Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken & Broccoli Recipe: 5 Ways

Welcome to the delightful world of home cooking where we bring the classic taste of Chicken & Broccoli from Cracker Barrel right into your kitchen. This iconic dish, known for its rich flavors and comforting appeal, can now be replicated at home with our easy-to-follow recipes. Whether you're a fan of Cracker Barrel's famous recipes or just looking for a tasty meal to share with your family, these five variations will ensure you never have to miss out on that Southern comfort food vibe.

Cracker Barrel-Style Chicken & Broccoli: The Classic

This recipe aims to capture the essence of Cracker Barrel’s Chicken & Broccoli dish with a homemade twist. Here’s how you can recreate it:

• Chicken: Begin with bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts for a richer taste.
• Broccoli: Use fresh broccoli florets for the best texture and flavor.
• Sauce: Combine cream of chicken soup with milk, Dijon mustard, and black pepper for that creamy goodness.

Here are the steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then bake for about 30 minutes or until nearly cooked through.
3. Blanch broccoli florets for 2 minutes, then shock in ice water to preserve the bright color.
4. Mix the sauce ingredients together in a bowl.
5. Layer the broccoli over the partially cooked chicken, pour the sauce over, and return to the oven for an additional 20-25 minutes.
6. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.

🍗 Note: Using bone-in chicken retains moisture better and adds flavor, but you can use boneless chicken if preferred.

Vegan Chicken & Broccoli

If you’re avoiding meat but still crave the comforting texture and flavors, this vegan version might just become your new favorite. Here’s the recipe:

• Vegan 'Chicken': Use plant-based chicken substitutes or marinated tofu for a protein source.
• Vegan Sauce: Cream of mushroom soup can be replaced with a mixture of cashew cream, nutritional yeast, and vegetable broth.

Steps to follow:

1. Prepare your vegan 'chicken' by cooking or baking until golden.
2. Blanch and shock the broccoli as in the classic version.
3. Create the sauce by blending soaked cashews with vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, garlic, lemon juice, and seasonings.
4. Combine the 'chicken', broccoli, and sauce in a casserole dish.
5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes.

🌱 Note: For the best flavor, let the vegan 'chicken' marinate for at least an hour with lemon juice, garlic, and herbs.

One-Pot Chicken & Broccoli

This variation is perfect for those seeking simplicity and fewer dishes to wash:

• Preparation: Everything cooks together in one pot or skillet.

Here’s how to do it:

1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, sear seasoned chicken breasts or thighs.
2. Remove the chicken, add onions and garlic, sauté until translucent.
3. Add broccoli, chicken, and a blend of spices (e.g., thyme, garlic powder, smoked paprika).
4. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, then simmer covered until the chicken is fully cooked and the broccoli is tender.
5. Thicken with a bit of cornstarch slurry if needed.

🥘 Note: Ensure the skillet or pot has a tight-fitting lid to keep in the moisture for this method.

Crockpot Chicken & Broccoli

For those days when you want a meal waiting for you when you come home, try this slow cooker version:

• Equipment: Use a 6-quart slow cooker for this recipe.

Follow these steps:

1. Place seasoned chicken pieces, broccoli, and a can of cream of chicken soup in the crockpot.
2. Season with salt, pepper, and optional herbs like thyme or rosemary.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
4. If desired, top with shredded cheddar cheese in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

🔥 Note: For an extra creamy texture, stir in a little heavy cream at the end of cooking.

Low-Carb Chicken & Broccoli Casserole

Catering to keto or low-carb diets, this version maintains the heartiness with a cauliflower base:

• Base: Substitute the traditional casserole base with cauliflower rice.

Here's what you do:

1. Steam cauliflower florets until tender, then rice them with a food processor or grater.
2. Season chicken, bake or sauté until cooked, and then set aside.
3. Mix riced cauliflower with heavy cream, cream cheese, and seasonings in a casserole dish.
4. Layer with broccoli, cooked chicken, and a creamy cheese sauce.
5. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until everything is heated through and slightly golden on top.

Let's wrap up our journey through the flavors of Cracker Barrel's Chicken & Broccoli with these five incredible variations. Each method brings its unique touch to the table, from the classic oven-baked version to the convenience of a slow cooker, the simplicity of a one-pot meal, the health-conscious vegan and low-carb adaptations, and everything in between. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or just for yourself, these recipes offer a comforting and delicious meal that can be tailored to your dietary preferences. So, the next time you're craving that Cracker Barrel taste, know that you have these homemade options to choose from, each promising the warmth and satisfaction of home cooking.

Can I use frozen broccoli for these recipes?

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Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, though it might release more water. Add it in later stages of cooking to retain texture.

How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

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Create a cornstarch slurry with a tablespoon of cornstarch and equal parts cold water, then stir into the sauce until thickened.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream in the low-carb version?

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Yes, you can use coconut cream or full-fat yogurt as alternatives to heavy cream to keep it low-carb.