1. **Preparation**: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt, pepper, and oregano, and brown them on all sides. This step always reminds me of Mama Lou’s insistence on patience, letting the flavors develop slowly.

2. **Sautéing the Aromatics**: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same pan, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until they become translucent and aromatic, much like the cozy evenings spent listening to Mama Lou’s tales.

3. **Bringing It Together**: In a large baking dish, combine the rice, sautéed onions, and garlic. Nestle the browned chicken pieces into the rice mixture. Pour the chicken broth over everything, followed by the lemon juice and zest. The combination of these elements is reminiscent of the vibrant stories Ouma and I would craft together.

4. **Baking**: Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. This waiting period is a time for reflection, a moment to savor the anticipation of flavors to come.

5. **Final Touches**: Once done, remove the foil and let the casserole bake for an additional 10 minutes to achieve a slight crisp on top. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving, a final nod to the fresh herbs Mama Lou always insisted on.