This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Looking for a cheesy, comforting dinner the whole family will love? This Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Casserole is a Cracker Barrel copycat classic, made easy with simple pantry and freezer staples. Creamy, hearty, and topped with buttery Ritz crackers, it’s the kind of meal that disappears fast around the table.
I can’t help but think of this casserole as one of my weeknight lifesavers. It’s built from the kind of things I always keep around: chicken in the freezer, broccoli (frozen or fresh), and a sleeve of Ritz crackers in the pantry.
For years, this was one of those dishes we’d make sure to grab at Cracker Barrel on Wednesdays when it hit the menu, so of course I had to recreate those same cozy flavors at home. After plenty of testing, I landed on the perfect sauce combination to bring out that signature Cracker Barrel taste: creamy, cheesy, and seasoned just right.
The best part? Nobody at the table has to know it came together so quickly. They just see the cheesy layers and that golden cracker topping, and it feels like you put way more effort in than you did.
Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Chicken Casserole
- Cheesy Comfort: Creamy sauce, melty cheese, and buttery Ritz cracker topping make this a true comfort food classic.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will dig in — chicken, broccoli, and cheese is a winning combo.
- Easy to Make: Simple prep with pantry staples and freezer items; just layer, bake, and serve.
- Copycat Favorite: Inspired by Cracker Barrel’s version, but made fresher at home.
Cheesy Chicken Casserole Ingredients
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast tenderloins or cutlets cook up tender and juicy, just like the restaurant version.
- Broccoli: Use frozen florets (thawed and drained) or lightly steamed fresh broccoli.
- Cheddar Cheese Soup: The base that makes this casserole extra creamy and restaurant-style.
- Shredded Cheese: Sharp Cheddar melts perfectly for that signature Cracker Barrel flavor.
- Ritz Crackers: Crushed for the golden, buttery topping everyone expects.
- Butter: Melted and drizzled over the crushed crackers so they bake up crisp and rich.
- Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess and helps the sauce bind everything together.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper round out the flavor.
How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
Step 1. Prep the Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly spray the bottom of a 9×13 casserole dish with cooking spray.
Step 2. Layer the Chicken
Arrange the chicken tenderloins (or cutlets) in a single layer in the dish and season with salt and pepper.
Step 3. Add the Broccoli
Nestle the broccoli florets around the chicken so they’re evenly distributed.
Step 4. Mix the Sauce
In a large bowl, stir together the milk, cheddar cheese soup, 1 cup shredded cheese, ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
Step 5. Assemble the Casserole
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli, then sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top.
Step 6. Top with Crackers
Scatter the remaining crushed Ritz crackers over the casserole and drizzle melted butter evenly across the top.
Step 7. Bake
Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
Step 8. Serve
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Scoop and enjoy warm with all that cheesy sauce and buttery cracker topping.
Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe Variations
Keep in mind, these changes will change the flavor, and it will be different from that Copycat Cracker Barrel Casserole you find on their Wednesday menu.
Want to Save this Recipe?
Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get great new recipes from us every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Soulfully Made.
- Swap broccoli with a medley of vegetables, such as cauliflower or green beans.
- Use cream of chicken or mushroom soup if you don’t have cheddar soup.
- Try a different cheese blend, such as Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, mild cheddar, or even pepper jack, to add a nice twist.
- For a lighter option, use reduced-fat cheese and milk.
- You can also add a 1/2 cup of sour cream or 4 ounces of softened cream cheese to the cheesy mixture. It will change the flavor slightly and add more tang, but it’s still delicious.
How Can I Make This Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Casserole Recipe Keto or Low-Carb Friendly?
To make this casserole lower in carbs, skip the Ritz cracker topping and replace it with crushed pork rinds or a mixture of almond flour and shredded parmesan for crunch. Use heavy cream or half-and-half in place of the milk, and check the label on your condensed soup or swap it for a homemade keto-friendly cheese sauce.
What to Serve With Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Casserole
This cheesy chicken casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but pairing it with a few simple sides makes it a full comfort-food meal. Here are some favorites:
- Rice or Mashed Potatoes: Spoon the creamy chicken and broccoli right over fluffy white rice, rice pilaf, or buttery mashed potatoes for an extra touch of comfort.
- Fresh Salad: A crisp garden salad or Caesar salad balances out the richness.
- Bread or Rolls: Garlic toast, breadsticks, or soft dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the cheesy sauce.
- Southern-Style Sides: Try it with lima beans, collard greens, or fried okra for a true Southern supper.
- Vegetables: Roasted carrots, green beans, or sautéed zucchini are options if you want another vegetable.
Storing Leftover Cheesy Chicken Casserole
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
Freezer: For best results, freeze the casserole before baking. Assemble as directed,(I prefer to put the cracker and butter topping on right before baking) cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed.
After Baking: You can freeze leftovers, but the cracker topping may soften. Reheat in the oven to help crisp it back up.
Other Casserole Recipes you May Enjoy!
- Baked Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
- Pineapple Casserole
- Ground Beef and Sausage Casserole
- Ground Beef and Doritos Casserole
- Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Broccoli Cheddar
Click Stars To Rate
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast cutlets - (or tenderloins)
- ½ to 1 teaspoon salt - (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup whole milk
- 10.5 ounce cheddar cheese soup - (I use Campbell's)
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese - divided
- 10 ounces frozen broccoli florets - (frozen and thawed)
- 2 sleeves Ritz crackers - crushed, divided
- 3 teaspoons butter - melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉. Lightly spray the bottom of a 9 X 13 casserole dish with cooking spray.
- Place the chicken at the bottom of a large casserole dish and season it with salt and pepper.
- Add the broccoli and evenly distribute it around the chicken, nestling it in.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, cheddar soup, 1 cup of shredded cheese, ½ cup of crushed crackers, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken and broccoli.
- Next, add the remaining shredded cheese over the top, and then sprinkle the crushed crackers over the cheese.
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the crackers.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165℉.
Want to Save this Recipe?
Enter your email below & we’ll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get great new recipes from us every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Soulfully Made.
I am planning on making this tonight. Do I need to cover the dish while it is in the oven?
No it does not need to be covered.
When I was a kid I would ask for this as my birthday dinner! I love a good casserole! The crackers on top are my favorite part!
Casseroles are such comfort food right! I am with you! I love that crunchy topping too!
With all the cold weather we have been having, I am making this on a weekly basis. The ultimate comfort food, that the whole family loves, and is so easy to make!
Thank you Jennifer! It’s def a dish that will warm you up!
You have just made our weeknight meals SO easy with this casserole! My girls, husband and I all love these flavors, and we will be making this on repeat!
Thank you Erin! Easy casseroles are on my weeknight menu often as they are so easy and pack a lot of flavor.
This comfort food casserole sounds amazing and it looks easy enough to make after a long day of work!
Thank you Julie! It is a super easy one to throw together after a long day!
My family is going to love this dish! All the feel good ingredients that should be in comfort food!
I hope they do enjoy it Kathleen! It’s one my family loves.
Can’t wait to make this!
Thank you Katrina! Enjoy ❤️