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Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Casserole – Juicy chicken with broccoli and a cheesy sauce topped with buttery Ritz crackers. This family favorite is an easy-to-make casserole much like the one at Cracker Barrel.
I always get excited when I happen to be at Cracker Barrel and they have this chicken and broccoli casserole on the menu. Well this and their lima beans just make this girl happy.
I figured, why not make it at home so I can enjoy it any time? Oh, and I have a lima bean recipe that is drool-worthy, too, y’all!
This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole is a nice wholesome comfort food meal made with chicken and a few other simple ingredients to create a to die for sauce. It’s all oven baked in a casserole dish to make a complete family friendly meal.
I most often serve it with rice (because that is what my family loves with it) and a salad (you know healthy greens to round it off right). If I am feeling really fancy I might make some rolls.
But this can be somewhat lower-carb friendly keep scrolling and I will show you how to swap out some ingredients for that. But no dinner roll for you then ?!
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.
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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.
- 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.
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.
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
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℉.
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Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Soulfully Made is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
©️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 ❤️