This easy chicken zucchini casserole is a tasty mix of tender chicken, fresh zucchini, and creamy cheese. It’s a comforting dish that’s simple to make and full of flavor!
I love how it all bakes together in one pan—less mess for me! Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy veggies without a fuss. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken to save time or any leftover chicken. If you’re vegetarian, try chickpeas or cooked lentils for protein.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is best, but you can use summer squash if you have that on hand. If zucchini isn’t available, consider using spinach or kale.
Cheeses: Mozzarella gives a nice stretchiness, but you could substitute with provolone or even cheddar for a different flavor. Don’t skip the Parmesan—it adds great depth!
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Both add creaminess. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try cashew cream or coconut yogurt.
Mayonnaise: It’s optional but can add richness. For a lighter version, swap with more yogurt or leave it out altogether.
How Do I Get the Zucchini Just Right Without Making It Watery?
To ensure your casserole doesn’t end up watery, the key is to sauté the zucchini first. This step removes excess moisture.
- Cook sliced zucchini for 5-7 minutes until just tender. Avoid overcooking, as you want a bit of a bite left.
- Season the zucchini with salt while cooking. This helps draw out moisture.
By following this technique, your casserole will stay nice and firm, allowing all the delicious flavors to shine through!
Easy Chicken Zucchini Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 3 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds or half-moons
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Cheesy Layers:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Base and Seasoning:
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy chicken zucchini casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to bake, totaling about 40 minutes. Just a bit of cooking and then it’s in the oven to become deliciously bubbly!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready for the casserole when you’re done prepping!
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they are translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until you can smell that wonderful garlic scent!
3. Cook the Zucchini:
Add the sliced zucchini to your skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes. You want them to be a little tender but still have some crunch. Season with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning while they cook.
4. Mix Everything Together:
In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked chicken, the sautéed zucchini and onions, the sour cream, mayonnaise (if you’re using it), half of the mozzarella, the Parmesan cheese, and the remaining Italian seasoning. Mix everything together until well combined, adding a little more salt and pepper if needed.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Transfer your mixture to a lightly greased baking dish, about 8×8 inches or similarly sized. Spread it out evenly in the dish.
6. Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. This will melt perfectly and create a delicious cheesy topping.
7. Bake the Casserole:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for it to be bubbly and the cheese on top to be golden brown.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s out of the oven, let the casserole cool slightly before serving. This helps the layers settle.
9. Garnish and Enjoy!
If you like, garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a bit of color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious chicken zucchini casserole!
Feel free to swap ingredients around as needed, and enjoy this comforting dish with family or friends!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Zucchini Casserole
Can I Use Raw Chicken in This Recipe?
While this recipe is designed for cooked chicken, you can use raw chicken if you prefer. Simply dice the chicken and sauté it in the skillet before adding the onions and zucchini. Make sure to cook it thoroughly until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before proceeding with the rest of the recipe.
Can I Substitute Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! You can replace zucchini with other vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or even spinach. Just adjust the sauté time based on the vegetable you choose; some may cook faster or slower than zucchini.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the microwave or bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Adding a splash of broth can help maintain moisture during reheating.
Can I Make This Casserole Dairy-Free?
Yes! Substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt or cashew cream, and use dairy-free cheese alternatives for the mozzarella and Parmesan. Make sure to check the labels for any ingredients that could avoid dairy.
