Cracker Barrel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

This Cracker Barrel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe is a bubbling, golden-brown classic—the exact dish I crave when I need a hearty, no-fuss dinner that pleases the whole crowd. A perfect combo of tender shredded chicken, fluffy grains of rice, and a rich, savory cream sauce baked under a blanket of melted sharp cheddar, it is a timeless masterpiece of home-style cooking. Ideally the rice should be cooked in chicken broth rather than water before mixing to infuse every grain with savory depth right from the start.

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Cracker Barrel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked long-grain white rice (about 1 cup uncooked)
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp paprika (for color)
• Cooking spray

How To Make Cracker Barrel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy serving.
2. Create the Cream Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, milk, diced onion, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
3. Combine Main Ingredients: Fold the cooked rice and shredded chicken into the soup mixture. Stir gently until every grain of rice and piece of chicken is thoroughly coated in the creamy sauce.
4. First Cheese Layer: Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese into the mixture. This ensures there are pockets of melted cheese throughout the casserole, not just on top.
5. Assemble: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out into an even layer using a spatula.
6. Top and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top. Dust lightly with paprika. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling hot and the cheese is melted and slightly golden around the edges.
7. Rest: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This allows the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve neat squares.

Recipe Tips

• Sauté the Onions: While the original recipe often calls for raw onions, sautéing them in a little butter for 5 minutes before adding them to the mix removes the raw crunch and adds a sweeter flavor profile.
• Rice Consistency: Use “day-old” or slightly cooled rice. Fresh, hot rice can become mushy when baked again in the sauce. If cooking fresh, rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process before mixing.
• Chicken Choice: A rotisserie chicken is perfect here. The mix of dark and light meat adds moisture and flavor that prevents the casserole from tasting dry.
• Add Some Crunch: For a texture contrast, you can top the cheese with crushed cornflakes or Ritz crackers mixed with butter during the last 10 minutes of baking.

What To Serve With Cracker Barrel Chicken Rice Casserole

Casserole accompaniments are simple, fresh additions frequently served to balance the rich, heavy texture of the cheese and cream sauce. Ideally the green beans should be steamed until tender-crisp to provide a fresh, snappy contrast to the soft, comforting casserole.

• Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus
• Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders (if feeding a large crowd)
• Warm yeast rolls or cornbread muffins
• A light garden salad with vinaigrette

How To Store Cracker Barrel Chicken Rice Casserole

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days.
• Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or place the dish back in the oven at 350 degrees F covered with foil for 15 minutes to prevent the cheese from burning.
• Freeze: This casserole freezes well before or after baking. If freezing, wrap tightly in foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Cracker Barrel Chicken Rice Casserole Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 480 kcal (per serving)
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Protein: 26g
• Fat: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g

Nutrition information is estimated per serving based on 6 servings.

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