Cracker Barrel Chicken Casserole

Bring back the beloved comfort of Cracker Barrel’s legendary Chicken Casserole with this homemade version that captures every bit of the original’s soul-warming goodness! This hearty dish combines tender, seasoned chicken in a rich, creamy sauce topped with golden, buttery cornbread crumbs that create the perfect textural contrast. Though Cracker Barrel removed this fan favorite from their menu, you can now recreate this quintessential American comfort food at home. It is ideal for cozy family dinners, potluck gatherings, or any time you need a satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug.

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What Made Cracker Barrel’s Chicken Casserole So Special?

Cracker Barrel’s Chicken Casserole earned its legendary status by perfectly balancing creamy, savory filling with a distinctive cornbread topping that provided both flavor and textural interest. Unlike typical casseroles that can become heavy or one-dimensional, this dish showcased the restaurant’s Southern-inspired approach to comfort food. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and that signature cornbread crumb topping created a meal that satisfied multiple generations around the same table.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to exceptional chicken casserole lies in building layers of flavor and maintaining proper moisture throughout the cooking process. The cornbread topping isn’t just decoration; it’s an integral component that absorbs flavors from the creamy base while providing delightful textural contrast. Using the right cooking techniques ensures the chicken stays tender and juicy despite multiple heating stages, while the cream-based sauce creates a luxurious foundation that binds all elements together harmoniously.

Ingredients

For the Cornbread Topping:

• Yellow cornmeal – Provides the distinctive corn flavor and slightly coarse texture essential for authentic cornbread
• All-purpose flour – Creates structure and helps bind the cornbread while providing tender crumb
• Baking powder – Provides primary leavening for light, fluffy cornbread texture
• Baking soda – works with buttermilk’s acidity to create additional lift and tender texture
• Granulated sugar – Adds subtle sweetness that balances corn’s natural flavors
• Salt – Enhances all flavors and strengthens gluten structure in the cornbread
• Vegetable oil – Keeps cornbread moist and creates a tender crumb texture
• Buttermilk – Provides tanginess and reacts with leavening agents for superior texture
• Large egg – Binds ingredients and adds richness to the cornbread
• Butter – Mixed with crumbs to create a rich, golden topping that crisps beautifully

For the Chicken Filling:

• Chicken breast or thighs – Provides the protein base; thighs offer more flavor and moisture retention
• Yellow onion – Adds aromatic sweetness and depth to the creamy base
• Celery – Contributes classic poultry seasoning flavor and subtle crunch
• Fresh ground black pepper – Adds warmth and aromatic complexity to the filling
• Cream of chicken soup – Creates the rich, creamy base that defines this casserole
• Chicken broth – provides savory depth and helps achieve proper consistency
• Butter – Used for sautéing vegetables and enriching the overall flavor
• Salt – Enhances natural flavors and balances the creamy richness

How to Make Cracker Barrel Chicken Casserole

1. If using raw chicken breast, bake it until it is done.
2. Mix cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, salt, oil, buttermilk, and egg until smooth.
3. Pour into a greased baking pan or skillet and bake at 375 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes until done.
4. Remove the cornbread from the oven and let it cool completely.
5. Crumble cooled cornbread and place crumbs in a mixing bowl.
   

   

6. Add melted butter to the crumbs and mix well.
7. Cut cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
8. Melt butter in a saucepan on medium-low heat.
9. Add onions and celery. Sauté until transparent, stirring occasionally.
10. Add chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended and soup is completely dissolved.
11. Add chicken, stir, and cook until the mixture reaches a low simmer.
    

    

12. Simmer for 5 minutes then remove it from the heat.
13. Place chicken mixture in a buttered casserole dish or individual casserole dishes.
14. Spoon cornbread crumbs on top of the chicken mixture.
    

    

15. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

• Freezing: You can freeze an assembled but unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
• Make-Ahead Storage: Assemble the casserole without the cornbread topping and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Add the topping just before baking to prevent sogginess.
• Leftover Storage: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in the original casserole dish.
• Reheating Method: Bring to room temperature, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to crisp the topping.

Love Cracker Barrel? Try these copycat recipes!

• Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Casserole
• Egg Casserole with Ham
• Glazed Baby Carrots
• Meatloaf Recipe with Crackers
• Sunday Chicken

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You can find many more easy casserole recipes and copycat Cracker Barrel recipes here on CopyKat.com!

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