This Easy Chicken Zucchini Casserole is a cozy dish that’s perfect for busy days. It’s filled with tender chicken, fresh zucchini, and cheesy goodness that makes everyone smile!
I love how simple it is to prepare! Just mix everything together, pop it in the oven, and you’re all set. Perfect for a family dinner—everyone gets a big helping! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini keeps this casserole light and flavorful. If you don’t have zucchini, try yellow squash or even spinach for a different twist!
Cooked Chicken: I used shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience. You can substitute with leftover cooked chicken or even turkey if you have it on hand.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar gives a nice sharp flavor. If you prefer something milder, go for mozzarella. For dairy-free options, try plant-based cheese alternatives.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: These add creaminess. Greek yogurt is a healthier swap. If you need a dairy-free option, consider using coconut yogurt or cashew cream.
Mayonnaise: This adds richness. If you want to lighten things up, you can skip it or replace it with more yogurt.
How Can You Make Sure the Zucchini is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking zucchini perfectly is essential; it should be tender but not mushy. To achieve this:
- Slice the zucchini evenly for consistent cooking.
- Don’t skimp on cooking time in the oven, as this helps soften the zucchini while the top gets golden.
- If you find zucchini releases too much moisture, consider salting the slices and letting them drain for about 15 minutes before mixing them in.
With these tips, you’ll have a wonderfully creamy and delicious Chicken Zucchini Casserole everyone will love! Enjoy! 🍽️
Easy Chicken Zucchini Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 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 black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Optional: 1/4 cup bread crumbs for topping
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for prep and 25-30 minutes for baking, making the total time around 45-50 minutes. It’s a quick and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, lightly grease a casserole dish with olive oil or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil or butter. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing them together until they become soft and fragrant (about 3-4 minutes). Once done, remove from heat and set aside.
3. Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, sliced zucchinis, sautéed onion and garlic, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mayonnaise, Italian seasoning, half of the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed and evenly coated.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Transfer this delicious mixture into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly so every bite will be full of flavor. Then, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. If you like a crunchy topping, sprinkle the optional bread crumbs evenly over the cheese for that extra texture!
5. Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. You should be able to poke a fork into the zucchini to check if it’s tender as well.
6. Cool and Garnish
When it’s done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This helps everything settle together. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh parsley or basil right before you dig in.
Now, enjoy your easy and delicious Chicken Zucchini Casserole with family or friends!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Zucchini Casserole
Can I Use Raw Chicken in This Recipe?
While this recipe calls for cooked chicken, you can use raw chicken if you prefer. Simply dice it and sauté it in the skillet for about 7-10 minutes until fully cooked before adding the onions and garlic.
What Happens If I Don’t Have Mayonnaise?
No worries! You can either omit the mayonnaise or replace it with additional sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy texture. You might also try using cream cheese for a richer flavor.
Can I Freeze Leftovers?
Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. Cool it completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
What Can I Serve with This Casserole?
This dish pairs perfectly with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables. You could also serve it over rice or quinoa to make it more filling!
