Chicken Broccoli Lemon Casserole

Brighten up your dinner table with this zesty, comforting Chicken Broccoli Lemon Casserole! Packed with tender chicken, vibrant broccoli florets, and a creamy, tangy lemon-infused cheese sauce, this dish is a perfect harmony of fresh flavors and hearty comfort. A buttery panko breadcrumb topping adds just the right amount of crunch, while clever options like adding rice or pasta make it a versatile, all-in-one meal. Ready in under an hour, this easy casserole recipe is perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for a weekend gathering. Simple, delicious, and loaded with wholesome ingredients, this casserole will quickly become a family favorite. Don't forget to garnish with fresh parsley and a hint of lemon zest for that final gourmet touch! Perfect keywords: "chicken casserole recipe," "easy chicken broccoli casserole," "lemon cheese casserole."

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 1 whole lemon
• 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cups parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.75 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 cups cooked rice or pasta (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Step 2

Season the chicken breasts with a pinch of salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, and cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let rest before slicing into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3

In the same skillet, add an additional tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking to prevent lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes until thickened.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, grated parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and juice of 1 lemon. Whisk until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, sautéed broccoli, optional cooked rice or pasta (if using), and the cheese sauce. Toss to evenly coat the ingredients.

Step 7

Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer.

Step 8

In a small bowl, mix the remaining 0.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese with the panko breadcrumbs and chopped parsley. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the casserole.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley and lemon zest, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2145.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2945.6

Total Fat 144.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 72.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.0g
Cholesterol 623.3mg	0%
Sodium 5481.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 204.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.3g	0%
Total Sugars 32.2g
Protein 214.7g	0%

Vitamin D 218.2IU	0%
Calcium 2556.0mg	0%
Iron 10.6mg	0%
Potassium 2207.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.6%

Protein: 28.8%

Carbs: 27.5%