This Easy Chicken Zucchini Casserole is a warm and hearty dish that’s perfect for any family meal. With tender chicken and fresh zucchini, it’s both tasty and healthy!
I love how it all comes together quickly, and the cheesy topping makes it extra special. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies without anyone noticing! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded or diced, rotisserie chicken is perfect for this dish. If you have leftover chicken from another meal, use that! For a vegetarian option, switch to cooked lentils or chickpeas.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds great flavor and texture. You can replace it with yellow squash, or for a low-carb option, use cauliflower florets or spinach.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Both add creaminess. Greek yogurt is a healthier choice! If you’re dairy-free, consider using a plant-based yogurt.
Cheese: Mozzarella is the classic choice here, but feel free to use cheddar or a dairy-free cheese if needed. Mixing cheese types can also add depth to the flavor.
How Do I Get the Zucchini Just Right Without Making It Soggy?
To avoid soggy zucchini, it’s key to cook it just enough to soften but not too long. Here’s how:
- Slice zucchinis evenly for consistent cooking.
- Add them to the skillet after the onions and garlic are softened, cooking for about 5-6 minutes.
- Keep stirring them occasionally. They should be tender but not mushy when you mix them with chicken.
By following this method, you’ll get perfectly cooked zucchini that holds its shape and flavor in the casserole!
Easy Chicken Zucchini Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 3 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a little heat
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley or basil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Chicken Zucchini Casserole will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes to bake. Total time: about 45-50 minutes. Perfect for a weekday dinner or a cozy weekend meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will make sure it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake your casserole.
2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
In a large skillet, add the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Once hot, throw in the chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant.
3. Cook the Zucchini:
Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet and stir it around. Cook for about 5-6 minutes until the zucchini starts to soften. Don’t forget to season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano while cooking!
4. Mix the Chicken and Veggies:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, sautéed zucchini, onions, garlic, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mayonnaise, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Stir well to mix everything together.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour the chicken and zucchini mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Top it with the remaining mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake the Casserole:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. The casserole should be hot and bubbly, with the cheese all melted and slightly golden on top.
7. Let it Cool and Garnish:
Once it’s done baking, carefully remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will help the casserole set a bit and make it easier to serve. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top before serving!
Enjoy your wholesome and delicious Easy Chicken Zucchini Casserole!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Zucchini Casserole
Can I Use Raw Chicken Instead of Cooked?
While this recipe is designed for cooked chicken, you can use raw chicken if you prefer. Just dice the chicken and sauté it in the skillet before adding the onions and garlic. Cook until fully cooked through (165°F or 75°C) before mixing with the other ingredients.
What If I Don’t Have Mayonnaise?
No worries! You can substitute mayonnaise with an equal amount of Greek yogurt or sour cream for a similar creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter option, just use more Greek yogurt or sour cream in place of the mayo!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make this casserole vegetarian, simply replace the cooked chicken with a plant-based protein such as chickpeas, lentils, or even tofu. You can also amp up the veggies by adding bell peppers or spinach!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or oven until heated through. You may want to add a splash of broth or a bit more cheese while reheating to keep it moist and delicious.
