Looking for an easy no-fuss dinner simple enough to enjoy any night of the week? Search no further! Lemon Chicken and Rice Casserole is the picture of comfort food. It's ideal both for quick midweek dinners or relaxing weekend meals.
No combination is as refreshing and satisfying for dinner as juicy chicken and tangy lemon. Add in the tender rice and you've got yourself an easy, dependable meal you'll be making again and again!
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Irresistible Lemon Chicken and Rice Recipe
What makes this recipe irresistible (in my opinion! 🤔) that rich, bright lemon sauce. It's like the classic chicken rice casserole recipe, but with a modern spin!
This recipe works because it's easy and tasty. It's a delicious, comforting meal that will quickly become a family favorite!
Creamy Lemon Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 4-6 bone-in chicken thighs
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix that's the powdered mix in a packet.
- 1 cup uncooked regular long-grain white rice
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup
- 10.5 ounces chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 lemon sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 9x13 baking dish with non stick cooking spray.
- Add flour and 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix to small plate. Dredge chicken in flour mixture. Set aside.
- Heat skillet over medium to medium high heat. *Add the olive oil, fry chicken skin side down 5-6 minutes until golden brown, flip lightly brown side two.
- While chicken is browning, mixture together sauce. Combine cream of chicken soup, chicken stock, remaining ranch seasoning, parmesan cheese and rice. Whisk until combined .
- Pour sauce mixture into prepared casserole dish. Top with browned chicken. Lay lemon sliced over the chicken and rice. Cover tightly with foil.
- Bake 60 minutes or until rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with minced green onions.
Notes
Nutrition
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Ingredients
Look for lemons that are firm, brightly colored, and feel slightly heavier for their size. This means they're more fresh and juicy.
Please refer to the recipe card for the exact ingredients.
Step-by-step instructions
This is an overview of the instructions.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Nope, no need to precook the rice! It simmers to perfection right in the casserole, soaking up the delicious lemon juice and spices.
It's best to rinse the rice. Rinsing the rice removes extra starches and helps prevent the rice from mushing together.
Deb's tips
Make sure to seal the aluminum foil around the casserole dish tightly. This prevents the steam (and flavor!) from escaping and allows the rice to cook more evenly. Use heavy duty aluminum foil. If you don't have heavy duty foil, use two layers.
Simple chicken recipes your family will love
If you're loving this cozy, citrusy chicken dinner, there are a few more recipes that deserve a spot on your menu next. Chicken Pierogi Casserole is rich and comforting with tender pasta pockets and a creamy, savory sauce that feels like a hug in casserole form. Ultimate Chicken Noodle Casserole brings all the classic flavors you grew up with! Xreamy, hearty, and packed with chicken and noodles in every bite.
And if you're in the mood for something a little lighter but still full of flavor, Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup delivers that same bright lemony goodness in a warm, cozy bowl.
Best sides to serve with Lemon Chicken and Rice
Round out this dinner with a few easy sides that keep things simple but still feel like a full spread. Roasted asparagus and carrots bring a little color and a touch of sweetness, while roasted broccoli and zucchini add that hearty, veggie-packed balance. And don't skip the easy yeast rolls. These are soft, fluffy, and made for soaking up every last bit of that all that flavor in the pan.
If you want even more ideas, I've got a full guide on what to serve with chicken casserole to help you mix and match based on what you've got on hand.
Bright, cozy and ready for your dinner table
This lemon chicken and rice casserole is the kind of dinner that checks all the boxes. Simple ingredients, big flavor, and just enough brightness to keep it flavorful. It's easy enough for a weeknight but still feels like you put a little extra love into it.
Give it a try, and when you do, I'd love to hear what you think! Leave a comment or rating and let me know if your family went back for seconds (or thirds… no judgment here) 😋.
Lois says
Another great dinner. We just loved it. So tasty.
Debra Clark says
That's great, I'm glad you enjoyed the Lemon Chicken Casserole!
Shawna says
Would I be able to use another sized baking dish? I’d like to split it between two pans maybe an 11x7? What size would you recommend for doubling the recipe? I love your recipes they’re always so delicious, can’t wait to give this one a try!
Sarah says
I’ve been making this once a week for a couple months now and can’t get get enough of it! My favorite dinner ever. Thank you!!
Roxanne says
What are the measurements please for the ranch seasoning substitute ingredients… The garlic salt, etc.?
Bowl Me Over says
Hey Roxanne - I would use 2 cloves garlic minced, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper. I haven't received tested it myself this way, but this is what I would try. Enjoy the casserole dish!