Can you think of anything better than a chicken dish that not only has the taste, but is also super easy to make? This Lemon Garlic Chicken and Rice Casserole is the epitome of taste and convenience. The perfect recipe to make ahead on a lazy weekend, store in your freezer, and then cook in the oven on that Tuesday when you have 5 extra curricular things in the evening, yet still want a healthy, satisfying meal for your family. With the perfect melding of garlic and lemon with your tender chicken, with an added punch of delicious rice, this recipe is sure to become a mainstay in your arsenal of delicious dinners.

One of the best things about this Lemon Garlic Chicken and Rice is the convenience it offers. WIth an easy prep, taking 5 minutes of your time, you can place this recipe in a casserole dish directly into the freezer for easy storage. Then, when you have that day where cooking from scratch is just not possible, you can pull out your casserole dish, place it in your preheated oven, and begin baking. Voila, you have a delicious meal ready with very little effort during the busy week.

So how about it? Grab your apron and prepare this delicious meal with me, and enjoy the savory flavors of Lemon Garlic Chicken and Rice. Then, come back and let me know what you thought! I am sure you will love it as much as we do!

Why you’ll love this Easy Lemon Garlic Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Heartwarming Tradition: Over time, this casserole may become a beloved family tradition, with fond memories associated with its comforting flavors and ease of preparation.
Customizable Flavors: Parents can adjust the seasoning to suit their family’s taste preferences, whether they prefer a little extra garlic or a touch of spice.
Nutritious Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and garlic not only add incredible flavor but also provide health benefits, including immune-boosting properties and antioxidants.
Freezer-Friendly: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and frozen for later use, offering a convenient option for meal prep on busy days.
Budget-Friendly: Lemon Garlic Chicken and Rice Casserole is made with simple and affordable ingredients, perfect for families looking to stick to a budget without sacrificing taste.

Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice Casserole Freezer Meal Recipe

With the perfect melding of garlic and lemon with your tender chicken, with an added punch of delicious rice, this recipe is sure to become a mainstay in your arsenal of delicious dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 1 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings

Equipment

1 9×13 Casserole Dish w/ Lid

Ingredients

2-3 lbs Chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
2 cups Basmati rice
4 cups Chicken broth Gluten-free
1 tbsp Lemon zest
2 tbsp Lemon juice juice of one lemon
1 tbsp Garlic powder
1 tbsp Salt
1 tsp Black pepper
1 cup Yellow onion diced
3 tbsp Olive oil
2 tsp Thyme

Instructions

Prep/freezer directions

Label a 9×13 pan/casserole dish according to your preferred method.
Rinse rice, then add it to the pan.
Add remaining ingredients, except chicken, then stir to combine.
Place chicken on top of rice, cover and freeze for up to three months.

Oven Cooking directions

Preheat oven to 400°F.
Remove Lemon Garlic Chicken and Rice Casserole from freezer and cover with aluminum foil.
Place casserole in preheated oven and cook for 40 minutes.
Uncover and cook for an additional 40-45 minutes.
Remove from oven, allowing to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Dietary Adjustments

Make it Gluten Free:

Verify Chicken broth is gluten-free, otherwise recipe is entirely Gluten Free

Make it Dairy Free:

Recipe is naturally diary free

Keyword Casserole Dish Recipes, Chicken Casserole Recipes, Chicken Freezer Meals, Freezer Meal Casserole Dish, freezer meals, Lemon Chicken and Rice

Equipment needed to make Healthy Lemon Garlic Chicken Casserole with Rice

9×13 Casserole Dish w/ Lid

Ingredients for your Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice Casserole

2-3 lbs Chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 cups Basmati rice
4 cups Chicken broth, Gluten-free
1 tbsp Lemon zest
2 tbsp Lemon juice, juice of one lemon
1 tbsp Garlic powder
1 tbsp Salt
1 tsp Black pepper
1 cup Yellow onion, diced
3 tbsp Olive oil
2 tsp Thyme

How to make a Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice Casserole

Prep/freezer directions:

Label a 9×13 pan/casserole dish according to your preferred method.
Rinse rice, then add it to the pan.
Add remaining ingredients, except chicken, then stir to combine.
Place chicken on top of rice, cover and freeze for up to three months.

