This Easy Chicken Zucchini Casserole is a warm and cheesy dish packed with chicken and fresh zucchini. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without much fuss.
I love how this casserole uses healthy ingredients and is super easy to make. Just mix everything together, pop it in the oven, and let it work its magic! Yum! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: You can use leftover cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even canned chicken for quick preparation! If you’re vegetarian, consider using chickpeas or a meat substitute for added protein.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is perfect here, but if you have yellow squash or even eggplant lying around, they can work too. Just remember to slice them evenly for even cooking.
Cheeses: Cheddar gives a nice sharp flavor, but mozzarella offers a great melt. Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheese or mix different kinds like gouda and parmesan!
Sour Cream/Yogurt: For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. If dairy-free, try coconut yogurt or dairy-free sour cream as a substitute. It will still be creamy!
Mayonnaise: This ingredient adds creaminess, but it’s optional. You can replace it with a bit more sour cream or yogurt if you want to skip it.
How Do I Make Sure My Zucchini Is Tender but Not Mushy?
Cooking zucchini properly is key for this casserole. You want it tender without turning to mush. Sauté it for just a few minutes until it softens slightly before mixing into the casserole.
- Cut zucchini into even sizes to ensure they cook evenly.
- SautĂ© them on medium heat for about 4-5 minutes, just until they’re tender but still have a little bite.
- Don’t skip this step; it helps prevent excess moisture from making the casserole soggy!
Easy Chicken Zucchini Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 3 medium zucchinis, sliced or chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (optional for creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: 1/4 cup breadcrumbs for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
Getting this delicious casserole ready takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and then around 25-30 minutes baking time. So, in total, you’re looking at about 40-45 minutes to enjoy this tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, lightly grease a baking dish to keep your casserole from sticking.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a skillet over medium heat, pour in the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and let it sauté until it becomes translucent, which should take around 3-4 minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 more minute until fragrant. Don’t let it burn!
3. Cook the Zucchini:
Now, add your sliced or chopped zucchini to the skillet. Cook it for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s slightly tender but not mushy. Once done, remove it from the heat.
4. Mix It All Together:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, the sautéed zucchini mixture, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mayonnaise (if using), half of the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined.
5. Pour and Spread:
Transfer this mixture into your prepared baking dish. Make sure to spread it out evenly to ensure everything cooks nicely.
6. Add the Topping:
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top. If you like it a bit crunchy, you can also add breadcrumbs for an extra crispy topping!
7. Bake It:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You want it to be bubbling and the top golden brown. Your kitchen should be smelling wonderful right about now!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s out of the oven, let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set a little. Then, dig in and enjoy your easy, cheesy chicken zucchini casserole! It’s sure to be a hit!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Zucchini Casserole
Can I Use Fresh Zucchini Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh zucchini is recommended for the best texture and flavor. If you have frozen zucchini, make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
What If I Don’t Have Cooked Chicken on Hand?
No worries! You can quickly cook chicken breasts or thighs by boiling or sautéing them before shredding. Alternatively, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and works perfectly in this recipe!
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time as it will be cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or oven until heated through. If it seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth or water before reheating!
