Name: Creamy Lemon-Parmesan Chicken Casserole
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided; 1 cup chopped onion; 2 cups chopped broccoli; 0.5 teaspoon salt, divided; 0.5 teaspoon ground pepper, divided; 2 large cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1.5 cups reduced-fat milk; 2 teaspoons lemon zest; 5 teaspoons lemon juice; 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 3 cups shredded cooked chicken (about 12 ounces); 1.5 cups cooked whole-wheat orzo; 0.5 cup whole-wheat panko breadcrumbs

Creamy Lemon-Parmesan Chicken Casserole

5.0

(1)

1 Review

This creamy chicken casserole recipe pops with lemon and savory Parmesan cheese. It's also loaded with vitamin C-packed broccoli. Using whole-wheat orzo ups the fiber content in this healthful and comforting dinner.

Carolyn Casner

Published on November 4, 2022

Reviewed by Dietitian

Nadine Bradley, RD, CNSC

a recipe photo of Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken Casserole with Broccoli — Photo: Photographer: Brie Goldman, Food Stylist: Lauren McAnelly, Prop Stylist: Holly Raibikis

Active Time:

25 mins

Total Time:

45 mins

Servings:

Yield:

5 1/2 cups

Nutrition Profile:

Egg Free High-Protein Nut-Free Soy-Free

Jump to Nutrition Facts

Ingredients

4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 cup chopped onion
2 cups chopped broccoli
½ teaspoon salt, divided
½ teaspoon ground pepper, divided
2 large cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups reduced-fat milk
2 teaspoons lemon zest
5 teaspoons lemon juice
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cups shredded cooked chicken (about 12 ounces)
1 ½ cups cooked whole-wheat orzo
½ cup whole-wheat panko breadcrumbs

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly coat an 8-inch-square baking dish with cooking spray.
Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion; cook, stirring, until softened and starting to brown, about 3 minutes. Add broccoli and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper; cook, stirring, until mostly softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Add garlic; cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Transfer the mixture to a bowl.
Add 1 tablespoon oil to the pan. Sprinkle in flour; cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Stir in Parmesan until melted. Add chicken, orzo and the broccoli mixture; stir until well coated. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
Combine panko, lemon zest and the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole. Bake until browned and bubbling, 15 to 20 minutes.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

545	Calories
24g	Fat
38g	Carbs
45g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 545
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 38g	14%
Dietary Fiber 5g	18%
Total Sugars 8g
Protein 45g	90%
Total Fat 24g	31%
Saturated Fat 6g	30%
Cholesterol 105mg	35%
Vitamin A 1362IU	27%
Vitamin C 41mg	46%
Vitamin D 52IU	13%
Vitamin E 2mg	13%
Folate 66mcg	17%
Vitamin K 2mcg	2%
Sodium 738mg	32%
Calcium 250mg	19%
Iron 3mg	17%
Magnesium 87mg	21%
Potassium 661mg	14%
Zinc 3mg	27%
Vitamin B12 1mcg	42%

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.