This Easy Chicken Zucchini Casserole is a tasty one-pan meal packed with juicy chicken, fresh zucchini, and melted cheese. It’s comforting and perfect for any day of the week!
I love how simple this recipe is. Just mix everything in a dish, bake, and enjoy a warm, cheesy hug in a bowl. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies! 🥒❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is key for texture. If zucchini isn’t available, yellow squash can be a great substitute. Both will soak up flavors well.
Cooked Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or leftover chicken. For a vegetarian twist, swap chicken with cooked lentils or chickpeas.
Cheese: I love using cheddar for its sharpness. If you prefer milder cheese, mozzarella works nicely too. You could also try pepper jack for a spicy kick!
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: These add creaminess to the casserole. If dairy is an issue, you can use coconut yogurt or cashew cream as alternatives.
Mayonnaise: I find mayonnaise enhances the richness. If you want a lighter version, you can use avocado or omit it altogether.
How Do You Get the Zucchini Just Right?
Getting the zucchini perfectly cooked is essential for this casserole. Here’s how to do it:
- Slice zucchini evenly to ensure even cooking.
- I like to salt the zucchini slices before layering them. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out moisture, then pat dry.
- This step helps avoid a watery casserole and enhances flavor.
Remember, the goal is tender zucchini that blends well with the creamy chicken mixture!
Easy Chicken Zucchini Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
- Optional: 1/4 cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation, and then you’ll need to bake it for around 40 minutes. So, set aside about 55 minutes in total to pull everything together and enjoy a delightful meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that the casserole cooks evenly when you’re ready to bake.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil or butter and let it warm up. Then throw in the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant. This makes your casserole smell amazing!
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mayonnaise, sautéed onions, and garlic. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, along with salt and pepper. Give it a good mix until everything is well combined.
4. Layer the Zucchini:
Lightly grease a medium-sized casserole dish. Start by layering half of the sliced zucchini at the bottom. This will form a nice base for the casserole.
5. Add the Chicken Mixture:
Spread half of the chicken mixture evenly over the zucchini layer. This is where all the flavor lives, so make sure it covers the zucchini well!
6. Cheese It Up:
Sprinkle about a third of the shredded cheddar cheese and some grated Parmesan cheese on top. This will add that delicious cheesy goodness!
7. Repeat the Layers:
Now, repeat the layering process with the remaining zucchini and chicken mixture, topping it off with the remaining cheeses. Make sure it’s all nice and even!
8. Bake the Casserole:
Cover your casserole dish with foil and pop it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes to get everything cooked through.
9. Uncover and Brown:
After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Let it bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. You want that cheesy crust!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s done, let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set up a bit. If you like, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or basil on top for a colorful finish!
Enjoy your delicious, easy chicken zucchini casserole! Perfect for any night of the week! 😊
FAQ About Easy Chicken Zucchini Casserole
Can I Use Fresh Zucchini Instead of Frozen?
Yes, fresh zucchini is ideal for this recipe! However, if you only have frozen zucchini, make sure to thaw and drain it well to remove excess moisture before using.
What Other Proteins Can I Use?
You can easily substitute the chicken with cooked turkey, shredded pork, or even canned tuna. For a vegetarian option, chickpeas or cooked lentils work great as a protein source!
Can I Prepare This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven or microwave until heated through.
