This Easy Chicken Zucchini Casserole brings together tender chicken and fresh zucchini in a cheesy, baked dish that’s perfect for dinner. It’s hearty and comforting!
I love how quickly this comes together. Just mix, bake, and enjoy a tasty meal without too much fuss! Plus, it’s a sneaky way to get some veggies in—no complaints here!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchinis are perfect for this recipe, providing a nice texture. You could also use yellow squash if you can’t find zucchini. Both work great!
Chicken: I recommend using rotisserie chicken for convenience, but shredded turkey or leftover chicken works just as well. It’s a great way to use up extra meat!
Cheeses: Cheddar and mozzarella blend nicely together, creating a gooey topping. If you’re looking for lower-fat options, part-skim cheeses can also be used without losing too much flavor.
Sour Cream & Mayonnaise: These add creaminess. For a lighter version, you can replace them with Greek yogurt. It adds a nice tang while being healthier!
Seasonings: Dried Italian seasoning works well, but feel free to personalize it. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can add even more flavor!
How Do You Cook Zucchini So It’s Perfectly Tender?
Cooking zucchini perfectly is essential for avoiding a soggy casserole! Here are some steps to get it right:
- Slice your zucchini evenly to ensure even cooking. Rounds or half-moons work well!
- Don’t skip baking uncovered; this helps the zucchini cook through while letting the cheese get bubbly and slightly crisp.
- If you’re worried about too much moisture, sprinkle a little salt on the zucchini and let it drain for 10-15 minutes before adding it to the mixture.
Easy Chicken Zucchini Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds or half-moons
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or dried basil and oregano mix)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll be looking at around 45 minutes to enjoy this delicious casserole. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure to lightly grease a medium casserole dish so everything comes out easily!
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Then, remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside.
3. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, sautéed onion and garlic, sour cream, mayonnaise, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed.
4. Add the Zucchini:
Gently fold the sliced zucchini into the chicken mixture, making sure all the zucchini is coated with the creamy sauce.
5. Transfer to the Casserole Dish:
Pour the mixture into the greased casserole dish and spread it evenly with a spatula.
6. Sprinkle on the Cheese:
Top the mixture with the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, followed by a sprinkle of grated Parmesan. This will create a wonderfully cheesy top!
7. Bake the Casserole:
Put the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for the zucchini to be tender and the cheese to be bubbly and golden.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This waiting time helps everything firm up a little!
9. Add Final Touches:
If you like, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top for a burst of color and flavor right before you dig in!
Enjoy your comforting and easy chicken zucchini casserole! It’s a simple dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Zucchini Casserole
Can I Use Fresh Zucchini Instead of Frozen?
Yes, fresh zucchini is ideal for this casserole as it retains its texture! If you have frozen zucchini, make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
What If I Don’t Have Cooked Chicken?
No problem! You can cook chicken breasts or thighs specifically for this recipe. Simply poach or bake them before shredding or dicing to add to the casserole.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or oven until heated through. Adding a splash of cream or a sprinkle of cheese before reheating can enhance the texture!
