Cracker Barrel Inspired Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe

(Updated April 3, 2024 with more ideas!)
Welcome to my kitchen, where we bring you a fabulous copycat recipe of the Cracker Barrel Chicken Broccoli Chicken Casserole. This recipe is a family favorite and a perfect dish for any night of the week. It’s an easy meal that’s a delicious comfort food, especially on a chilly day. Big plus my busy friends, we are using rotisserie chicken and canned Alfredo sauce!

Have we met?

Well, hey there! Have we met yet? I’m Pamela List, the heart and soul behind the recipes and ramblings on this cozy corner of the internet. Around here, I’m all about whipping up scrumptious meals, and nothing tickles me more than hearing my husband and boys sing praises about my cooking!

A few moons back, I honed my culinary skills at the legendary Westlake Culinary Institute. It was a culinary haven, frequented by renowned chefs, including the illustrious Julia Child! But, let me tell you, the real magic happened in the kitchens of my Southern grandparents and my beloved Mexican granny. Those family cooking sessions, filled with love and laughter, truly shaped my culinary journey.

Creating recipes for Momma Can is more than just mixing ingredients; it’s a dance of practice, taste, and a sprinkle of soul. So, I’m tickled pink you’ve dropped by. Stick around for a heaping helping of cooking fun, a dash of homemaking inspiration, and a whole lot of heart. Welcome to my little slice of deliciousness on the web!

Super Easy Recipe 

Kind of Like Cracker Barrel Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Today, I’m thrilled to share with you a recipe that’s close to my heart and just perfect for those bustling family evenings – my take on the Cracker Barrel Inspired Chicken Broccoli Casserole. Now, y’all know how much I cherish a good casserole dish. It’s like a warm hug on a plate, especially when it’s inspired by a favorite restaurant meal. I still remember the cozy comfort I felt digging into that broccoli casserole at Cracker Barrel. But, darlin’, I’ve added a little twist to mine – tender, chopped rotisserie chicken. It’s a busy family’s dream come true! This addition transforms the dish into a hearty, all-in-one meal that’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters at your table. Imagine tender broccoli and succulent chicken, all enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce, and topped with a crispy, buttery cracker crust. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that’s just divine. And the best part? It’s so darn easy to make, leaving you more time to spend with your loved ones around the dinner table.

So, grab your apron, and let’s make some casserole magic together. This Chicken Broccoli Casserole is not just a dish; it’s a memory in the making. I can’t wait for you to try it and bring a piece of this southern comfort into your home. Let’s get cooking!

You Will Love This Cheesy Chicken Brocoli Casserole Recipe

Oh, my goodness, let me count the reasons why you’re going to absolutely adore this Chicken Broccoli Casserole! It’s the kind of dish that just wraps you up in a big, warm culinary hug.

First off, it’s comfort food at its bestt. The combination of tender chicken and broccoli, smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce, and topped with that buttery cracker crunch – it’s like a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite.

Secondly, it’s incredibly convenient for those busy days. Using rotisserie chicken is a smart shortcut that saves time without skimping on flavor. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want a home-cooked meal but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

And then, there’s the versatility. This casserole is a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re feeding your family on a weeknight or entertaining guests. It’s just as suitable for a cozy family dinner as it is for a potluck or gathering.

Lastly, it’s a wonderful way to sneak in some veggies for the little ones (and even the adults who might be a bit veggie-shy). The broccoli is not just healthy, but it absorbs all the flavors, making it irresistible. And who doesn’t love buttery crackers and some good shredded cheese!

In short, this Chicken Broccoli Casserole is like a little piece of home on a plate. It’s warm, it’s satisfying, and it’s made with a whole lot of love. Once you try it, I’m sure it’ll become a cherished recipe in your own kitchen!

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Broccoli Creamy Casserole

This yummy recipe has many shortcuts for busy families on the go!  

• Rotisserie chicken, skin and bones removed, chopped into bite sized pieces or shredded, your preference. 
• 16 oz frozen broccoli florets
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup, I use the Pacific brand; it tastes so good and has real ingredients. (prepared soup)
• 1 jar of Alfredo sauce (use your favorite)
• 1 8oz package of shredded cheddar ( or your favorite shredded cheese)
• Crush Ritz Crackers, about two sleeves
• Butter or olive oil if you are not on team butter, but butter is actually better in this recipe. You can use vegan butter, it works great. 

