ideas
This dish is rich and hearty, so it pairs beautifully with lighter sides. Some options include:
Steamed green beans or asparagus for freshness and crunch.
A simple side salad with vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
Mashed potatoes, which soak up the cheesy sauce and make the meal extra comforting.
Fluffy dinner rolls or biscuits, perfect for dipping into the sauce.
If you prefer a low-carb option, you can serve the chicken over cauliflower rice or alongside roasted vegetables.
Variations to Try
The beauty of this recipe is that it can be adapted in many ways.
Use Monterey Jack or Colby cheese instead of cheddar for a milder flavor.
Add sautéed mushrooms or onions to the broccoli layer for extra depth.
Replace Ritz crackers with panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for a different crunch.
For a little heat, sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes or use pepper jack cheese.
If you want more protein, add cooked bacon bits or diced ham to the cheese sauce.
Why This Recipe Works
This copycat version works because it simplifies the process without sacrificing flavor. Using cheddar cheese soup keeps things creamy and consistent. Adding real shredded cheese ensures gooey richness. Ritz crackers add a nostalgic crunch that ties it together. The result is a homestyle dish that feels both special and familiar, just like the restaurant favorite.
It’s a recipe that fits into a busy lifestyle but still delivers comfort food at its best. Whether you are cooking for your family on a weeknight or preparing something cozy for a Sunday dinner, this dish always satisfies.
Storing and Reheating
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, though the cracker topping will lose some crispness.
This dish can also be frozen. Assemble everything up to the baking step, cover tightly, and freeze for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
Final Thoughts
There is something timeless about the combination of chicken, broccoli, and cheese. It’s a trio that comforts, nourishes, and pleases nearly every palate. This homemade version of Cracker Barrel’s Broccoli Cheddar Chicken is simple enough for beginners but satisfying enough for experienced home cooks. The ingredients are accessible, the steps are easy, and the payoff is a bubbling dish of golden, cheesy comfort.
Serve it for a casual weeknight dinner, a cozy Sunday family meal, or even bring it to a potluck. It’s versatile, reliable, and always well-loved. Each bite offers a balance of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, creamy cheese, and crunchy crackers — a combination that is bound to become a regular feature in your kitchen.