Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Casserole is a creamy, comforting one-pan meal that perfectly encapsulates the rustic, home-cooked charm of Southern dining. Ideally the Ritz crackers should be crushed into coarse crumbs and tossed with melted butter to ensure the topping becomes a golden, shatteringly crisp contrast to the rich cheese sauce.
Jump to RecipeCracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Casserole Recipe Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
- 1 lb fresh broccoli florets, lightly steamed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1.5 cups Ritz crackers (about 1 sleeve), crushed
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
How To Make Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- Mix the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir in 1.5 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Combine the Main Ingredients: Gently fold the cooked chicken and the steamed broccoli florets into the creamy sauce mixture. Ensure the broccoli is well-coated to prevent it from drying out in the oven.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle the buttered cracker crumbs over the cheese layer. Bake in the center of the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the cracker topping is deep golden brown.
- Rest: Allow the casserole to sit for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly, making it easier to scoop.
Recipe Tips
- Steam the Broccoli: Do not put raw broccoli in the casserole; it won’t cook through in 30 minutes. Lightly steam it for just 3 to 4 minutes until it is bright green and “fork-tender” before adding it to the mix.
- Cheese Quality: For the most authentic Cracker Barrel flavor, use a “Sharp” or “Extra Sharp” cheddar. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but grating your own from a block results in a much smoother, creamier melt.
- Chicken Shortcuts: Using a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store is a fantastic time-saver that adds great flavor and a tender texture to the dish.
- Cracker Crunch: If you don’t have Ritz crackers, butter-flavored club crackers or even Panko breadcrumbs mixed with a little extra salt can serve as a suitable substitute.
What To Serve With Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Casserole
Casserole accompaniments are hearty, simple additions frequently served alongside creamy dishes to create a complete country-style dinner. Ideally the corn muffins should be baked until their edges are slightly browned and served warm with a pat of honey butter to complement the savory cheddar sauce.
- Warm buttermilk biscuits or sweet corn muffins
- A side of mashed potatoes with white gravy
- A crisp garden salad with buttermilk ranch dressing
- Cracker Barrel Hummus (as a starter) or simple pickled beets
How To Store Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Casserole
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: To keep the cracker topping from becoming too soft, reheat portions in the oven at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes. A microwave can be used for speed, but the topping will lose its crunch.
- Freeze: You can freeze the unbaked casserole (without the cracker topping) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, add the fresh buttered crackers, and bake as directed.
Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Casserole Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 420 kcal (per serving)
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
Nutrition information is estimated per serving based on 6 servings.
FAQs
Yes. If using frozen broccoli, thaw it completely and squeeze out all excess moisture with a paper towel before adding it to the sauce. If it’s too wet, the casserole will become watery.
Absolutely. If you want a more filling meal, stir in 2 cups of cooked white or brown rice along with the chicken and broccoli. You may need to add an extra 1/4 cup of milk if the mixture looks too dry.
This sometimes happens if the oven is too hot or if you use low-fat sour cream. Use full-fat ingredients for the best, most stable emulsion.
Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Casserole
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings15
minutes30
minutes420
kcalA copycat version of the Southern classic featuring a creamy cheese sauce, tender chicken, and a buttery Ritz cracker crust.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs cooked chicken
1 lb steamed broccoli
10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
1.5 cups crushed Ritz crackers
4 tbsp melted butter
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 dish.
- Combine soup, sour cream, spices, and 1.5 cups of cheese in a bowl.
- Stir in the cooked chicken and steamed broccoli.
- Pour the mixture into the baking dish and top with remaining cheese.
- Mix melted butter with cracker crumbs and sprinkle over the top.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the topping is golden.
- Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a lower-sodium version, use a “healthy request” or low-sodium cream of chicken soup.
- Adding a dash of hot sauce to the creamy mixture adds a nice depth without making it “spicy.”
- This is an excellent “make-ahead” meal for busy weeknights.
