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Cracker Barrel Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Let’s talk about the Cracker Barrel Chicken Broccoli Casserole, such a fulfilling dish packed with savory goodness.

This recipe combines tender chicken, broccoli, and a rich, cheesy sauce that’s baked to perfection.

The key to nailing this is to cook the broccoli just enough ahead of time, so it stays vibrant and crisp before baking.

I love how the gooey cheese brings everything together with just the right amount of indulgence.

For an added crunch, sprinkle some crushed crackers on top before popping it in the oven.

Enough talk, let’s do this!

cracker barrel chicken broccoli casserole recipe feat

How to Make Cracker Barrel Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs Chicken Breasts
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Ground Black Pepper
  • 2 cups Broccoli Florets
  • 1 can Cheddar Cheese Soup (10.5 oz.)
  • 1 cup Milk
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2:

Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

Arrange them neatly in the prepared baking dish.

Step 3:

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cheddar cheese soup, milk, sour cream, and garlic powder until smooth and well-blended.

Pour half of this mixture over the chicken.

Step 4:

Scatter the broccoli florets across the layer of soup mixture.

Ensure they are evenly distributed for balanced flavor.

Step 5:

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese over the broccoli and chicken.

Pour the remaining soup mixture over everything.

Step 6:

Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the casserole is bubbly.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

cracker barrel chicken broccoli casserole with sour cream

Use Fresh Broccoli:

Fresh broccoli florets will give you the best texture and flavor for this dish, but frozen can work in a pinch.

Just remember to thaw and drain them well before adding.

Let It Rest:

Once out of the oven, let your casserole sit for about 10 minutes.

This helps it set up nicely, so each piece maintains its shape when served.

Add a Crunchy Topping:

Try topping your casserole with a bit of crispy fried onions or buttery crushed crackers before baking for a fun twist.

It adds an enjoyable layer of texture that you and your family will love.

What to Serve with Cracker Barrel Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Classic Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes make an excellent side for chicken broccoli casserole!

The creamy texture of mashed potatoes pairs wonderfully with the rich and cheesy casserole.

Try adding a bit of garlic or a sprinkle of cheese to your potatoes to enhance the flavors further.

Buttery Green Beans

A side of green beans provides a fresh, crisp contrast to your meal!

You can quickly blanch them or sauté them with a bit of butter and garlic.

This light and easy addition ensures your plate offers both nutrition and variety.

Riced Cauliflower

Looking for a low-carb option?

Riced cauliflower is a fantastic choice to serve with your casserole!

Season it with a bit of lemon or herbs to give it a delightful flavor without overwhelming the dish.

Grilled Asparagus

For a flavor that stands out, try serving grilled asparagus alongside your casserole!

A quick toss with olive oil, salt, and a dash of pepper before grilling gives it a perfect taste.

This option offers a unique, vibrant taste that complements the chicken and cheese beautifully.

Herbed Couscous

For a more adventurous choice, a side of herbed couscous can be delightful.

Its light texture and subtle flavors make it a great companion to the casserole dish.

Add fresh herbs like parsley or mint to bring a pop of freshness to your meal.

Variations and Substitutions

Cheese Choices

You might want to try different types of cheese besides the classic cheddar.

I’ve seen tasty results with Monterey Jack or a sharp white cheddar which bring a nice twist!

Adding in some mozzarella can add a delightful melting texture, too.

Soup Base

Traditional recipes often include a can of cheddar cheese soup.

You could substitute with cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup if you prefer a deeper flavor profile.

It’s a simple swap that still keeps the richness in the dish.

Vegetables

Feel free to experiment by adding more veggies to the casserole!

Try mixing in sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or even some baby spinach.

These additions bring more color and nutrition to your meal without much extra effort.

Chicken Alternatives

Instead of using the usual chicken breast, why not try chicken thighs for a richer flavor?

For a quick vegetarian option, omit the chicken and use extra veggies or tofu.

These substitutions keep the meal delicious while fitting different tastes.

How to Store Leftover Cracker Barrel Chicken Broccoli Casserole

When you’re faced with leftover Cracker Barrel Chicken Broccoli Casserole, proper storage is key to keeping it fresh and tasty!

It’s essential to let the casserole cool down before storing it, which helps prevent condensation and sogginess.

Transfer the casserole into an airtight container, which will help preserve its flavors and prevent any odors from the fridge.

Fridge Storage

If you plan to eat the leftovers within a few days, keep them in the refrigerator.

This casserole should be good to go for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge, keeping its taste and texture intact.

Using a shallow container can speed up cooling, which is a cool hack if you’re in a hurry.

Freezer Storage

For long-term storage, consider the freezer option.

Divide the casserole into individual portions before freezing, making it easy to grab just what you need later.

Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a zipper-lock freezer bag.

Labeling Tips

When you’ve stored your casserole, don’t forget to slap on a label!

Write down the date it went in the fridge or freezer to keep track of its freshness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Chicken

You’ll want to make sure not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry and tough.

I find using a meat thermometer to check for a temperature of 165°F helps prevent this issue.

Cook the chicken just right to keep it juicy and delicious!

Neglecting to Drain Broccoli

If you forget to drain the broccoli thoroughly, your casserole might turn out watery.

Properly drain the broccoli after cooking or steaming to avoid excess moisture.

Taking care of this step ensures a creamy and rich dish!

Skipping Seasoning

Skipping the seasoning can leave your dish bland and less flavorful.

Don’t be shy with the spices; add salt, pepper, and any other favorite seasonings.

Seasoning is key to bringing out all the delicious flavors in your casserole!

cracker barrel chicken broccoli casserole recipe feat

Cracker Barrel Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe

This recipe combines tender chicken, broccoli, and a rich, cheesy sauce that’s baked to perfection.
The key to nailing this dish is to cook the broccoli just enough, so it stays vibrant and crisp before baking.
I love how the gooey cheese brings everything together with just the right amount of indulgence.
For an added crunch, sprinkle some crushed crackers on top before popping it in the oven.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Dinner
Servings 4 people
Ingredients
  
  • 2 lbs Chicken Breasts
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Ground Black Pepper
  • 2 cups Broccoli Florets
  • 1 can Cheddar Cheese Soup 10.5 oz.
  • 1 cup Milk
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese shredded
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
Instructions
 
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  • Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
  • Arrange them neatly in the prepared baking dish.
  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cheddar cheese soup, milk, sour cream, and garlic powder until smooth and well-blended.
  • Pour half of this mixture over the chicken.
  • Scatter the broccoli florets across the layer of soup mixture.
  • Ensure they are evenly distributed for balanced flavor.
  • Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese over the broccoli and chicken.
  • Pour the remaining soup mixture over everything.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the casserole is bubbly.

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Passionate chef, in love with everything related to food and cooking it to perfection!
Michael Cook
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