Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Rice Recipe You’ll Love

This creamy Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Rice recipe is simple to prepare and made from pantry staples—it’s one you’ll likely make again and again.

I don’t often see this on the Cracker Barrel menu anymore, but when I got a craving I decided to recreate it at home last year.

This is classic Southern comfort food—rich, satisfying, and full of flavor. The Old Country Store is one of my favorite places to visit, and this dish captures that homey feel.

It’s creamy, flavorful, and destined to become a family favorite.

If you enjoy this recipe, try my Southern Chicken Stew or Baked Chicken Spaghetti next time.

Groceries you’ll need: Ingredients

See the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities.

Recipe walkthrough: Instructions

Below is a concise overview of the steps. Follow the recipe card at the end for exact measurements.

• Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine chopped chicken tenderloins with cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups. Stir until smooth.
• Step 2: Fold in drained sliced mushrooms, diced onions, garlic salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
• Step 3: Add cold water and incorporate until the mixture is evenly combined.
• Step 4: Lightly grease a casserole dish with oil or cooking spray and arrange whole chicken tenderloins or breasts in a single layer along the bottom.

Step 5: Spoon the soup mixture over the chicken, moving pieces slightly so the gravy reaches between them.
Step 6: Bake uncovered for about 90 minutes, or until the edges bubble and the center turns golden brown.

Serve the chicken and gravy over a bed of rice. Excellent sides include steamed broccoli, green beans, corn, and warm buttermilk biscuits—classic Southern pairings that complete the meal.

Hint: Oven sizes and dish depth vary. Check the center piece of chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 160°F.

Recipe variations and substitute ideas

• Chicken Thighs – Use thigh meat instead of tenderloins for richer flavor.
• Rotisserie Chicken – Shred a cooked rotisserie chicken and fold it in; reduce baking time since the chicken is already cooked.
• Chopped Chicken – Cut some chicken into 1″ pieces and mix into the gravy after baking for easier serving.
• Creole Seasoning – Swap garlic salt for Creole seasoning for a Cajun twist.
• Ritz Crackers – Serve with Ritz crackers for a nostalgic touch.
• Brown or Wild Rice – Substitute long-grain white rice with brown or wild rice as preferred.
• Slow Cooker – This mixture adapts well to a slow cooker for an easy set-and-forget option.
• Chicken Broth – Replace water with chicken broth or stock for added depth.
• Green Onions – Garnish with chopped green onions for color and freshness.
• Sour Cream or Cheddar Soup – Stir in sour cream or use cheddar soup for extra creaminess and flavor.

Sharing is Caring – Like Our Facebook Page

Necessary gear: Equipment

This recipe requires only a casserole dish and mixing bowls. It would also work in a large cast-iron skillet.

The recipe card below notes the dishes I used.

More Cracker Barrel recipes I think you’ll love

• Cracker Barrel Kale Salad- a crisp salad with a hint of sweetness and pepper.

How to store leftovers

Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil.

This dish freezes well—place in a freezer-safe container and keep for up to 3 months.