This Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Casserole brings together tender chicken pieces and fresh zucchini, all baked with gooey cheese. It’s hearty, healthy, and super comforting!
I love how simple this dish is to make. Just layer the ingredients and pop it in the oven—less time cooking means more time to enjoy your meal! What’s not to love? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: These are great for adding moisture and health benefits. If you don’t have zucchini, yellow squash or eggplant can work too. Both offer a similar texture and flavor.
Cooked Chicken: I love using rotisserie chicken for its convenience and flavor. You can also use leftover grilled or baked chicken. If you’re vegetarian, swap in chickpeas or white beans for protein.
Cheese: Mozzarella provides that gooey melt, while Parmesan adds a lovely salty flavor. If you’re dairy-free, try nut-based cheeses or just use more nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Both add creaminess. If you want a lighter option, you can replace these with low-fat plain yogurt or even pureed cashews for a vegan alternative.
How Do I Layer the Ingredients for the Best Casserole?
Layering is key for even cooking and flavor blending. Start with zucchini as the base since they cook down nicely, providing a moisture barrier.
- Always layer half of the zucchini, followed by half of the chicken mixture and cheese. Repeat this way to keep everything well-balanced throughout.
- This method ensures each bite has a little of everything, making it hearty and satisfying.
- Covering the dish with foil initially helps everything steam and cook through without drying out.
- When you uncover it, the cheese becomes melty and golden, creating a delightful finish.
Following these steps and tips will lead to a great casserole experience. Enjoy your delicious meal! 😋
Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 2 large zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or oregano and basil)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for preparation and around 35-40 minutes for cooking. In total, you’re looking at about an hour to bring this delicious casserole to life!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, take a medium casserole dish and lightly grease it with olive oil or non-stick spray so nothing sticks later!
2. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mayonnaise, minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it becomes a smooth, creamy sauce.
3. Add the Chicken:
Now, it’s time to add the shredded or diced chicken to the creamy mixture. Stir it gently until all the chicken pieces get coated in the sauce. This is where the flavors come together!
4. Layer the Ingredients:
In your prepared casserole dish, start by laying down half of the zucchini slices evenly. This will be your first layer. Next, spread half of the creamy chicken mixture over the zucchini. On top of that, sprinkle a layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat these layers with the remaining zucchini, chicken mixture, and finish with the rest of the cheese on top.
5. Bake the Casserole:
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and pop it in the preheated oven. Let it bake for 25 minutes. After that, carefully remove the foil to let the cheese brown, and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s done baking, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps everything set a bit, making it easier to serve. If you like, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top before digging in!
This casserole is not just easy to make, but it’s also a heartwarming dish perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy every bite! 🍽️
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Regular Chicken Instead of Cooked Chicken?
Absolutely! If you only have raw chicken, simply cook it first—grill, bake, or sauté it until fully cooked through. Let it cool before shredding, then mix it with the sauce, and proceed with the recipe as directed.
What If I Don’t Have Zucchini on Hand?
No worries! You can replace zucchini with other vegetables like yellow squash, eggplant, or even spinach. Just adjust your cooking time slightly if using softer vegetables, as they may cook faster!
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, this casserole is great for meal prep! You can assemble it a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to enjoy it, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven until heated through. You may want to cover it with foil while reheating to retain moisture.
