Easy Lemon Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

If you're a home cook looking for a healthy and hearty family meal, look no further than Lemon Chicken and Rice Casserole. This dish combines tender chicken, nutritious vegetables, and flavorful rice all in one comforting casserole. Perfect for family dinners, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.

Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to make this tasty Lemon Chicken and Rice Casserole:

Chicken Breasts – 4 boneless, skinless
Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons
Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
Onion – 1 large, diced
Bell Pepper – 1, diced
Carrots – 2 medium, sliced
Broccoli Florets – 2 cups
Uncooked Rice – 1 cup (preferably long-grain or basmati)
Chicken Broth – 2 cups
Lemon Juice – 1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
Lemon Zest – 1 tablespoon
Salt – 1 teaspoon
Pepper – 1/2 teaspoon
Paprika – 1/2 teaspoon
Parsley – 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Preparation Steps

Prepare the Chicken:

Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.

Cut the Vegetables:

Dice the onion and bell pepper.
Slice the carrots and chop the broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces.
Mince the garlic.

Preheat your Oven:

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to preheat.

Cook the Rice:

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice absorbs the broth.

Assembly

Layer the Ingredients:

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the garlic, onion, bell pepper, and carrots, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the broccoli florets and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Spread the cooked rice evenly in the bottom of a large casserole dish.
Place the sautéed vegetables on top of the rice layer.
Arrange the chicken breasts on top of the vegetables.

Add the Lemon Flavor:

Drizzle the lemon juice over the chicken and vegetables.
Sprinkle the lemon zest evenly over the top.

Cooking Instructions

Cover and Bake:

Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil.
Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Check for Doneness:

After 25 minutes, check the chicken for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
If the chicken is cooked through, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the top to brown slightly.

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes:
Serve this casserole with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Crusty bread or dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the delicious juices.
Presentation:
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for an added burst of color and flavor.
Serve directly from the casserole dish for a rustic, homey feel.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers:
Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place the leftover casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil.
Heat for 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.
Alternatively, microwave individual portions on high for 2-3 minutes.

Health Benefits

This Lemon Chicken and Rice Casserole is not just delicious but also nutritious:

Protein-Packed: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein.
Vitamins and Minerals: Vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers are packed with essential vitamins and minerals.
Balanced Meal: Combining protein, vegetables, and whole grains makes this dish a well-rounded meal.

Conclusion

Bringing a healthy, hearty, and delicious meal to your family table has never been easier. With this Lemon Chicken and Rice Casserole, you'll enjoy the satisfaction of preparing a wholesome dish that everyone loves.

Ready to give it a try? Share your results and any tweaks you made to the recipe - we’d love to hear how you make it your own!

Happy cooking,