Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken & Broccoli Bake
Indulge in this Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken & Broccoli Bake, an easy yet flavor-packed dish that combines tender chicken breasts with fresh broccoli in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this delightful casserole is seasoned with zesty lemon pepper and aromatic curry, and topped with gooey cheddar cheese. It's a satisfying and nutritious meal that everyone will rave about. Simply bake, serve, and enjoy the rich symphony of flavors!
8
Servings
450
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless chicken breasts
1 1/2 lbs (cut into strips)
lemon-pepper seasoning
to taste (sprinkled over chicken)
fresh broccoli
1 bunch (cut into spears)
mayonnaise
1 cup (none)
cream of chicken soup
2 (10 3/4 ounce) cans (none)
curry powder
2-3 tablespoons (to taste)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (none)
grated cheddar cheese
1 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Lightly sprinkle lemon pepper seasoning over the strips of chicken, ensuring they are evenly coated.
3
Place the seasoned chicken in a casserole dish and bake for 10 minutes until slightly cooked.
4
While the chicken is in the oven, prepare the broccoli by cutting it into spears and placing it in a microwave-safe dish. Cover and microwave on high for 8 minutes until tender.
5
In a medium-sized bowl, combine mayonnaise, cream of chicken soup, curry powder, and lemon juice. Mix well until creamy and smooth.
6
Once the chicken is partially cooked, remove it from the oven and layer the cooked broccoli over the chicken in the casserole dish.
7
Spread the creamy mixture evenly over the broccoli and chicken. Top with grated cheddar cheese.
8
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9
Take out from the oven, let it cool slightly, and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken & Broccoli Bake!
Nutrition Information
22.5g
Fat
15g
Carbs
40g
Protein
1g
Sugar
300mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken & Broccoli Bake?
It is a flavorful casserole dish featuring chicken breast strips and fresh broccoli in a creamy sauce made with curry, lemon, and cheddar cheese.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What is the oven temperature for this bake?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How much chicken is required?
You will need 1 1/2 lbs of boneless chicken breasts.
What are the nutritional values per serving?
Each serving contains 450 calories, 22.5g of fat, 15g of carbohydrates, 40g of protein, and 300mg of sodium.
How should the chicken be prepared?
The chicken breasts should be cut into strips before seasoning and baking.
What kind of seasoning is used for the chicken?
Lemon-pepper seasoning is sprinkled over the chicken strips to taste.
How long does the chicken bake initially?
The seasoned chicken is baked for 10 minutes until slightly cooked before adding other ingredients.
How is the broccoli prepared?
The broccoli should be cut into spears and microwaved for 8 minutes until tender before being added to the casserole.
What ingredients are in the creamy sauce?
The sauce is a mixture of 1 cup mayonnaise, 2 cans of cream of chicken soup, 2-3 tablespoons of curry powder, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
What type of cheese is used for the topping?
1 cup of grated cheddar cheese is used to top the casserole.
How long is the final baking time?
The assembled casserole is returned to the oven for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is tagged as an excellent meal prep and dinner option.
How much curry powder should I use?
The recipe recommends between 2 and 3 tablespoons depending on your preference.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
While fresh broccoli is called for, frozen broccoli can be used if thawed and drained of excess moisture first.
How much lemon juice is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of lemon juice in the sauce.
What size are the cans of soup?
Use two 10.75 ounce cans of cream of chicken soup.
Is this dish high in sugar?
No, it contains only 1g of sugar per serving.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Fiber information is not provided for this specific recipe.
Is there a suggested side dish?
While not specified, it pairs well with rice or a light salad due to its creamy texture.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be substituted, though they may require a slightly longer initial bake time.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The flavor profile is zesty and aromatic, combining lemon pepper with curry and creamy chicken.
How do I know when the dish is ready to serve?
The dish is ready when the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese topping is melted and bubbling.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is categorized as an easy recipe with simple preparation steps.
How should I layer the casserole?
Layer the cooked broccoli over the partially cooked chicken, then spread the creamy mixture on top followed by the cheese.
Can I use different types of soup?
Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup could be used as a variation for the sauce.
Is the chicken seasoned before or after baking?
The chicken is seasoned with lemon pepper before its initial 10-minute bake.
What is the total fat content?
There are 22.5g of fat per serving.
Is this recipe low carb?
With 15g of carbohydrates per serving, it is moderately low in carbs compared to pasta-based casseroles.
Should the casserole be served hot?
Yes, it is best served hot after cooling slightly from the oven.