Let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: creamy lemon herb chicken casserole! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate, bursting with flavor and so easy to whip up. I remember the first time I made it for my family; everyone gathered around the table, the aroma filling the kitchen, and before I knew it, there were no leftovers in sight! The combination of tender chicken, zesty lemon, and fragrant herbs creates a delicious harmony that keeps you coming back for more. Plus, it’s a one-dish wonder, which means fewer dishes to wash—score! Trust me, once you try this creamy lemon herb chicken casserole, it’ll become a staple in your home, just like it has in mine.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheese (I love using cheddar for that gooey goodness!)
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested (this is where the magic happens!)
- 2 cups cooked pasta (any shape you love—penne works great!)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial for even cooking, so don’t skip this step! It helps the casserole bake perfectly golden and bubbly.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth. Then, add the lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s all beautifully blended—this is where the flavor magic begins!
Step 3: Add Pasta
Next, gently fold in the cooked pasta. Make sure it’s evenly mixed with the creamy chicken mixture—this ensures every bite is packed with flavor and goodness!
Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish
Now, grab a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the mixture into it. Spread it out evenly so that it bakes uniformly. This is where the casserole starts to come to life!
Step 5: Cheese Topping
Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the casserole. I always go with cheddar for that rich, melty finish. You want to cover the whole surface for maximum cheesy goodness!
Step 6: Bake
Pop it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s bubbly and golden on top—trust me, the aroma will be irresistible!
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set a bit and makes it easier to dish out. I love serving it with a fresh salad for a complete meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Creamy texture that makes each bite feel indulgent.
- Flavorful ingredients like lemon and fresh herbs brighten up the dish.
- Family-friendly and sure to please both kids and adults alike.
- One-dish meal means less cleanup—win-win!
Tips for Success
To take your creamy lemon herb chicken casserole to the next level, consider using rotisserie chicken for a faster prep. You can also mix in some fresh veggies like spinach or broccoli for added nutrition and color. If you want a bit more zing, try adding a splash of white wine to the mixture. And don’t hesitate to swap out the herbs; dill or basil can give it a delightful twist, too!
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this creamy lemon herb chicken casserole is approximately 350 calories, with 18g of fat and 25g of protein. You’ll also find about 30g of carbohydrates and 2g of sugar per serving. Keep in mind these values are approximate, but they make this dish a delicious and satisfying choice for a meal!
FAQ Section
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the creamy lemon herb chicken casserole in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled.
What if I don’t have certain ingredients? No worries! If you’re out of sour cream, Greek yogurt is a great substitute. And if you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, dried ones work too—just use about a third of the amount.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
What can I serve with this dish? I love pairing it with a simple green salad or some steamed veggies for a balanced meal. It’s also fantastic with crusty bread to soak up all that creamy goodness!
Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, you can freeze it before baking! Just wrap it tightly and it will keep for about 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking as usual.
Print
Creamy lemon herb chicken casserole: 7 blissful flavors
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A creamy and flavorful chicken casserole with lemon and herbs.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooked pasta and mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: creamy lemon herb chicken casserole, chicken casserole, easy casserole recipes