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 ?!
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How to make Cheddar Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
- Start with boneless skinless chicken breast tenderloins. I like using these they are nice and tender, just the right size. You can certainly use the breasts you have at home and cut them in half or into thirds depending on the size. Sprinkle them with salt and pepper.
- Cheesy Mixture - In a bowl combine cheddar cheese soup, a cheddar Colby blend of cheese, milk, paprika, garlic powder, and some crushed crackers. Pour half of the mixture on the chicken.
- Top with the broccoli florets.
- Then pour the half other cheese mixture on top.
- Top it off with the remaining crushed Ritz crackers and cheese. The pour the melted butter on top (you can omit the butter if you like and it is still delish).
How Can I make this Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Casserole recipe keto or low carb friendly?
- Substitute heavy cream for the milk.
- Leave the crackers out of the mixture.
- Leave the crackers off the top and use a little extra shredded cheese.
- You can replace the crackers on top with crushed pork rinds to give it a crunch.
- You can also add a ½ cup of sour cream or 4 ounces of softened cream cheese to the cheesy mixture. It will change the flavor a bit and give it more tang but is delicious.
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
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Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast tenderloins
- ½ teaspoon salt, (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 10.5 ounce can cheddar cheese soup
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic
- 1.5 cup Cheddar and Colby Jack Cheese Blend, divided
- 8 ounces frozen broccoli florets, (frozen and thawed or fresh)
- 2 cups Ritz crackers, crushed, divided, (about 1 ½ sleeves)
- 3 teaspoon butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Place in the bottom of a large casserole dish. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine milk, cheddar soup, 1 cup shredded cheese, ½ cup crushed crackers, paprika and garlic powder. Add in broccoli and ½ sleeve of crushed crackers. Pour mixture over chicken.
- Pour half the cheese mixture over the chicken. Then distribute the broccoli over the top. Pour remaining cheese mixture on top of broccoli.
- Sprinkle 1 sleeve (1.5 cups) of crushed crackers over the top and ½ cup of shredded cheese. Pour melted butter over the top
- Bake for 45 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked.
Kathy Bateman says
I am planning on making this tonight. Do I need to cover the dish while it is in the oven?
Nikki Lee says
No it does not need to be covered.
Amy Nash says
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!
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
Casseroles are such comfort food right! I am with you! I love that crunchy topping too!
Jennifer Ann Stewart says
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!
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
Thank you Jennifer! It's def a dish that will warm you up!
Erin says
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!
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
Thank you Erin! Easy casseroles are on my weeknight menu often as they are so easy and pack a lot of flavor.
Julie Menghini says
This comfort food casserole sounds amazing and it looks easy enough to make after a long day of work!
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
Thank you Julie! It is a super easy one to throw together after a long day!
Kathleen Pope says
My family is going to love this dish! All the feel good ingredients that should be in comfort food!
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
I hope they do enjoy it Kathleen! It's one my family loves.
Katrina Michael says
Can’t wait to make this!
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
Thank you Katrina! Enjoy ❤️