This Easy Chicken Zucchini Casserole is a tasty and simple meal! It features juicy chicken, fresh zucchini, and cheesy goodness all baked together in one dish.
I love how this dish makes weeknight dinners a breeze. Just pop it in the oven and let the magic happen while you relax. Plus, who doesn’t love cheese? 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: This is the star of the dish! If you can’t find zucchini, yellow squash works great too. You can also try using eggplant or sliced bell peppers for a different twist.
Chicken: I love using cooked rotisserie chicken for this recipe since it’s so convenient. You can also use leftovers or any cooked chicken you have on hand for an easy meal.
Cheese: The combination of mozzarella and cheddar gives a perfect creamy and cheesy texture. If you’re looking for lighter options, try low-fat cheese, or you can even use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
Heavy Cream & Cream Cheese: These give the casserole its richness. If you want a lighter option, swap them with evaporated milk or a mixture of Greek yogurt and broth for a healthier twist.
How Do I Get the Cheese on Top Perfectly Golden?
Getting that lovely golden brown top requires a bit of technique. Start by ensuring that the cheese is evenly spread across the top. If you like it extra crispy, try these tips:
- For the last 5-7 minutes of baking, switch your oven to broil. Keep a close eye on it, as cheese can burn quickly!
- Don’t cover the casserole while baking, as this traps moisture and prevents browning.
- Using a combination of cheeses can also enhance the browning effect—mixing in some Parmesan on top helps achieve that nice crust.
With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a deliciously golden casserole that’s ready to impress!
Easy Chicken Zucchini Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 2 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed or shredded
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnishing:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Cooking spray or butter (for greasing dish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Chicken Zucchini Casserole takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to bake. So, you can have this comforting meal ready in just about 40 minutes in total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While your oven heats up, grab a medium-sized baking dish and lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter so that nothing sticks later on.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a medium saucepan over low heat, mix together the heavy cream and softened cream cheese. Stir constantly until everything is nicely blended and smooth. This should take a few minutes.
3. Season the Sauce:
Next, stir in the minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it heat through gently for about 3-4 minutes while mixing to combine all the flavors.
4. Layer the Zucchini:
Now it’s time to assemble! Spread the sliced zucchini evenly across the bottom of your greased baking dish. Ensure the slices are well arranged so they cook evenly.
5. Add the Chicken:
Top the zucchini with the cooked chicken, making sure to distribute it evenly over the zucchini layer.
6. Pour on the Cheese Sauce:
Pour the creamy cheese sauce you made earlier evenly over the zucchini and chicken layers. This will keep everything nice and juicy!
7. Sprinkle the Cheeses:
Now, go ahead and sprinkle the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses evenly on top. This will create a gorgeous cheesy crust when baked!
8. Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
9. Let It Rest:
Once baked, pull the casserole out of the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This helps everything set a bit before serving.
10. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, garnish the casserole with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. Now it’s ready to be served. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy, and comforting Easy Chicken Zucchini Casserole!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Zucchini Casserole
Can I Use Fresh Zucchini or Frozen Zucchini?
Both work great! If using fresh zucchini, slice it just before layering to prevent excess moisture. If you opt for frozen zucchini, be sure to thaw and drain it completely to avoid a watery casserole.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it (before baking) for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to cover it tightly. When ready to bake, it may need an extra few minutes in the oven since it will be cold.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it up in the microwave or place it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
What Can I Serve With This Casserole?
This casserole is delicious on its own, but you can pair it with a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. If you’re looking for a heartier meal, serve it along with pasta or quinoa!
