This Cracker Barrel Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe is a cheesy, warming casserole that embodies the heart of Southern comfort food. A perfect combo of tender shredded chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant broccoli florets swimming in a rich cheddar sauce and topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust, it is a dish that feels like a hug on a plate. Ideally the broccoli should be steamed just until vibrant green before mixing to ensure it retains a slight bite within the rich, soft texture of the casserole.
Jump to RecipeCracker Barrel Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked long-grain white rice (about 1 cup uncooked)
- 1.5 lbs cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 lb fresh broccoli florets, chopped bite-sized
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
How To Make Cracker Barrel Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or a little butter.
- Prepare the Veggies: Steam the broccoli florets for 3 to 4 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender but not mushy. Drain well to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
- Make the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Combine the Base: Add the cooked rice, shredded chicken, and steamed broccoli to the bowl with the cheese sauce. Fold everything together gently until the ingredients are evenly coated.
- Assemble: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
- Create the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Sprinkle this buttery crumb mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
- Bake: Place the dish in the center of the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You want the sauce to be bubbling around the edges and the cracker topping to be a deep golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to set slightly before scooping into bowls.
Recipe Tips
- Rice Texture: Day-old rice works exceptionally well in this recipe as it holds its shape better than freshly cooked rice, which can sometimes get mushy in the sauce.
- Cheese Matters: Use a block of sharp cheddar and grate it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce slightly grainy rather than smooth and creamy.
- Rotisserie Hack: To save time, use a rotisserie chicken. The seasoned skin and tender dark meat add an extra layer of savory flavor that plain boiled chicken lacks.
- Broccoli Sizing: Cut the broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces. Large florets can be difficult to eat and may not cook as evenly within the casserole.
What To Serve With Cracker Barrel Chicken Broccoli Rice
Casserole accompaniments are simple, wholesome additions frequently served to round out a hearty one-dish meal. Ideally the biscuits should be served piping hot with honey or apple butter to complement the savory, salty notes of the cheese sauce.
- Warm buttermilk biscuits or corn muffins
- A side of glazed baby carrots
- A fresh garden salad with buttermilk ranch
- Sweet iced tea or lemonade
How To Store Cracker Barrel Chicken Broccoli Rice
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the entire dish back in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes. Note that the cracker topping will soften in the fridge.
- Freeze: You can freeze the baked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.
Cracker Barrel Chicken Broccoli Rice Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 450 kcal (per serving)
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
Nutrition information is estimated per serving based on 6 servings.
FAQs
Yes, brown rice adds a lovely nutty flavor and extra fiber. Just ensure the rice is fully cooked before adding it to the casserole, as it won’t cook much further in the oven.
Absolutely. Thaw the frozen broccoli completely and squeeze out as much water as possible with paper towels before adding it to the mix to avoid a watery sauce.
If you prefer not to use canned soup, you can make a simple white sauce (béchamel) with butter, flour, and chicken broth, seasoned with salt and poultry seasoning.
Cracker Barrel Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings15
minutes30
minutes450
kcalA hearty and cheesy Southern casserole filled with chicken, rice, and broccoli, topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked rice
1.5 lbs cooked chicken
1 lb broccoli florets
1 can cream of chicken soup
2 cups cheddar cheese
1 cup Ritz crackers
Sour cream, milk, butter, spices
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a baking dish.
- Steam broccoli until tender-crisp.
- Whisk soup, milk, sour cream, spices, and half the cheese.
- Combine sauce with rice, chicken, and broccoli.
- Spread in dish and top with remaining cheese.
- Sprinkle with buttered cracker crumbs.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Notes
- For a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
- You can swap the Ritz crackers for crushed cornflakes for a different texture.
- Ensure the chicken is shredded into bite-sized pieces for easier eating.
