This Easy Cheesy Keto Chicken Zucchini Bake is a wonderful dish! It combines tender chicken, fresh zucchini, and plenty of gooey cheese for a filling meal that’s low in carbs.
It’s super simple to make—all you have to do is bake it! I love serving this dish with a side salad for some crunch. It’s perfect for busy nights or when you just want something tasty! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchinis: They are the star of this dish! Zucchinis add moisture and a mild flavor. If you can’t find zucchinis, yellow squash works as a great substitute.
Cooked Chicken: Shredded chicken is perfect for this bake. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience. If you’re vegetarian, canned chickpeas or tofu can be a good alternative.
Cheese: Mozzarella provides creaminess while Parmesan adds a nice sharpness. If you’re lactose intolerant, try dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Heavy Cream: It creates a rich consistency. If you’re looking for a lighter option, use unsweetened almond milk or coconut cream for a low-calorie swap.
How Do I Get the Perfect Bake for My Zucchini?
Getting your zucchini just right is crucial for this recipe. You want it tender, not soggy. Here are some tips:
- Slice zucchinis evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.
- You can salt the zucchini slices and let them sit for about 10 minutes before using them. This draws out excess moisture, helping to keep your bake from becoming watery.
- Make sure to layer the zucchini and chicken mixture well so every bite gets that cheesy goodness!
Easy Cheesy Keto Chicken Zucchini Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bake:
- 3 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream or sour cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or basil (optional)
Time Needed:
This delightful dish will take about 15 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to bake. You’ll have a tasty meal ready in about 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get the Oven Ready:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Your Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, half of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream (or sour cream), minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together well so it’s all evenly combined.
3. Layer the Zucchini:
Take your sliced zucchini and arrange a layer evenly on the bottom of the greased baking dish. This will be the first layer of flavors.
4. Add the Chicken Mixture:
Next, spread half of the chicken and cheese mixture over the zucchini layer. This adds a delicious cheesy flavor beneath the next zucchini layer.
5. More Zucchini!
Now, add another layer of zucchini slices on top of the chicken mixture. This will help keep the bake nice and moist.
6. Final Chicken Layer:
Spread the remaining chicken mixture over the second zucchini layer, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
7. Top with Cheese:
Finally, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. This will create a beautiful, gooey cheese layer once baked.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the zucchini is tender and the cheese is all melted and bubbly.
9. Cool and Garnish:
After baking, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. If you like, garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor!
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Dig in and enjoy your warm, cheesy, keto-friendly chicken zucchini bake! It’s a delicious meal that everyone will love!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Keto Chicken Zucchini Bake
Can I Use Raw Chicken Instead of Cooked?
It’s best to use cooked chicken for this recipe, as it allows the dish to bake evenly and flavors to meld together perfectly. If you only have raw chicken, consider baking or sautéing it first before adding to the mixture.
How to Prevent Zucchini from Getting Watery?
To prevent your bake from becoming soggy, slice the zucchinis evenly and consider salting them before layering. Let them sit for about 10 minutes, then pat them dry with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re starting with a cold dish 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, warm gently in the oven or microwave until heated through. You may want to add a splash of cream to keep it creamy while reheating!
