Lemon-Garlic Chicken Casserole

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This chicken and rice casserole packs in the protein plus offers plenty of fiber from brown rice and broccoli for a well-rounded meal in one pot. Chicken thighs are meaty and tender, but feel free to swap them out for chicken breast if you prefer.

a recipe photo of the Weeknight Lemon-Garlic Chicken Casserole
Credit:

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster, Food Stylist Jennifer Wendorf

Active Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 15 mins
Servings:
4 servings
  • This chicken casserole cooks in one skillet, making cleanup simple and convenient.
  • Broccoli and brown rice contribute fiber for digestive health and satisfaction.
  • Lemon zest, thyme and garlic add vibrant flavors to the dish.
a photo of the ingredients to make the Weeknight Lemon-Garlic Chicken Casserole

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster, Food Stylist Jennifer Wendorf

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon zest, plus more for garnish

  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic

  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, plus more for garnish

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

  • 1/2 cup chopped shallot

  • 1 cup long-grain brown rice, rinsed

  • 1 1/2 cups unsalted chicken broth

  • 3/4 cup whole milk

  • 1 (1/2-oz.) Parmesan cheese rind (optional)

  • 3/4 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper

  • 12 ounces fresh broccoli florets, cut into 3/4-inch pieces (about 5 cups)

  • 2 1/2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

  1. Place chicken, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic and thyme in a large zip-top plastic bag or bowl. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes.

    a step in making the Weeknight Lemon-Garlic Chicken Casserole

    Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster, Food Stylist Jennifer Wendorf

  2. Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove chicken from marinade; reserve marinade.

  3. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large high-sided oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken; cook until browned on both sides, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.

    a step in making the Weeknight Lemon-Garlic Chicken Casserole

    Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster, Food Stylist Jennifer Wendorf

  4. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the drippings in the pan; reduce heat to medium. Add shallot; cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 2 minutes. Add rice; cook, stirring constantly, until lightly toasted, about 1 minute. Add broth and milk, stirring to combine. Stir in Parmesan rind (if using), salt and pepper; bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Stir in the chicken and the reserved marinade. Cover, transfer to the oven and bake until the liquid is mostly absorbed, about 45 minutes.

    a step in making the Weeknight Lemon-Garlic Chicken Casserole

    Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster, Food Stylist Jennifer Wendorf

  5. Remove the skillet from the oven. Sprinkle evenly with broccoli florets. Bake, covered, until the rice and broccoli are tender, about 10 minutes. Top with Parmesan. Garnish with lemon zest and thyme leaves, if desired.

    a step in making the Weeknight Lemon-Garlic Chicken Casserole

    Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster, Food Stylist Jennifer Wendorf

EatingWell.com, November 2023

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

517 Calories
20g Fat
50g Carbs
37g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size about 2 1/2 cups
Calories 517
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 50g 18%
Dietary Fiber 5g 17%
Total Sugars 6g
Added Sugars 0g 0%
Protein 37g 75%
Total Fat 20g 25%
Saturated Fat 5g 27%
Cholesterol 148mg 49%
Vitamin A 100µg
Vitamin C 82mg 91%
Vitamin D 1µg
Vitamin E 2mg 15%
Folate 79µg
Vitamin K 92µg
Sodium 731mg 32%
Calcium 172mg 13%
Iron 3mg 17%
Magnesium 128mg 31%
Potassium 884mg 19%
Zinc 4mg 36%
Vitamin B12 1µg
Omega 3 0g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.