Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Casserole: A Cozy Family Favorite for Any Occasion
Every time I think about the comforting experience of dining at Cracker Barrel, my heart warms at the memories of savory dishes, the laughter of family, and the welcoming aromas that filled the air. One dish that stands out in my mind is the Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Casserole. This recipe is not just a meal; it’s a heartfelt reminder of family gatherings and cozy nights at home. With its creamy texture, vibrant green broccoli, and melty cheddar cheese, this casserole is a true indulgent treat that beckons everyone to the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons why this Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Casserole will become a beloved staple in your home:
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Quick Family Meal: With a total preparation and cooking time of under an hour, it’s perfect for weeknights when you need something hearty and satisfying without spending all evening in the kitchen.
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Brings Families Together: This dish is made for sharing. Whether it’s a weekday dinner or a festive occasion, gathering around a warm casserole brings everyone closer.
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Comforting and Indulgent: With layers of flavors from cheesy goodness and tender chicken, it’s the kind of meal that wraps you in a hug on a cold night.
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Versatile and Fun: You can easily customize this homemade recipe to suit your family’s tastes, making it a great canvas for your culinary creativity.
Ingredients with Notes
Here’s what you will need to create this comforting dish:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken: Store-bought rotisserie chicken works beautifully if you’re in a rush.
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen): Fresh broccoli adds a vibrant crunch, while frozen can save you prep time.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: This gives the casserole its creamy base and depth; you can substitute it with homemade cream of mushroom soup for an earthy twist.
- 1 cup sour cream: For tanginess; feel free to use Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar enhances flavor, but feel free to mix in mozzarella for extra stretch.
- 1 cup cooked rice or pasta: Incorporates heartiness — choose brown rice for a healthier twist, or egg noodles for nostalgia.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Fresh minced garlic can infuse more depth if preferred.
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: Crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs for an added crunch.
Prep and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
This quick assembly means you can easily whip this dish up after a long day and still enjoy a leisurely family dinner.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
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Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for your casserole.
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Prepare the chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, broccoli florets, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until well combined.
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Create the creamy mixture: In another bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. This will be your luscious sauce.
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Combine everything: Gently fold the creamy mixture into the chicken and broccoli. If you’re adding rice or pasta, now’s the time! Mix until everything is evenly coated in that rich sauce. You’ll notice the sauce thickening beautifully.
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Transfer to a baking dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish, spreading it evenly.
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Top it off: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top. Don’t be shy; more cheese means more happiness!
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Bake: Place your casserole in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until it’s golden and bubbling. This is when your kitchen will start smelling incredible!
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Serve: Once baked, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes. Enjoy the comforting warmth as you serve each generous helping!
Tips and Variations
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Healthier Swaps: Use quinoa instead of rice for a nutritious boost. You can also add more vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for flavor and color.
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Herb Infusion: Fresh thyme or parsley sprinkled on top before serving can elevate the flavors and add a pop of color.
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Flavor Upgrades: Add a touch of Dijon mustard or even some hot sauce to the creamy mixture for an unexpected zing!
Serving Ideas
Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Casserole is perfect for cozy family dinners. Pair it with a simple green salad or some crusty garlic bread to make your meal complete. It’s also a fantastic dish to serve during the holidays or a potluck, providing warmth and comfort that everyone will appreciate. Maybe even consider a glass of crisp white wine to complement the richness of the casserole!
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. This dish also freezes beautifully! Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
Chef’s Pro Tips
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Season the chicken: If using rotisserie chicken, be sure to taste for seasoning before adding extra salt and pepper.
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Rest before serving: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes once out of the oven to allow it to set for easier serving.
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Garnish smartly: Save some cheese or herbs for the top to elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise.
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Don’t skip the baking: Allowing it to bake in the oven transforms the flavors beautifully, melding everything into a perfect casserole.
FAQs
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Can I substitute the chicken? Absolutely! You can use turkey or even make it vegetarian by using chickpeas or lentils.
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What if I’m gluten-free? Use gluten-free rice or pasta and ensure your soup is gluten-free as well.
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How do I serve a smaller crowd? Halve the recipe and use a smaller baking dish, or freeze half for another day!
Conclusion
I hope this Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Casserole recipe finds a warm spot on your dinner table, bringing joy and comfort not just to your meal, but to your hearts as well. Make it your own, share it with loved ones, and bask in the happiness it brings. Each bite is a reminder that home-cooked meals create lasting memories, one casserole at a time. Enjoy the journey of cooking and the love that comes with it!
Contents
Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken Store-bought rotisserie chicken works well for convenience.
- 2 cups broccoli florets Fresh or frozen; fresh adds crunch, while frozen saves prep time.
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz) Substitute with homemade cream of mushroom soup for variation.
- 1 cup sour cream Use Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Sharp cheddar enhances flavor, or mix in mozzarella for extra stretch.
- 1 cup cooked rice or pasta Choose brown rice for health benefits or egg noodles for nostalgia.
- 1 tsp garlic powder Fresh minced garlic can be used for more depth of flavor.
- to taste none salt
- to taste none pepper
Optional Toppings
- as desired none crispy fried onions For added crunch.
- as desired none breadcrumbs Sprinkle on top before baking if desired.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, broccoli florets, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese to create a creamy sauce.
- Gently fold the creamy mixture into the chicken and broccoli mixture. If adding rice or pasta, include it now and mix until everything is evenly coated.
Baking
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until golden and bubbling.
Serving
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy warm, paired with a green salad or garlic bread.