Broccoli Cheddar Chicken (Cracker Barrel Copycat)

Introduction: A Cracker Barrel Classic You Can Make at Home

If there’s one dish that defines Cracker Barrel’s comfort food reputation, it’s their Broccoli Cheddar Chicken. Warm, cheesy, and soul-soothing, this dish brings together tender chicken breasts, perfectly cooked broccoli florets, and a velvety cheddar cheese sauce that’s poured generously over the whole thing. It’s the kind of meal that instantly feels like home.

Cracker Barrel’s menu has long been a favorite for fans of Southern-style cuisine. From chicken and dumplings to country fried steak, each dish embodies traditional flavors, rich sauces, and hearty portions. Yet among all the dishes, Broccoli Cheddar Chicken has a unique place in the hearts of many. It combines the lean, wholesome protein of chicken with the goodness of vegetables and wraps it all in an indulgent cheese sauce — a perfect storm of taste, texture, and nostalgia.

But what if you could enjoy the same comforting flavor without leaving your kitchen?

This article provides a Cracker Barrel copycat Broccoli Cheddar Chicken recipe that replicates the original while giving you flexibility to tweak it for health or preference. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a chilly evening or preparing a delicious weekend treat, this recipe will leave everyone satisfied and coming back for seconds.

In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through:

The background and inspiration behind the dish
A complete list of ingredients (including possible substitutes)
Step-by-step cooking instructions
Tips to make it lighter or gluten-free
Storage and reheating advice
Serving suggestions and variations
And finally, a heartwarming conclusion to tie it all together

Let’s dive into a Cracker Barrel-inspired comfort dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-good.

The Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Chicken (Cracker Barrel Copycat)

🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness)
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
Salt and black pepper (to taste)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for browning the chicken, optional)

For the Broccoli and Cheese Sauce:

2 cups fresh broccoli florets (blanched or steamed until just tender)
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups whole milk (or half-and-half for richer sauce)
1 cup heavy cream (or use all milk if preferred)
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (optional for extra meltiness)
Salt and pepper to taste
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, adds depth)
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
⅛ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, just a pinch)
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)

For the Topping:

½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (extra for melting on top)
½ cup buttery cracker crumbs (Ritz style) or breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon melted butter

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Preheat Oven to 375°F (190°C).
Season Chicken Breasts: Pat the chicken breasts dry using a paper towel. Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
Optional Flour Coating: Lightly dust the chicken with flour. This helps create a light crust and thickens the sauce slightly later.
Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter. Sear the chicken breasts for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. They do not need to be cooked through at this point.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Arrange the seared chicken in a lightly greased 9×13 baking dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli

While the chicken sears, steam or blanch the broccoli until bright green and just fork-tender. You don’t want it mushy, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
Drain and set aside the broccoli.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

Melt Butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Whisk in Flour to make a roux. Let it cook for 1–2 minutes until golden and bubbling. This removes the raw flour taste.
Slowly Add Milk and Cream: Gradually pour in the milk and cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Let it thicken, about 3–5 minutes.
Season the Sauce: Add garlic powder, mustard (if using), salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir to combine.
Add Cheese: Turn off the heat and stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella. Stir until melted and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

Layer the Broccoli: Evenly spread the steamed broccoli florets over the seared chicken breasts in the baking dish.
Pour the Cheese Sauce: Generously pour the warm cheese sauce over the chicken and broccoli, ensuring everything is covered.

Step 5: Add the Topping

In a small bowl, mix cracker crumbs with melted butter until combined.
Sprinkle cheese (the remaining ½ cup) over the top, then add the cracker crumb mixture.

Step 6: Bake

Cover with Foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove Foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the topping is golden brown.
Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This Broccoli Cheddar Chicken is rich and comforting, so consider pairing it with:

Mashed potatoes or creamy garlic cauliflower mash
Buttered egg noodles or rice pilaf
A fresh green salad with vinaigrette
Steamed carrots or green beans
Garlic bread or a warm biscuit

Tips and Variations

✅ Make It Healthier

Use low-fat milk and cheese to reduce calories.
Skip the cracker topping or use whole-wheat breadcrumbs.
Replace cream with evaporated milk for a lighter sauce.

🔄 Add Variety

Swap broccoli for cauliflower, spinach, or peas.
Add bacon bits or caramelized onions for extra depth.
Stir in cooked rice or quinoa before baking to make it a casserole.

🌾 Make It Gluten-Free

Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
Ensure your crackers (or use crushed GF cornflakes) are gluten-free.

🧊 Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave in 1-minute bursts.
You can freeze the dish before baking. Thaw overnight and bake as instructed.

Conclusion: A Southern Comfort Dish Made Simple

Few dishes feel as cozy and satisfying as a warm plate of Broccoli Cheddar Chicken, especially when it’s inspired by the beloved Cracker Barrel classic. With its tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and luscious cheese sauce, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and wholesome. It’s a one-dish wonder that brings comfort to the table without demanding hours in the kitchen.

This homemade version allows you to control ingredients, customize flavors, and enjoy all the richness of the original with the added joy of a home-cooked meal. Whether you’re recreating a nostalgic favorite or introducing your family to a new comfort food staple, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the perfect medley of chicken, cheese, and vegetables in a dish that’s every bit as satisfying as the Cracker Barrel original. You might just find it becomes a regular on your dinner rotation — and perhaps, even better than the one at the restaurant.

Bon appétit and happy cooking!