​Before we get to making the recipe, let’s learn how to blanch the broccoli!

Blanch

To blanch your broccoli florets, you’ll want to bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt for flavor. Toss in your broccoli florets and let them swim in there for about 2-3 minutes, just until they’re bright green and tender but still crisp. You don’t want them to lose their spirit. Then, quickly scoop them out and plunge them into ice-cold water. This stops the cooking process and keeps them vibrant and crunchy.

Microwave 

For microwaving frozen broccoli, simplicity is key. Place your frozen florets in a microwave-safe dish – no need to thaw. Sprinkle a bit of water over them, just a tablespoon or so. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small corner open for steam to escape. Microwave on high for about 3-5 minutes. Timing might vary depending on your microwave and how crunchy you like your broccoli. Give them a little stir halfway through to ensure even cooking. And there you have it, steamed broccoli in a snap!

How To Make Cracker Barrel Inspired Chicken Broccoli Casserole

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 
2. Prepare the frozen broccoli, blanch, steam or microwave.   
3. In a large skillet, add Alfredo Sauce, Cream of Mushroom Soup, and One Can of water, chopped chicken, half of the cheddar cheese, and the steamed or blanched broccoli florets.
4. Melt butter and combine with crushed Ritz crackers. 
5. Stir the skillet with broccoli, cheesy sauce, and chicken well, ensuring even distribution of the broccoli and chicken throughout the dish. If the creamy cheese sauce has cooked down, add 3/4 water or milk so that dish remains moist before the next step. 
6. Top with cracker mix and back in Oven until the cracker topping is golden brown.
7. Remove from oven and add the remaining cheese as desired. 

Serve it hot!  

Recipe Variations for Casserole

Tex-Mex Twist: For a zesty change, mix in a teaspoon of taco seasoning to the Alfredo sauce and cream of mushroom soup mixture. Top the casserole with crushed tortilla chips instead of Ritz crackers, and swap the cheddar cheese for a blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream.

Italian Flair: Give it an Italian touch by adding a teaspoon of Italian seasoning and a handful of chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce. Replace the Ritz crackers with a mix of crushed garlic croutons and Parmesan cheese for a crispy, golden topping. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh basil.

Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and double the broccoli, or add other veggies like cauliflower, carrots, and bell peppers. Use a creamy mushroom or vegetable soup instead of the cream of mushroom soup for a delightful vegetarian dish.

Substitute Ingredients

• Cream of Mushroom – Use your favorite broccoli cheese soup or cheddar cheese soup. 
• Rotisserie Chicken – Use shredded or cubed white chicken breast, who doesn’t love juicy white chicken meat?

Serve It Up!

This recipe is a copycat cracker barrel broccoli cheddar chicken recipe, so serve it with some cornbread and sliced vine-ripened tomatoes. Or a good hunk of buttery garlic bread and a green salad!   Some folks love to serve alongside a heaping cup of egg noodles, it’s perfect with the creamy sauce!

Other Recipes To Try

I love creating fun and easy recipes! I also love hunting down new ideas, so add a comment if you have something you would love but need a cheaper or easier version of the recipe to make!

Broccoli Apple Pecan Salad with Honey Dressing

20 Main Dish Casserole Dinner Recipes {Darn Good}

Southern Yellow Squash Casserole Recipe

Spicy Taco Hascbrown Casserole with Rotisserie Chicken

Please Comment 

Y’all, I can’t wait to hear how this recipe turns out for you! Please leave a comment below with your thoughts and experiences, or rate the recipe to let me know how much you loved it – your feedback is the icing on my baking cake, and it helps other home chefs too!

Save the Recipe Card Below On Pinterest or Print! 

Don’t forget to save and share this recipe on Facebook and pin it on Pinterest, y’all! It’s a great way to help other busy moms and home chefs discover this delightful dish and bring a taste of comfort to their tables too.