This Easy Chicken Zucchini Casserole is perfect for a healthy dinner! It features tender chicken, fresh zucchini, and creamy cheese for a delicious dish that everyone will love.
You can feel good serving this colorful meal—it’s both tasty and nutritious. I often make extra so I can enjoy it for lunch the next day! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this casserole. If you want a quicker option, rotisserie chicken works well too. Just shred it and skip the cooking step!
Zucchini: Fresh zucchinis make this dish light and healthy. If zucchinis are out of season, yellow squash can be a good substitute, or you can even use spinach for a different twist.
Cheese: Mozzarella gives the dish a creamy texture. For a bolder flavor, try using sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack. If you want to make it dairy-free, look for vegan cheese options.
Sour Cream/Cream Cheese: Using sour cream adds a nice tang. Greek yogurt is a healthier swap, and cream cheese adds creaminess. You can even mix them for a balanced flavor!
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Chicken in My Casserole?
A vital step is cooking the chicken just right so it stays moist and flavorful. Here’s how:
- Use medium-high heat to brown the chicken quickly, about 5-7 minutes, until it’s no longer pink inside. This keeps it juicy.
- If you’re using pre-cooked chicken, add it to the casserole without cooking. Just mix it with the other ingredients.
- Don’t overcook it in the oven, as the chicken can dry out. Just bake until everything is bubbly!
With these tips and ingredient options, you’re all set to enjoy a healthy and tasty chicken zucchini casserole! Happy cooking!
How to Make Easy Chicken Zucchini Casserole
Ingredients for Your Casserole:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 medium zucchinis, chopped into chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for preparation and 25 minutes for baking. In total, plan for around 40 minutes from start to finish to enjoy your delicious casserole!
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 medium-sized casserole dish to ensure nothing sticks.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s nice and hot, add the chicken pieces. Season them with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink and has a light golden color. Remove the skillet from the heat.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
Using the same skillet, toss in the chopped zucchini and diced red bell pepper along with the minced garlic. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes until they are just tender. This will add great flavor and texture to your casserole!
4. Make the Creamy Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, the remaining Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s smooth and well-blended.
5. Combine All Ingredients:
Now, add the cooked chicken pieces, sautéed veggies, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese to the creamy mixture. Gently fold everything together until it’s evenly mixed.
6. Assemble the Casserole:
Pour the mixture into the greased casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Top it off with the remaining mozzarella cheese to get that delicious cheesy crust!
7. Bake to Perfection:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes. You want it to be bubbly and for the cheese to turn a lovely golden brown.
8. Let it Rest and Serve:
After baking, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes. This helps everything set up nicely. Then, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor!
Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and healthy chicken zucchini casserole warm, perfect for a balanced and delicious dinner!
FAQ About Easy Chicken Zucchini Casserole
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to completely thaw it before cooking. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or in a sealed bag submerged in cold water for quicker results. After thawing, cut it into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it well, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking it in the oven to ensure even baking.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions, or warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can add a splash of chicken broth or a bit of cheese on top before reheating to keep it moist!
What Can I Substitute for Zucchini?
If you don’t have zucchini on hand, yellow squash works great as a substitute. You can also use other vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or even cauliflower for a different flavor and texture in the casserole.