Cracker Barrel Chicken Rice
Cracker Barrel Chicken Rice is a comforting, hearty dish that brings together tender chicken, creamy rice, and flavorful broth in one delicious meal. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe recreates the warm, homey flavors you love from Cracker Barrel, right in your own kitchen. It’s the perfect meal for a cozy weeknight dinner, and it’s easily customizable to suit your taste.
Equipment
- 1 Large skillet
- 1 cutting board
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 stirring spoon
- 1 lid for skillet
- 1 meat thermometer (optional)
- 1 microwave-safe container (for reheating)
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
- 3 cups chicken broth low-sodium preferred
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Optional garnish:
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. (Use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 165°F.) Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Sauté Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Cook the Rice:
- Add the rice to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir to coat the rice in the butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast the rice. This step enhances the flavor.
Add Broth and Cream:
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed most of the liquid and is tender.
Combine Chicken and Rice:
- While the rice is cooking, cut the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Once the rice is tender, add the chicken back into the skillet and stir to combine. Let everything simmer together for 5 more minutes.
Serve:
- Taste the dish and adjust seasoning if necessary with more salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- Substituting Chicken: You can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a juicier and more flavorful option. You can also use shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
- Make It Dairy-Free: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk, and use dairy-free butter to make this dish dairy-free.
- Add Veggies: Add vegetables like peas, carrots, or green beans for extra nutrition and flavor. You can stir them in during the final few minutes of cooking.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a bit more broth or cream if it needs to be refreshed.