Oven Cooking directions:

Preheat oven to 400°F.
Remove Lemon Garlic Chicken and Rice Casserole from freezer and cover with aluminum foil.
Place casserole in preheated oven and cook for 40 minutes.
Uncover and cook for an additional 40-45 minutes.
Remove from oven, allowing to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

What to pair with your Quick Lemon Garlic Chicken and Rice Casserole

Sides:

Roasted Vegetables
Greek Salad
Garlic Bread

Desserts:

Triple Berry Crisp
Vanilla Ice Cream
Lemon Bars

Mocktails:

Sparkling Lemonade
Virgin Mojito
Berry Basil Spritzer

Popular substitutions and additions

Substitutions:

Quinoa for Basmati Rice: Replace the basmati rice with quinoa for a nutritious and gluten-free alternative. Simply rinse 2 cups of quinoa and cook it according to package instructions before layering it in the casserole dish.
Vegetable Broth for Chicken Broth: Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth to make the casserole vegetarian-friendly. Ensure that the vegetable broth is gluten-free and freeze it in advance for convenience.
Fresh Garlic for Garlic Powder: Instead of using garlic powder, use freshly minced garlic for a more intense and aromatic garlic flavor. Mince 6-8 cloves of garlic and sauté them with the diced onions in olive oil before layering them in the casserole dish.

Additions:

Spinach: Incorporate frozen spinach into the casserole for added nutrition and flavor. Thaw and drain a 10-ounce package of frozen spinach, then layer it between the chicken and rice mixture in the casserole dish.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add depth of flavor to the casserole by including chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Use 1/2 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil and drain any excess oil before adding them to the casserole dish.
Artichoke Hearts: Enhance the casserole with the addition of frozen artichoke hearts. Drain and quarter a 14-ounce can of artichoke hearts before adding them to the casserole dish.

These substitutions and additions will elevate the flavor and nutritional value of your Lemon Garlic Chicken and Rice Casserole while ensuring that each ingredient is freezer-friendly for convenient meal prep.

How to Reheat and Store Garlic Lemon Chicken and Rice Casserole

Best way to store Easy Lemon Garlic Chicken Casserole recipe?

To preserve the deliciousness of your Lemon Garlic Chicken and Rice Casserole leftovers, proper storage is key. Start by allowing the leftovers too cool to room temperature, ideally within two hours of cooking. Once cooled, transfer them into airtight containers or resealable plastic bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn or spoilage. It’s a good practice to label the containers with the date of preparation to track freshness.

How long will Lemon Garlic Chicken Casserole last in the fridge?

In order to make sure your Chicken and Rice leftovers remain fresh in the fridge, make sure to follow proper cooling and storage practices. This will allow your leftovers to remain fresh for 3-5 days!

Can I freeze Delicious Lemon Garlic Chicken and Rice Bake?

Yes. Of course, using the freezer is a great way to extend the shelf life of your recipe. We recommend making this recipe as a raw freezer meal, then cooking fresh, as to promote the highest quality dish and texture. To make this into a raw freezer meal, rinse your rice, add all your ingredients, except the chicken, into your casserole dish. Once stirred, add your chicken pieces on top, then cover and store in the freezer for up to three months.

If you have already cooked your chicken, and you have leftovers that you would like to freeze, follow the same procedures you would to store in the fridge, allow to cool, and then place desired amount in resealable freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal, and store for up to three months.

How to Reheat Family-Friendly Lemon Garlic Chicken Casserole?

The best way to reheat your casserole leftovers would be to first allow the recipe to thaw overnight in the fridge, if previously frozen! This promotes even heating when you go to reheat. You may use your oven, stovetop, or microwave for reheating.

To use your oven, preheat to 350F. Transfer the casserole to an oven safe dish, and cover loosely to prevent the top from drying out. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through. To ensure even reheating, stir the casserole half way through the reheating process.

To use your stovetop, take a splash of broth or water onto your skillet. This will prevent sticking during the reheating process. Stir occasionally until your leftovers are heated through.

To use the microwave, place the desired amount of leftover on a safe dish, then reheat in short bursts of 30-60 seconds, stirring in between each interval until heated through.

