Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken (Copycat Recipe)

The first time I tasted this creamy, cheesy chicken dish at Cracker Barrel, I immediately knew I needed to recreate it at home. This comforting casserole combines tender chicken breasts, fresh broccoli, and a velvety cheddar sauce topped with buttery crackers. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles on their faces. In less than an hour, you can have this restaurant-favorite on your dinner table, looking and tasting just like the original. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.

Homemade copycat Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Casserole and rice on a brown plate.

What makes the copycat Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken recipe so good?

The magic of this Cracker Barrel copycat lies in its perfect combination of textures and flavors. Juicy chicken provides a hearty base, while the creamy cheese sauce adds richness that balances beautifully with the fresh broccoli. The buttery Ritz cracker topping creates that signature golden crunch that makes this dish irresistible. Best of all, it transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Here’s a list of what you need:

  • Chicken Breasts – Forms the protein foundation of this dish, remaining juicy under the cheese sauce
  • Cheddar Cheese Soup Mix – Creates the creamy, cheesy base that permeates the entire dish
  • Whole Milk – Adds richness and helps achieve the perfect consistency in the cheese sauce
  • Ritz Crackers – Provides the signature buttery, crunchy topping that Cracker Barrel is known for
  • Butter – Binds the cracker topping and adds rich flavor throughout
  • Frozen Broccoli – Adds color, nutrition, and texture that complements the creamy elements
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Creates the perfect melty topping and enhances the cheesy flavor
  • Seasoned Salt – Perfectly seasons the chicken and ties all flavors together
Ingredients for homemade copycat Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Casserole .

How to Make Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken

  1. Preheat the oven. Spray non-stick spray into a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
  2. Prepare the Cheddar cheese soup according to the directions on the can.
  3. Place chicken breasts in the prepared casserole dish.
  4. Sprinkle seasoned salt on the chicken.
  5. Pour ¾ of the prepared soup cheese mixture over the chicken breasts.
  6. Add broccoli to the chicken that has been covered with the cheddar soup.
  7. Melt butter and combine with crushed Ritz crackers. Sprinkle buttered crackers over the broccoli.
Homemade copycat Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Casserole in a blue baking dish.
  1. Add remaining cheesy sauce and bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for approximately 45 minutes or until the chicken is done.
  2. Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
Homemade copycat Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Casserole and rice on a brown plate.

Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken (Copycat Recipe)

Recreate Cracker Barrel's famous cheesy chicken casserole at home with this easy copycat recipe. Tender chicken, broccoli, and a crispy cracker topping make this the ultimate comfort food!
4.97 from 26 votes
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Broccoli Cheddar Chicken, Cracker Barrel Recipes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 1354kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 pounds chicken breasts 4 portions, boneless and skinless
  • 1 can cheddar cheese soup 10.25 ounces
  • 1 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 1/2 cups Ritz Crackers crushed
  • 4 tablespoons melted butter
  • 8 ounces broccoli frozen
  • 4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Make can of Cheddar cheese soup mix according to package directions (one can of soup mix to one can of milk). Place chicken breasts in a 9 by 13-inch baking dish. Season the chicken with seasoned salt. Pour 3/4 of the prepared soup over the chicken breasts. 
  • Add broccoli to chicken that has been covered with the cheddar soup. Melt butter and combine with Ritz crackers, sprinkle buttered crackers over the broccoli. Add remaining soup mix, and bake for approximately 45 minutes or until the chicken is done. (Check chicken by cutting the thickest part and look to see that the chicken is uniform in color). When the chicken has been removed from oven sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.

Video

Notes

For maximum flavor, consider marinating your chicken breasts in a simple brine (salt water solution) for 30 minutes before assembling the casserole. This ensures juicy, well-seasoned chicken throughout. If using fresh broccoli instead of frozen, blanch it for 2 minutes before adding to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking.

Nutrition

Calories: 1354kcal | Carbohydrates: 91g | Protein: 86g | Fat: 67g | Saturated Fat: 30g | Cholesterol: 281mg | Sodium: 5234mg | Potassium: 4924mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 4360IU | Vitamin C: 54mg | Calcium: 636mg | Iron: 2.7mg

Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Casserole is a dish you don’t want to miss. This is the perfect dish to sneak in some broccoli for your family. I like to bring this dish to a family potluck, the dish always comes back empty.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freezer: This casserole freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

Reheating: For best results, reheat in the microwave in 1-2 minute increments until fully heated through. To restore some crispness to the topping, place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes after microwaving.

Homemade copycat Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Casserole on top of rice on a plate.

Do you love Cracker Barrel? Try these copycat recipes!

Be sure to check out more of my chicken recipes for dinner and the best Cracker Barrel copycat recipes.

About Stephanie Manley

Hi there! I’m Stephanie Manley, the creator behind CopyKat.com — and a passionate advocate for helping home cooks recreate restaurant-style meals at home.

Since 1995, I've been on a mission to help you enjoy your favorite restaurant flavors from the comfort of your kitchen. Whether you're craving a classic Olive Garden soup, a local diner favorite, or a long-lost menu item you still think about, you’ll find everything you need here.

How It All Started

My journey began in college when dining out was a treat, and my budget was tight. Instead of giving up my favorite meals, I started learning how to recreate them myself.
What began as a few handwritten recipes eventually grew into CopyKat.com, one of the internet’s longest-running and most trusted sources for copycat recipes.

Today, CopyKat has helped millions of home cooks save money, customize their meals, and rediscover their favorite flavors.

Beyond CopyKat: Vintage-Recipes.com and GameDayEats.com

My passion for food extends beyond restaurant recreations! I also founded two additional websites:

Vintage-Recipes.com: A nostalgic journey through the classic recipes many of us grew up loving.

GameDayEats.com: Bold, crowd-pleasing recipes perfect for football parties, tailgates, and all your favorite game day traditions.

Wherever you’re cooking — from everyday dinners to special celebrations — I'm here to make it easier, tastier, and more fun.

Books and Media Features

I’m the author of two cookbooks, CopyKat.com Dining Out in the Home I and CopyKat.com Dining Out in the Home II, where I share even more beloved restaurant recipes made simple for the home cook.

My work has been featured across major media outlets, including MSN, Parade Magazine, The The Washington Times, Newsweek, and many more.
You can see more of my media appearances and professional work on my Muck Rack profile.

Professional Experience

In addition to running my websites, I am an experienced recipe developer, digital strategist, video creator, and podcast host.
I create content for a vibrant community across YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram, helping millions of people cook smarter and eat better every day.

You can also learn more about my background in content strategy, community building, and online entrepreneurship on my LinkedIn profile.

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If you love saving money, mastering restaurant-style recipes, diving into vintage dishes, or hosting unforgettable game day feasts, you’re in the right place.

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Thanks so much for visiting — I can’t wait to cook with you!

— Stephanie

Stephanie is the author of CopyKat.com's Dining Out in the Home, and CopyKat.com's Dining Out in the Home 2.

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