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Garlic Lemon Chicken Rice Casserole

Make authentic Garlic Lemon Chicken Rice Casserole with this foolproof recipe. Packed with rich traditional flavor, step-by-step photos, and cooking tips by Denisiya on EatMee Recipes.

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By DenisiyaPublished on July 5, 2018
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Garlic Lemon Chicken Rice Casserole
⏱️
Prep Time15 mins
🍳
Cook Time25 mins
⌛
Total Time40 mins
🍽️
ServingsServes 2
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This Recipe Serves 2

If you’re looking for a delicious lunch or dinner recipe then this Garlic Lemon Chicken Rice Casserole is worth a try. I love trying new dishes & experimenting in the kitchen so I came up with this mouth watering meal that is super easy to prepare.

Rice dishes are always categorized as a comfort food. This meal will definitely satisfy your taste buds & trust me, the kids are going to love this meal too. This Garlic Lemon Chicken Rice Casserole is a flavorful explosion in your mouth.

🥗

Ingredients

Scale:
Base Yield: Serves 2
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Step-by-Step Instructions

28 Steps
  1. Step 1

    Firstly, prepare your rice by adding it to a bowl/dish.

    Step 1 visual guide
  2. Step 2

    Rinse the rice well until the water runs clear. Allow the rice to soak with water for about 10 minutes.

    Step 2 visual guide
  3. Step 3

    After the rice has soaked, give it another quick rinse & then empty the rice into a pot. Fill the pot with water. Add in the salt, chicken spice & 1 tablespoon vegetable oil.

    Step 3 visual guide
  4. Step 4

    Stir & bring the rice to a boil.

    Step 4 visual guide
  5. Step 5

    Boil the rice until cooked throughout & soft to your preference. Strain the rice & set aside. If the water had already evaporated after boiling then there is no need to strain the rice.

    Step 5 visual guide
  6. Step 6

    Next, rinse the chicken fillets.

    Step 6 visual guide
  7. Step 7

    Cut the fillets into cubes & season with salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder & the lemon juice.

    Step 7 visual guide
  8. Step 8

    Rub the spices into the chicken cubes & set aside.

    Step 8 visual guide
  9. Step 9

    Next, peel & chop up the garlic cloves. You may also use a garlic press if you prefer but I love my garlic to be a bit chunky.

    Step 9 visual guide
  10. Step 10

    Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a medium-large pot. When the oil is hot enough, carefully drop in the cubed chicken.

    Step 10 visual guide
  11. Step 11

    Stir & allow the chicken to cook for 15 minutes until browned.

    Step 11 visual guide
  12. Step 12

    Thereafter, add in the thyme.

    Step 12 visual guide
  13. Step 13

    Mix well.

    Step 13 visual guide
  14. Step 14

    Then add in the dried mixed herbs & the rosemary.

    Step 14 visual guide
  15. Step 15

    Thereafter, pour in the milk.

    Step 15 visual guide
  16. Step 16

    Mix well.

    Step 16 visual guide
  17. Step 17

    Next add the butter.

    Step 17 visual guide
  18. Step 18

    Mix well.

    Step 18 visual guide
  19. Step 19

    Now it’s time to add in the rice. Add a little at a time.

    Step 19 visual guide
  20. Step 20

    Stir together.

    Step 20 visual guide
  21. Step 21

    Add more rice.

    Step 21 visual guide
  22. Step 22

    Stir together.

    Step 22 visual guide
  23. Step 23

    Continue this process until all of the rice has been mixed in. This helps coat all of the rice grains rather than emptying all the rice into the chicken in one go.

    Step 23 visual guide
  24. Step 24

    Next, add in the fresh dhania (coriander).

    Step 24 visual guide
  25. Step 25

    Sprinkle over the red chilli flakes.

    Step 25 visual guide
  26. Step 26

    Plate & serve hot.

    Step 26 visual guide
  27. Step 27

    Once plated, you may garnish with more coriander if desired & some rosemary.

    Step 27 visual guide
  28. Step 28

    This Garlic Lemon Chicken Rice Casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for about 2 days.

    Step 28 visual guide
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Frequently Asked Questions & Cooking Tips

Expert kitchen guidance and troubleshooting for making the best Garlic Lemon Chicken Rice Casserole

How do I prevent the rice from getting mushy in Garlic Lemon Chicken Rice Casserole?

Always par-boil your basmati rice with whole spices until it is only about 70% cooked (firm with a slight bite). The rice finishes steaming to fluffy perfection during the layered dum (steaming) stage.

Can I marinate the meat the day before?

Yes, marinating the meat overnight in yogurt, ginger, garlic, and spices tenderizes the meat and allows the deep aromatic flavors to permeate fully before cooking.

What are the best side dishes to serve with Garlic Lemon Chicken Rice Casserole?

Traditionally, serve this with fresh sour milk salad (raita), a side of homemade yellow dhal, and a spicy vegetable or mango pickle.

Denisiya - Founder & Chef at EatMee Recipes
About the Creator

Meet Denisiya

Hi, I'm Denisiya! Food lover, recipe developer, and founder of EatMee Recipes. I specialize in authentic South African Durban Indian cuisine, comforting curries, and modern Instant Pot adaptations. Every recipe on this site is tested in my personal kitchen to ensure you get mouth-watering, foolproof results every time.

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