Easy Lemon Chicken Casserole Recipe for Weeknight Dinners

Easy Lemon Chicken Casserole Recipe That’s Perfect for Busy Weeknights

Looking for a simple, satisfying dinner that’s full of bright flavor and easy cleanup? This lemon chicken casserole is your answer. With tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a zesty lemon-herb sauce, this oven-baked dish brings all the comfort of a homemade meal—without the hassle of multiple pots and pans.

Made in one dish and ready in under an hour, it’s the kind of weeknight hero recipe you’ll return to again and again.

Why This Lemon Chicken Casserole Works

• One-Pan Wonder: All ingredients go into a single baking dish—no stovetop prep required.

• Fresh Yet Comforting: The zesty lemon flavor adds brightness, while butter and herbs round it out with cozy depth.

• Family-Friendly: Mild, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable for picky eaters or creative cooks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless breast, cubed

• Rice: Long-grain white rice or swap for brown rice with extra liquid and time

• Lemon Juice & Zest: For that signature fresh zing

• Butter & Garlic: To create a rich, aromatic base

• Chicken Broth: Keeps everything moist and flavorful

• Seasonings: Lemon pepper, thyme, basil, onion powder, salt, and pepper

• Lemon Slices: For a citrusy finishing touch

Optional: Use homemade lemon pepper seasoning for elevated flavor.

How to Make Lemon Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, stir together chicken broth, rice, lemon juice and zest, melted butter, garlic, and seasonings.

Step 2: Add Chicken
Season cubed chicken with salt and lemon pepper, then add it to the dish and mix lightly.

Step 3: Bake
Cover and bake for 30 minutes. Remove, add lemon slices on top, and return to the oven for 5 more minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Pro Tip: For best results, don’t skip the resting time—it allows the rice to finish absorbing the liquid.

Make It in the Slow Cooker

Want even more flexibility? Combine ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours until the chicken is tender and the rice is cooked.

Storage and Leftovers

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooled portions for up to 2 months.
To Reheat: Bake covered at 350°F or microwave in intervals until hot.

Meal Prep Friendly: Make a double batch and freeze half for an easy dinner later.

More Casserole Recipes to Try

Looking to expand your weeknight menu? These reader favorites are just as easy and satisfying:

• Million Dollar Chicken Casserole – Rich, creamy, and crave-worthy

• Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole – A comforting twist on the classic

• Crack Chicken Casserole – Loaded with cheese and flavor

• Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole – Creamy, comforting, and simple

Easy Lemon Chicken Casserole Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed

• 1 tsp salt

• 2 tsp lemon pepper

• 2 ½ cups chicken broth

• 1 cup long-grain white rice

• 3 tbsp lemon juice

• 3 tbsp melted butter

• 1 tbsp lemon zest

• 1 tbsp minced garlic

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp dried basil

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp dried thyme

• Thin slices from 1 lemon

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.

2. Add chicken broth, rice, lemon juice, butter, lemon zest, garlic, and seasonings to the dish. Mix well.

3. Season the chicken with salt and lemon pepper, then add to the dish. Stir lightly.

4. Bake for 30 minutes. Add lemon slices on top, then bake for another 5 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked and rice is tender.

5. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information (per serving):

• Calories: 228

• Protein: 19g

• Carbs: 27g

• Fat: 4g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sodium: 1171mg

Note: Nutrition information is estimated and may vary.

Whether you're feeding a family or looking for a simple dinner with leftovers, this lemon chicken casserole offers maximum flavor with minimal effort. It's one of those comforting classics you’ll always want in your rotation.

Stay tuned to The Horizons Times for more easy, flavor-packed recipes and family-friendly dinner ideas.