Lemon Chicken Spaghetti Squash Casserole

For a gourmet-style meal right at home, try this Lemon Chicken Spaghetti Squash Casserole. It's decked out with spices and lemon juice that create the perfect savory flavor. You're going to love it!

A delicious squash and chicken casserole recipe

I'm back with a mouth watering casserole, and I couldn't be more excited to share it with you! When I was in college, I discovered the versatility of spaghetti squash and my life was changed forever. You can use it for so many meals! It can be made into "pasta" noodles, filled with veggies and enjoyed boat-style, or even roasted and eaten alone!

For this recipe, we're pairing it with some chicken and seasoning it with lemon (among other things) for a delicious lemon chicken spaghetti squash casserole rendition that's absolutely to die for.

This is one of those meals that fills a village and is absolutely perfect for serving at gatherings or family dinners. Set aside about 1.5 hours for this meal, as it is more in depth than many of my other recipes. Don't let that scare you though. Most of that is oven time, and the delicious result is well worth the prep!

I can't wait for you to dig into this yummy lemon chicken spaghetti squash casserole!

Ingredients used to make lemon chicken spaghetti squash casserole

This is one of my favorite chicken recipes because it's like a five star gourmet meal right at home. Your friends and family will be shocked to learn that it's made from scratch!

Along with the chicken and squash, we'll be using a blend of spinach, tomatoes, feta, garlic, and a few other ingredients. The secret to perfecting this recipe? Lemon juice!

Here's everything you'll need:

• Chicken breasts
• Spaghetti squash
• Olive oil
• Baby spinach
• Tomatoes
• Coconut milk
• Feta cheese
• Lemon juice
• Minced garlic
• Oregano
• Basil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Parsley

Tools used to make this casserole

This recipe is a bit more complex than usual and requires a few extra kitchen tools. Once you gather the following items, you'll be ready to begin!

Squash:

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or foil
• Large knife
• Cutting board
• Spoon
• Fork

Remainder of recipe:

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Saucepan
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Mixing utensil
• 9x13 casserole dish

How to cook spaghetti squash and lemon chicken casserole

This is hands down my favorite squash and chicken recipe because the two foods work so surprisingly well together. Once cooked, they both shred with a fork, allowing them to work perfectly in a casserole.

To make this recipe, you will first need to cook the squash. Once the squash is in the oven, you can begin on the chicken portion of this recipe!

To start, begin by cooking your spaghetti squash. Follow how to cook spaghetti squash for baking it to perfection. You can also use your microwave for a quicker version.

Next, place the chicken breasts on a parchment paper covered baking sheet. With 25 minutes left to the spaghetti squash cook time, add the chicken to the oven.

When ready, remove the chicken and spaghetti squash and let them cool.

In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil. Add the spinach, coconut milk, and the diced tomatoes. Heat until the coconut milk has melted and the spinach has slightly wilted.

Note: When adding the coconut milk, use only the top cream part. Discard the remaining clear liquid at the bottom of the can.

When the spaghetti squash is cool enough, use a fork to pull the strands out, and then put them in a bowl. Once they have sat in the bowl of water for 10 minutes, squeeze them with a paper towel or a dishtowel to remove the excess water.

Next, add the spinach mixture to the spaghetti squash, and mix.

Add in half of the feta, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.

Next, cut the chicken breasts into small cubes and toss them into the spaghetti squash mixture. By now, everything should be mixed together!

Place the finished mix in a 9x13 casserole dish and top with the remaining feta. Add lemon slices on top for extra flavor.

Bake at 400F for 15 minutes and sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Enjoy!

Substitutions options for this recipe

If you find yourself in a pinch and mixing an ingredient, check this list before running to the store! Many of the items can be substituted with alternate ingredients.

• Chicken breasts: Like with many dishes, chicken can be easily replaced with an equal amount of turkey.
• Spaghetti squash: For a similar veggie that won't alter the flavor too much, you can try using zucchini. I recommend doing a bit of research to figure out how to cook it for a casserole, as it won't use the same instructions as the squash. Another option is to use butternut squash!
• Olive oil: You can use any oil in place of olive.
• Baby spinach: Baby arugula is the perfect swap for baby spinach. As guessed, use a 1:1 ratio.
• Feta: Not a big fan of feta? Go for ricotta or mozzarella!

Why can't you microwave the squash?

Apart from microwaving the squash for five minutes to soften it, be sure to stick to the recipe and cook your squash in the oven.

The oven creates a delicious caramelized texture that is absolutely incredible and can't be replicated in the microwave! Plus, it helps to soften the squash even further which makes it perfect for using in the casserole.

Recipe tips and tricks

Here are some helpful pointers for cooking this lemon chicken spaghetti squash casserole to perfection.

Do I have to cook the chicken before adding it to the casserole?
Yes. The chicken must be cooked before adding it to the casserole. Once the casserole is assembled, it is placed in the oven to basically warm and mesh together. This step is not intended to cook the individual ingredients. Rather, it's used to blend them together.

Avoid a mushy squash
When squash is overcooked, it can start to develop a mushy consistency. I recommend checking your squash every few minutes, especially toward the end of the timer, to ensure that it is not overcooking.

Do I leave the skin on the squash before cooking it?
Yes, you can leave the skin on the squash when cooking it. Since we're only eating the inside, there's no need to remove it. Plus, taking it off will not make the squash cook any faster.

Should casserole be covered in the oven?
For this particular dish, there is no need to cover the casserole when baking it.

How to store leftovers
Store extra casserole in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or the freezer for up to 3 months. If freezing, thoroughly thaw before reheating in the microwave or the oven (I recommend the oven for best results).

More casserole dishes to enjoy

Love a good casserole recipe? Try some of these! The Mexican Quinoa Casserole is a personal favorite in my house.

• Mexican Quinoa Casserole
• Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole
• Healthier Sweet Potato Casserole