This Easy Chicken Zucchini Casserole is a tasty dish that combines juicy chicken and fresh zucchini in a creamy sauce, topped with cheese for a delightful finish. Yum!
I love how quickly this casserole comes together. Just mix, bake, and enjoy! Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in those veggies without anyone complaining. 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchinis are key for this dish. They add texture and moisture. If zucchini isn’t available, summer squash can be a great substitute, or even spinach for a different flavor.
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast keeps it easy and delicious. Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or swap for turkey if you prefer. Canned chicken will work too in a pinch!
Creamy Base: This recipe uses sour cream and mayonnaise for richness. If you want a lighter option, Greek yogurt works wonderfully instead of sour cream. You can also skip the mayo if desired.
Cheese: I love mozzarella for its meltiness! You can mix it up with cheddar or Monterey Jack for a different taste. For a dairy-free version, try vegan cheese that melts well.
How Do You Make Sure the Zucchini is Tender?
The key to tender zucchini is to cook it just right. Slice it thinly so it cooks evenly. Ensure your casserole is baked long enough to soften the zucchini without becoming mushy.
- Sauté the onions and garlic first to enhance their flavors, then mix them with your other ingredients before adding the zucchini.
- Don’t overload the casserole dish; layering helps everything cook evenly.
- Keep an eye on the bake time; if the top is browning too quickly but the zucchini isn’t tender, cover it with foil for the remaining time.
Easy Chicken Zucchini Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 2 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake, making the total time roughly 40 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, go ahead and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps the casserole cook evenly while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant. This will make your casserole super tasty!
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, the sautéed onion and garlic, sour cream, mayonnaise, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together until well combined.
4. Add the Zucchini:
Gently fold in the thinly sliced zucchini into your chicken mixture. Make sure it’s evenly mixed so every bite has that delicious zucchini flavor!
5. Assemble the Casserole:
Lightly grease a casserole dish to prevent sticking. Spread half of the chicken and zucchini mixture into the bottom of the dish, smoothing it out evenly.
6. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the first layer of the mixture, giving it a creamy, cheesy base.
7. Layer Again:
Pour the remaining chicken and zucchini mixture on top and spread it out evenly. Then, top it off with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Who doesn’t love extra cheese?
8. Bake:
Pop the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for a golden and bubbly top, with the zucchini becoming tender.
9. Cool & Serve:
When it’s ready, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to serve!
Enjoy your hearty and healthy Easy Chicken Zucchini Casserole! It’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Zucchini Casserole
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen zucchini, but make sure to thaw and drain it first to remove excess moisture. This helps prevent the casserole from becoming too watery during baking.
What Can I Substitute for Sour Cream?
If you don’t have sour cream available, plain Greek yogurt is a great alternative! It will provide a similar tangy flavor and creaminess. You could also use cottage cheese for a different texture, but blend it first for smoothness.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or cover and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to sauté them if they require more cooking time!
