This Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Zucchini Bake is a tasty dish that combines juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh zucchini all in one pan. It’s creamy, cheesy, and perfect for busy nights!
If you’re like me, you can’t resist the combo of bacon and ranch—it just makes everything better, right? 😄 I love serving this with a simple salad for a fun and easy meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchinis: These are the star of the dish! Choose firm, fresh zucchinis for the best texture. If you’re out of zucchini, you can substitute with sliced eggplant or yellow squash.
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast works great, but you can also use rotisserie chicken for quick prep. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try chickpeas or tofu instead of chicken.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a wonderful crunch. You can swap it for turkey bacon for a lighter version, or for a vegetarian alternative, use tempeh bacon.
Cheeses: Cheddar and mozzarella create a deliciously gooey layer. Feel free to mix it up with Monterey Jack or Gouda for different flavors. Dairy-free cheese can also work if you have dietary needs.
Ranch Dressing: This gives the dish its flavor kick. If you’re avoiding ranch, try a homemade mix of Greek yogurt, dill, onion powder, and garlic powder as a substitute.
How Do You Get the Zucchini Perfectly Tender Without Getting it Watery?
One common issue with zucchini is its water content. To prevent a watery bake, follow these tips:
- Start by slicing the zucchini and placing it on paper towels. Lightly sprinkle with salt and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. This helps draw out excess moisture.
- Afterward, pat the slices dry with another paper towel to remove any extra moisture.
- Layer the zucchini evenly in the baking dish before adding other ingredients. Avoid overcrowding, which helps them cook evenly.
By using these techniques, you’ll achieve perfectly tender zucchini and a deliciously creamy bake!
Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Zucchini Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 3 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
For the Cheesy Mixture:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Creamy Base:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasoning:
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Other:
- Cooking spray or olive oil, for greasing the baking dish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at around 40 minutes before you can dig into this tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect for melting cheese and making the zucchini tender.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil. This will prevent your bake from sticking and make for easy cleanup later on.
3. Arrange the Zucchini:
Spread the sliced zucchini evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. You want a nice layer covering the base for that delicious veggie goodness!
4. Mix the Chicken and Bacon:
In a large bowl, combine the shredded or diced cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, sour cream, ranch dressing, minced garlic, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until combined; this will be the flavorful topping for your bake.
5. Layer the Mixture:
Carefully spread the chicken and bacon mixture evenly over the zucchini layer in the baking dish, ensuring every bit of zucchini gets covered with that yummy mix.
6. Add the Cheeses:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the entire dish, allowing it to melt beautifully. Then finish by sprinkling the grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra cheesy flavor!
7. Bake it:
Place the dish into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes. Look for the cheese to be melted, bubbly, and golden on top, and check that the zucchini is tender.
8. Let it Rest:
Once baked to perfection, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting time helps everything set a little, making it easier to serve.
Enjoy your warm, creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Zucchini Bake! Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies or different cheese types for added flair!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Zucchini Bake
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini in This Recipe?
While fresh zucchini works best for this bake, you can use frozen zucchini if needed. Just be sure to thaw it first and drain any excess moisture. Pat it dry with paper towels to avoid a soggy bake!
How Can I Make This Dish Healthier?
You can lighten it up by using low-fat or Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and opting for turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. Additionally, feel free to load it with extra veggies like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrients!
Can I Prepare This Bake Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, pop it in the oven—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
What Should I Serve with This Dish?
This chicken bacon ranch zucchini bake is perfect on its own, but you can serve it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the creamy goodness. It also pairs nicely with steamed vegetables for a complete meal!
