Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken Casserole

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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This Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken Casserole is your ticket to a vibrant, comforting dinner. It combines tender chicken with fresh herbs and a tangy lemon twist, creating a dish that's both flavorful and satisfying. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a gathering with friends, it’s sure to impress!

Ingredients for Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken Casserole

The star of the show is the chicken breasts, providing a lean, protein-rich base. We use lemon for both its zest and juice, which adds a bright, tangy flavor that lifts the dish. Olive oil is our go-to for sautéing the veggies and searing the chicken, adding a hint of richness. A small onion and garlic provide a savory depth, while bell pepper and broccoli florets bring color and nutrients. The chicken broth and milk create a creamy sauce that ties everything together, and cheddar cheese adds a deliciously melty finish. A sprinkle of flour helps thicken the sauce, and a blend of thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper seasons it perfectly. Finally, breadcrumbs top it off with a satisfying crunch.

Tips & Tricks

  • If your chicken breasts are thick, consider slicing them in half for more even cooking.
  • Use freshly grated cheese for the best meltability and flavor.
  • For extra crunch, toast the breadcrumbs in a dry pan before sprinkling them on top.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside fluffy mashed potatoes or a bed of wild rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add an extra layer of flavor and juiciness.
Is there a dairy-free option?
Yes, substitute the milk with almond milk and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
How can I make it gluten-free?
Swap the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This way, it’ll be nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking them until they’re fragrant and the onion becomes translucent.

Add the chicken breasts to the pan, searing them on each side until they’re golden brown. This step locks in the juices, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside for a moment.

Using the same pan, add the bell pepper and broccoli. Cook these for about 3-4 minutes to soften them slightly. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables, stirring well to coat them evenly. This is your secret weapon for thickening the sauce without any lumps.

Now, gradually pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly. Watch as the sauce begins to thicken — that’s when you know it’s ready for the zing! Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, and then return the chicken to the pan, making sure it’s well coated with that lovely, aromatic sauce.

Transfer this mixture to a casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, followed by the breadcrumbs. Pop it in the oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to let everything set nicely.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick to prepare and pop in the oven, making it a great weeknight option.
  • Bright lemon flavors give it a refreshing twist that feels gourmet.
  • Loaded with veggies, so it’s a wholesome choice for the family.
  • One-pan meal means less cleaning up afterwards!

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 medium lemon (zested and juiced)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion (chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 bell pepper (chopped)
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until fragrant.
4. Add chicken breasts, searing each side until golden brown.
5. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
6. In the same pan, add bell pepper and broccoli, cooking for 3-4 minutes.
7. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables, stirring to combine.
8. Gradually add chicken broth and milk, stirring until the sauce thickens.
9. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
10. Return chicken to the pan, coating with sauce.
11. Transfer mixture to a casserole dish, sprinkle with cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs.
12. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and breadcrumbs are golden.
13. Let cool slightly before serving.

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