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Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole in Oven

This easy chicken broccoli rice casserole in oven is a creamy, cheesy one-dish dinner made with uncooked rice and tender chicken baked together to perfection. It is a true dump and bake comfort meal that saves time while delivering big flavor for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 511
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Protein and Rice Base
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 lean chicken breasts, diced or boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1.25 cups uncooked long grain white rice
  • 2.5 cups low sodium chicken broth
Creamy Sauce
  • 10.5 ounces condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 0.5 cup whole milk
  • 0.5 cup full fat sour cream room temperature
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded divided
Vegetables
  • 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped or frozen baby broccoli florets
Optional Seasonings
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
Buttery Cracker Topping
  • 1 cup crushed buttery crackers
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Spread uncooked rice evenly across the bottom of the dish. Layer diced raw chicken evenly over the rice, then scatter chopped broccoli on top.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together chicken broth, condensed soup, milk, sour cream, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder and thyme until smooth.
  4. Pour the liquid mixture evenly over the rice and chicken. Press ingredients down gently so the rice is fully submerged. Cover tightly with foil to trap steam.
  5. Bake covered for 50 to 55 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  6. Remove foil. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Mix crushed crackers with melted butter and scatter over the cheese.
  7. Bake uncovered for 10 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Seal the foil tightly to ensure the rice cooks properly with steam. If rice is slightly undercooked, add 2 to 3 tablespoons warm broth, reseal, and bake 5 more minutes. Frozen broccoli can be added directly without thawing. For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream or use cauliflower rice with reduced broth.