If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, comforting dish with a wonderful balance of flavors, look no further than this Cheesy Chicken Zucchini Casserole Recipe. It’s a delicious blend of tender chicken and fresh zucchini, all wrapped up in a creamy, garlicky sauce layered with two kinds of melty cheese. This casserole feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for weeknight dinners or whenever you crave something hearty but not heavy. The mix of textures—from the soft cooked zucchini to the crispy golden cheese topping—makes every bite a delightful experience you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheesy Chicken Zucchini Casserole Recipe uses straightforward ingredients, each one playing a vital role in delivering flavor, texture, and satisfying comfort. From the fresh zucchini that adds a light earthiness to the creamy tang of sour cream, every element works harmoniously.
- 2 medium zucchini, chopped: Fresh and tender, zucchini adds moisture and a slight crunch to balance the creamy sauce.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded: Protein-packed and juicy, chicken brings hearty substance to the dish.
- ½ cup sour cream: Adds creaminess and a subtle tang that makes the casserole lush and rich.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a warm, savory depth that enhances the flavor without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Delivers a mild sweetness and enhances the aromatic profile of the casserole.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning, it brings out the best in every ingredient.
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and balances the other flavors perfectly.
- 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to give a gooey, stretchy texture loved by cheese fans.
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a sharp, nutty flavor and helps create a golden, slightly crisp crust on top.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Zucchini Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and prepare baking dish
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little oil or cooking spray. This simple prep ensures your casserole bakes evenly without sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix ingredients
In a spacious bowl, toss together the diced zucchini, cooked chicken, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir everything really well so the spices and sour cream coat the chicken and veggies fully—this is what builds the flavor base for your casserole.
Step 3: Assemble casserole
Once mixed, spread the combined ingredients evenly in your prepared baking dish. Distributing the mixture uniformly helps the casserole cook through evenly, ensuring every bite is just as delicious as the next.
Step 4: Add cheese topping
Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan on top of the mixture. This cheesy layer not only adds incredible flavor but will become irresistibly golden and bubbly during baking, creating the signature crust of this casserole.
Step 5: Cover and bake
Cover your baking dish tightly with foil and pop it in the oven for 20 minutes. This step allows the zucchini to soften and the ingredients to meld together beautifully while keeping moisture locked in.
Step 6: Finish baking uncovered
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes. During this time, the cheese topping will brown and bubble, giving you that perfect golden crust that beckons you to dig in.
Step 7: Cool and serve
Once out of the oven, let your casserole rest for about 5 minutes. This little pause helps the dish set up nicely, making it easier to serve and intensifying the flavors so they shine through with every bite.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Zucchini Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To add the finishing touch, sprinkle freshly chopped herbs like parsley or basil on top. Their bright, fresh flavors cut through the richness and add a pop of color that makes your casserole look as amazing as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, consider garlic bread or steamed rice to soak up the cheesy sauce and make every mouthful even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual family dinners, this dish shines straight from the baking dish, inviting everyone to dive in. If you’re serving guests, consider plating individual portions with a drizzle of a tangy balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a sophisticated twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it taste even better the next day. Just be sure to cool the casserole completely before refrigerating.
Freezing
This Cheesy Chicken Zucchini Casserole Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap it tightly with foil and plastic wrap or use a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months, making it perfect for meal prep or busy days when you want a homemade meal ready to go.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until warmed through—usually about 20 minutes. For a quicker option, microwave individual portions, just be mindful the cheese won’t get crispy that way.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and Parmesan create the perfect blend for this recipe, you can experiment with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of feta for a different flavor profile. Just use cheeses that melt well.
Is it necessary to cook the chicken before adding it?
Yes, the chicken should be fully cooked before mixing it into the casserole. This recipe is designed to heat the chicken through as it bakes, not cook raw meat from scratch.
Can I substitute zucchini with other vegetables?
Definitely. Squash or chopped cauliflower would work well if you want to mix things up. Just keep in mind, different vegetables may require slight adjustments in cooking time due to their texture and moisture content.
How can I make this dish lower in carbs?
This casserole is already quite low carb thanks to zucchini. For an even lighter version, you could reduce the sour cream or use a low-fat variety and opt for lean chicken breast. Avoiding heavy side dishes helps keep the meal balanced.
Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
Yes, doubling the Cheesy Chicken Zucchini Casserole Recipe is simple. Use a larger baking dish or spread the mixture across two dishes. Just make sure to adjust the baking time slightly to account for the increased volume.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Chicken Zucchini Casserole Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly comforting and delicious. Whether you’re feeding a family or just craving a warm, cheesy meal, this dish is incredibly satisfying and easy enough to make any night of the week. Trust me, once you try it, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to casseroles.
Print
Cheesy Chicken Zucchini Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A comforting and easy Cheesy Chicken Zucchini Casserole that combines tender zucchini and cooked chicken breast in a creamy, seasoned sour cream mixture, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Baked to golden perfection, this casserole is a delicious, hearty meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Protein
- 2 medium zucchini, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
Dairy and Seasonings
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped zucchini, cooked chicken, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Assemble casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly for uniform cooking.
- Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole mixture.
- Cover and bake: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes to cook the zucchini and heat through.
- Finish baking uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before serving to let it set and enhance flavors.
Notes
- Make sure the chicken is cooked before adding it to the casserole. Rotisserie chicken is a convenient option.
- Chopping zucchini uniformly helps it cook evenly in the casserole.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting and flavor.
- Covering the casserole initially helps to steam the zucchini and cook it thoroughly.
- Allowing the dish to rest before serving lets the casserole firm up, making it easier to slice and serve.
