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Homemade Lemon Chicken and Rice Casserole recipe photo
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Lemon Chicken and Rice Casserole

This Lemon Chicken and Rice Casserole is SO EASY! Tender chicken, creamy rice, and zesty lemon make a comforting family favorite perfect for any night.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 15 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Casserole, Comforting, Easy, Family Friendly, One-Pot
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
  • 2 cups white rice basmati is fine
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 lemon juiced and zested
  • 3 cans cream of mushroom soup 10.5 oz per can
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/3 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly.
  • Season the chicken thighs or drumsticks with salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, and basil. Make sure to coat them evenly for that perfect flavor.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the white rice, chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, and cream of mushroom soup. Stir well to combine all the ingredients into a cohesive mixture.
  • Spray your baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pour the rice mixture into the bottom of the dish, spreading it evenly. Then, place the seasoned chicken on top of the rice mixture. Drizzle the melted butter over the chicken for added richness.
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
  • Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh finish. Serve hot and enjoy the delightful flavors of lemon chicken and rice casserole.

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • 9x13 inch Baking Dish
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Whisk
  • Cooking Spray

Notes

  • Use boneless chicken to reduce cooking time, but ensure it is fully cooked before serving.
  • Substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or add vegetables like peas or spinach for variation.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze individual portions for longer storage.