This Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Casserole is a warm dish that combines juicy chicken and fresh zucchini. With cheesy goodness and a crunchy topping, it feels like a cozy hug in a bowl!
I love how simple this dish is to prepare! Just chop, mix, and bake, and you’ll have a tasty meal ready to enjoy. Plus, it works great for leftovers—if there are any! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh medium zucchinis bring great flavor and texture. If you can’t find zucchinis, yellow squash works as a perfect substitute. It has a similar taste and holds up well in baking.
Chicken: Using cooked chicken saves time. I prefer rotisserie chicken because it’s already seasoned and super tender. If you have leftovers from another meal, those can be used too, or you can use canned chicken in a pinch!
Cheese: I love mozzarella for its melty goodness, while Parmesan adds a nice salty kick. If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use cheddar cheese, which will change the flavor but still be delicious!
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Both add creaminess to the casserole. You can switch these out for buttermilk or even a dairy-free yogurt if you’re lactose intolerant or vegan.
How Do You Get a Great Texture in Your Casserole?
Getting that perfect texture in your casserole is all about balancing the ingredients! When mixing, make sure every piece of zucchini is coated. This ensures even cooking and flavor distribution. For a crunchy top, consider these steps:
- Use crushed buttery crackers or panko breadcrumbs sprinkled on top for a crispy finish.
- Don’t skip the baking time! This is crucial for cooking the zucchini through and allowing the flavors to meld.
- Let it sit after baking. It helps everything set, making it easier to serve.
Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping:
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers or panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. All together, you can have this delicious casserole ready in less than an hour, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and comes out perfectly golden on top!
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, then sauté them until they soften and become fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. This step adds great flavor to your dish!
3. Mix the Casserole Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sliced zucchini, sautéed onion and garlic, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mayonnaise, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix until everything is evenly coated. This is where all the delicious flavors come together!
4. Add the Cheese:
Now stir in half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese. These cheeses make the casserole extra creamy and cheesy!
5. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the mixture into a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it evenly. This will be the base for your casserole.
6. Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese generously on top. If you’re using crackers or breadcrumbs, sprinkle those as well for a crunchy finish.
7. Bake the Casserole:
Place your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbly and the top is golden brown. It will smell amazing!
8. Let it Rest:
Once it’s out of the oven, let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes. This helps it set and makes it easier to serve.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to dig in! Serve it warm and enjoy this hearty, delicious, and comforting baked chicken and zucchini casserole with your family or friends.
Enjoy your comforting, easy baked chicken and zucchini casserole!
FAQ about Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Casserole
Can I Use Raw Chicken Instead of Cooked Chicken?
While this recipe calls for cooked chicken for convenience, you can use raw chicken. Just ensure it’s diced into small pieces and bake the casserole for an additional 10-15 minutes to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What Can I Substitute for Zucchini?
If you don’t have zucchini, you can substitute it with yellow squash or even spinach for a different flavor. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly, especially for softer vegetables like spinach.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or microwave in short intervals until heated through.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it (covered) for up to a day before baking. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge!
