Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken

Our copycat Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken is the perfect warm, cheesy casserole. Tender chicken, broccoli, and cheddar cheese, all baked together in a creamy sauce is sure to warm you up from the inside out.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

If you've ever had this casserole at Cracker Barrel, than you know how delicious and filling this main entree is. It's a hearty meal that's classic, home cooking at it's best.

Our copycat cheddar broccoli rice casserole checks all these key elements, and it's an economical meal also!

• Budget friendly. The ingredients are inexpensive and you can easily find them at your local grocery store if you don't already have them in your freezer and pantry.
• Quick and easy to make. Even a beginner cook can make this dish with ease.
• Perfect for any time of year. It's hearty enough to serve on a cold winter day, but it's also light enough to enjoy on a summer night. And because it's so easy to make, it's perfect for busy weeknights.

Jump to:

• Why You Will Love This Recipe
• Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Ingredients
• How to Make Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken
• Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Serving Suggestions
• Related Recipes
• Substitutions and Variations
• Equipment
• Storage and Reheating
• Tips for Success
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Food Safety
• Some Other Recipes We Are Sure You Will Love
• Connect with Smells Like Delish!
• 📖 Recipe

Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Ingredients

This copycat Cracker Barrel broccoli cheddar chicken casserole is also great for freezing. Simply assemble the casserole and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

• Rice - Basmati or any long grain rice.
• Water - To cook the rice if not using pre cooked rice.
• Salt
• Chicken breasts - Cubed or diced into chunks.
• Garlic salt
• Black pepper
• Cream of chicken soup - Two 10.5 oz cans of condensed cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup.
• Milk
• Eggs
• Broccoli - Frozen, microwaved to defrost and heat the broccoli. It will cook in the oven in the casserole. This avoids overcooking the broccoli. If using fresh, cook the broccoli half way before adding to the casserole.
• Cheddar Cheese - Shredded.

Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken

Cook the rice first, and while it's cooking prepare the remaining casserole ingredients.

1. Rinse the rice under cool or cold water for about 30 seconds. Add the water into a 2 quart sauce pan. Add the salt and the rinsed rice to the water in the saucepan.
   
   
2. Bring to a quick boil for 1 minute, cover with a lid. Reduce heat and cook on low for 10 minutes.
   
   
3. Remove from the heat and set COVERED for an additional 10 minutes. Remove cover after 10 minutes, fluff rice. Set aside for later in the recipe.

Cook & Season The Chicken

4. Preheat oven to 350℉. Spray a 9x13" glass casserole dish with non stick cooking spray.
   
   
5. While the rice is cooking, heat a skillet to medium high heat and add the olive oil and the diced chicken. Brown the chicken and mix in the garlic salt and black pepper.

Add Ingredients To Casserole Dish

6. Microwave the broccoli until just until no longer frozen and hot but not cooked, and set aside.
   
   
7. Add the cooked rice, cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, eggs, and milk to a large bowl or the casserole dish.

Mix Together With Broccoli

8. Add the defrosted broccoli and mix everything until combined. Spread out in the 9x13" casserole dish.

Spread Shredded Cheddar On Top

9. Top with the shredded cheddar cheese and bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes.

Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Serving Suggestions

Our copycat Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken is a popular recipe year-round, but it is especially popular during the winter months. This is because it is a warm and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold day.

It is also a great dish to serve for potlucks and parties during the holidays. Some additional sides that go great with this cheddar broccoli rice casserole are:

• Italian Tomato Salad
• Soft Italian Breadsticks
• Golden Beet Salad with Goat Cheese
• TikTok Green Goddess Salad
• Twisted Garlic Herb Bread

Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Related Recipes

• Cracker Barrel Cornbread Recipe
• Creamy Broccoli with Bacon Alfredo
• Bacon Cheddar Ranch Dip
• Lemon Bars with Graham Cracker Crust
• Panda Express Beef and Broccoli

Substitutions and Variations

Here are a few delicious variations when making this cheddar broccoli rice casserole recipe:

• If you want a spicier casserole, you can add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce.
• You can also add other vegetables to this casserole, such as carrots, celery, or mushrooms.
• You can substitute chicken thighs instead of the chicken breasts in this cheddar broccoli rice casserole recipe,

Equipment

Equipment can have a big impact on how a recipe turns out. Below are some of my favorite pieces of equipment that I use when making this cheddar broccoli rice casserole.

• Ceramic 9x13 Casserole Dish

Storage and Reheating

• This casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• To reheat this casserole, simply place it in a baking dish and bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

Tips for Success

• You can any rice you like, even left over rice from a previous meal.
• If you add shredded cheese before baking, don't cover with aluminum foil, as the cheese will stick to it.
• You can bake this cheddar broccoli rice casserole for 25 minutes covered with foil, then remove the foil and add the shredded cheese. Continue baking to melt the cheese for about 5 to 8 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Food Safety

• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat.
• Wash hands after touching raw meat.
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
• Never leave cooking food unattended.
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds.
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove.

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

Some Other Recipes We Are Sure You Will Love

Connect with Smells Like Delish!

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