This Cheesy Zucchini Chicken and Rice Casserole is a warm and hearty dish that combines tender chicken, fresh zucchini, and cheesy rice all in one pot. It’s comfort food at its best!
I love how easy it is to whip up this casserole for dinner. Just mix everything in a dish, pop it in the oven, and let it do its thing. Dinner magic with minimal effort! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded or diced cooked chicken is perfect for this casserole. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or leftover chicken from another meal. If you prefer plant-based options, chickpeas or shredded tofu can work too.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds a lovely texture. If zucchini isn’t available, you can substitute it with yellow squash or even chopped bell peppers for a different flavor. Both will blend nicely into the casserole.
Long-Grain White Rice: This is my go-to for fluffy rice. If you want a healthier option, brown rice works well but may require adjusting the cooking time and liquid. Quinoa is another great alternative for a protein boost.
Cheddar and Mozzarella Cheese: I love the combination of sharp cheddar and stretchy mozzarella. If you’re lactose intolerant, you can use non-dairy cheese alternatives that melt well. Nutritional yeast is a great flavor enhancer, too!
How Do I Ensure My Casserole is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking casserole dishes like this one can sometimes be tricky, but here’s how to get it right:
- First, pre-cook your chicken and rice slightly so it’s tender. Remember, the rice will absorb liquid while baking.
- Make sure to cover the dish with foil for most of the baking time. This helps trap steam and cook the rice evenly.
- Check the casserole during the last 15 minutes. Uncover it to allow the cheese to brown nicely without burning.
- Let it rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps everything set up and makes serving easier.
With these tips, you should be on your way to a perfectly creamy and cheesy casserole!
Cheesy Zucchini Chicken and Rice Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Components:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
For The Cheesy Goodness:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Flavor Builders:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley or green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole will take about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 50 minutes to bake. After that, let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 10 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will ensure your casserole doesn’t stick and comes out easily when it’s done!
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Next, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and diced zucchini. Cook everything together for another 3-4 minutes until the zucchini is tender. Don’t forget to season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme!
3. Mix All the Goodies:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice, your cooked chicken, the sautéed veggies, chicken broth, sour cream, and half of each cheese. Give it a good mix until everything is well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—every palate is different!
4. Assemble the Casserole:
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. This helps ensure even cooking and flavor distribution throughout the casserole.
5. Bake it Up:
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven for 35 minutes. This will help steam the rice and tenderize all the ingredients.
6. Add Cheese and Finish Baking:
After 35 minutes, remove the foil and generously sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top. Return the dish to the oven (uncovered) and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This is when it starts to smell amazing!
7. Rest and Serve:
Once it’s out of the oven, let your casserole rest for about 5 minutes. This allows it to set just a little, making it easier to serve. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a splash of color and extra flavor.
Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Zucchini Chicken and Rice Casserole!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can! However, keep in mind that brown rice may require additional cooking time and extra liquid. For best results, you may want to pre-cook the brown rice slightly before mixing it into the casserole.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
Feel free to mix in other veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms! Just adjust the cooking time slightly if you use denser vegetables, ensuring they are tender before mixing them in.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm individual portions in the microwave or in the oven until heated through.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven, and you may need to extend the baking time slightly.