Homemade Lemon Garlic Chicken and Rice Bake FAQs

What to eat with Chicken and Rice?

Chicken and Rice are very complimentary sides to each other, but when they are in a casserole together, other side dishes that pair nicely are roasted vegetables, steamed broccoli, or a fresh citrus salad can create a balanced and satisfying meal. These side dishes add texture, flavor, and nutritional value, enhancing your dining experience.

What does Ina Garten serve with her lemon chicken recipe?

Ina Garten, known for her culinary knowledge, often serves her lemon chicken recipe with simple yet elegant sides. She often serves her lemon chicken with roasted potatoes, green beans almondine, or a mixed green salad. These sides perfectly complement the bright and zesty flavors of her lemon chicken, creating a harmonious and delicious meal.

Why does lemon go well with chicken in a casserole dish?

Lemon adds a vibrant and citrusy flavor to chicken, balancing its richness and enhancing its natural taste. In this casserole dish, the acidity of lemon helps to tenderize the chicken while giving it some bright, refreshing notes. The combination of chicken and lemon creates a harmonious flavor profile that elevates the overall dish, making it a popular choice for both casual dinners and special occasions.

What substitutes can you make for this Lemon Chicken and Rice Casserole to make it healthier?

To make this Lemon Chicken and Rice Casserole healthier, consider substituting brown rice for white rice to increase fiber content. You can also use skinless chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs to reduce saturated fat. Also, trying incorporating more vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli into the casserole can also boast nutritional value while adding color and flavor.

What are the health benefits of adding lemon to a chicken dish?

Adding lemon to a chicken dish not only enhances its flavor but also provides several health benefits. Lemon is very rich in Vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and promotes skin health. The citric acid in lemon aids in digestion and can help enhance the absorption or iron from the chicken and other foods. Additionally, lemon adds a refreshing zest to the dish without the need for excessive salt or unhealthy fats.

What regional variations are there for a Lemon Chicken and Rice dish?

Lemon Chicken and Rice dishes have various regional variations, reflecting the diverse culinary tradition around the world. In Greek cuisine, this dish often features lemon chicken with Orzo pasta, while in the Mediterranean culinary traditions, it may include ingredients like olives and feta cheese. In Asian cuisine, lemon Chicken is sometimes served with jasmine rice and stir-fried vegetables, showcasing different flavor profiles and cooking techniques.

Does lemon make chicken more tender or dry it out?

Lemons’ acidic properties can help in the tenderizing of the chicken meat, especially when used as a marinade or incorporated into a cooking sauce. However, excessive exposure to acidic ingredients like lemon juice can potentially dry out chicken if not balanced properly with other ingredients. It’s essential to use lemon in moderation and pair it with fats or liquids to prevent dryness and maintain moisture in the chicken.

How can I Make a Lemon Chicken and Rice freezer meal?

To make a Lemon Chicken and Rice freezer meal, prepare a casserole dish, by labeling with prep date and cooking instructions, then rinse the rice, and add to the casserole dish. Include the rest of the ingredients from the recipe into the casserole, except the chicken. Stir to combine, then place the chicken on top of the rice mixture. Cover and freeze for up to three months.

Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice Casserole Freezer Meal Recipe

Why you’ll love this Easy Lemon Garlic Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Equipment needed to make Healthy Lemon Garlic Chicken Casserole with Rice

Ingredients for your Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice Casserole

How to make a Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice Casserole

Prep/freezer directions:

Oven Cooking directions:

What to pair with your Quick Lemon Garlic Chicken and Rice Casserole

Sides:

Desserts:

Mocktails:

Popular substitutions and additions

Substitutions:

Additions:

How to Reheat and Store Garlic Lemon Chicken and Rice Casserole

Best way to store Easy Lemon Garlic Chicken Casserole recipe?

How long will Lemon Garlic Chicken Casserole last in the fridge?

Can I freeze Delicious Lemon Garlic Chicken and Rice Bake?

How to Reheat Family-Friendly Lemon Garlic Chicken Casserole?

Homemade Lemon Garlic Chicken and Rice Bake FAQs

Other Chicken Recipes You’ll Love

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