This Easy Cheesy Chicken Zucchini Casserole is a tasty mix of chicken, zucchini, and lots of melted cheese. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
You’ll love how the cheesy goodness keeps everyone coming back for more. I always find myself sneaking extra spoonfuls—who can resist that melty cheese? 😄
It’s great because you just throw everything in one dish and let it bake. Less mess and more yum! Trust me, your family will be asking for seconds.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is perfect here. You can use rotisserie chicken for ease or leftover chicken. If you prefer a vegetarian option, use chickpeas or cooked lentils instead.
Zucchini: The star of this dish! If zucchini isn’t available, yellow squash works great too! You can even mix in some spinach or kale for added nutrition.
Cheese: Mozzarella and cheddar add creaminess. If you’re looking for lower-fat options, use part-skim mozzarella. Vegan cheese can also be used for a dairy-free version.
Sour Cream & Cream Cheese: These add creaminess to the casserole. Greek yogurt can be a lighter substitute for sour cream, and silken tofu blended well can replace cream cheese in vegan dishes.
Breadcrumbs: I love using Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor. If you’re gluten-free, almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs work beautifully.
How Can I Make Sure My Casserole is Perfectly Creamy?
To achieve a creamy texture, ensure that your cheese and creamy ingredients are well-mixed. Here’s how:
- Start with softened cream cheese and sour cream for easy blending.
- Mix them together thoroughly before adding in the other cheeses. This ensures a smooth texture.
- Don’t skip the sautéing step for the veggies! It helps release moisture and enhances flavor.
- Be generous with cheese on top to create that gooey, melty layer.
And one more tip: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. This helps it set up and makes serving easier!
Easy Cheesy Chicken Zucchini Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 3 medium zucchinis, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned preferred)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful casserole will take you about 15-20 minutes to prep and then around 25-30 minutes to bake. So, in total, expect about 45-50 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for a cozy dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will prepare it to cook your casserole perfectly.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add your finely chopped onion and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until it turns translucent. Next, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute to bring out that delicious aroma.
3. Cook the Zucchini and Bell Pepper:
Add the diced zucchini and red bell pepper to the skillet. Stir and cook for about 5-6 minutes until the veggies are slightly softened. Don’t forget to season them with salt, black pepper, oregano, and basil to enhance the flavors. Remove from heat once cooked.
4. Mix the Cheesy Filling:
In a spacious bowl, combine the sour cream, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, mozzarella, cheddar, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix everything well until it’s creamy and blended smoothly.
5. Combine Ingredients:
Now, add the cooked chicken and sautéed veggies from the skillet into the cheesy mixture. Stir it all together until everything is evenly coated and mixed well.
6. Prepare the Casserole Dish:
Transfer this delicious mixture into your greased 9×13 inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. This ensures every bite has that cheesy goodness!
7. Add Toppings:
Finally, sprinkle the top of the casserole with breadcrumbs and the remaining Parmesan cheese for that crunchy, golden finish.
8. Bake it:
Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes, or until it is bubbly and the top is nicely golden brown.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, let it cool for about 5 minutes. This will help it set a bit. Then, serve it up and enjoy the amazing creamy, cheesy flavor packed with tender chicken and fresh veggies!
This casserole not only makes a comforting meal but is also a fantastic way to incorporate veggies into your dinner. Enjoy!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Chicken Zucchini Casserole
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap out the zucchini and bell pepper for other veggies like spinach, broccoli, or even mushrooms. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the vegetables you choose.
What Kind of Chicken Can I Use?
You can use any cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or even leftover chicken from another meal. For a different flavor, you could also use shredded turkey!
Can I Make This Casserole in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day ahead! Just assemble it in the dish and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight, then bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it’s heated through.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or use a microwave until hot. Enjoy!
