Lemon Pepper Chicken Casserole
Creamy lemon pepper chicken casserole features tender chicken, green peas, and a crunchy cracker topping, perfect for comforting family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Sprinkle the chicken breasts with lemon pepper seasoning.
- Place the chicken in a shallow baking pan coated with cooking spray.
- Bake until fork tender, about 20 to 25 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, green peas, and cooked chicken. Mix well.
- Spoon the mixture into a casserole dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, poppy seed, and melted butter.
- Sprinkle the cracker mixture over the casserole.
- Bake until bubbly and golden, approximately 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in lemon juice and garlic for an hour before seasoning. If you want a healthier option, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream. You can also use low-sodium soups to reduce the salt content. For a crunchy topping, consider using crushed tortilla chips instead of Ritz crackers.
Serving Suggestions
This Lemon Pepper Chicken Casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad and crusty bread. For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes. You can also browse more American recipes to expand your meal options. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, but the texture may vary.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon Pepper Chicken Casserole contains roughly 711 calories, with 30g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (77% of the Daily Value), protein (61% of the Daily Value), and calcium (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 863mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it's best to thaw them first for even cooking. If using frozen, increase the baking time slightly to ensure they are fully cooked and tender.
What can I substitute for the cream of mushroom soup?
If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, you can use an equal amount of homemade puree cream of carrot soup for a different flavor. Another option is to use cream of celery or even a homemade white sauce.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just assemble it, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply remove from the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's cold.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).