This Easy Chicken Zucchini Casserole is a wonderful dish that’s packed with juicy chicken and fresh zucchini. It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies while keeping it tasty!
Honestly, this casserole is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. Just layer everything and pop it in the oven—easy peasy! It’s like a warm hug on a plate. 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is a star ingredient. If you can’t find any, yellow squash works well too. They both add tenderness and moisture to the casserole.
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is perfect for this dish. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or even swap in turkey if you have it. Tofu or beans are great vegetarian options.
Cheese: Mozzarella adds stretch while Parmesan offers a nutty flavor. If you’re dairy-free, try vegan cheese alternatives or leave it out entirely. Nutritional yeast can give a cheesy taste!
Sour Cream/Yogurt: This adds creaminess. Greek yogurt is a great substitute for a healthy twist, or you can use a dairy-free version if needed. Cottage cheese also works if you want a chunkier texture.
Breadcrumbs: Adding breadcrumbs on top creates a crunchy texture. If you don’t have any, crushed crackers or panko serve as a good substitute. You can also skip them and keep it lighter!
How Do I Ensure My Casserole Is Done Perfectly?
Getting the cooking time just right is important for a casserole. You want it cooked thoroughly with the cheese melted and slightly golden. Here’s how to do that:
- After 25 minutes, tear off the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes. This helps the top get nice and bubbly.
- Check for doneness by poking in the center. If it’s hot all the way through, you’re good to go!
- Letting it rest for 5 minutes helps the casserole set, making it easier to serve without falling apart.
These simple tips will help you nail this casserole every time! Enjoy serving it warm and watch it disappear quickly!
Easy Chicken Zucchini Casserole Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: 1/4 cup breadcrumbs for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 40 minutes to bake, so you’ll need about 55 minutes in total. It’s a quick and easy dish perfect for dinner or for having leftovers during the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly when you pop it in.
2. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they are soft and fragrant. This step adds lovely flavor to the dish!
3. Mix the Chicken Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, sautéed onions and garlic, sour cream, mayonnaise, half of the mozzarella cheese, the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until it’s evenly coated.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a layer of the sliced zucchini evenly on the bottom. Then, spread half of the chicken mixture over the zucchini layer. Next, add another layer of sliced zucchini on top of that. Finally, spread the remaining chicken mixture over the last layer of zucchini.
5. Top with Cheese and Breadcrumbs:
Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese on top of the casserole. If you want a crunchy finish, you can also sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the cheese.
6. Bake the Casserole:
Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
7. Let It Rest:
Once it’s done baking, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This will help it set a little, making it easier to serve.
Enjoy your comforting and simple chicken zucchini casserole! It’s a fantastic hearty dinner option that you can also use for meal prepping!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Zucchini Casserole
Can I Use Fresh Zucchini Instead of Frozen?
Yes, fresh zucchini is perfect for this recipe! Just slice it into rounds as directed. If you prefer, you can lightly steam or sauté the zucchini beforehand for a softer texture, but it’s not necessary!
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise?
If you’d like a lighter option or don’t have mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt works wonderfully! You can also use a vegan mayonnaise or a mixture of sour cream and a splash of lemon juice for added flavor.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When you’re ready to bake, remove the cover and let it come to room temperature before baking as instructed.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place portions in the microwave or oven until heated through. You can add a sprinkle of cheese on top while reheating for extra flavor!
