Description
This Chicken Zucchini Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make baked dish featuring tender zucchini, shredded cooked chicken, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it combines simple ingredients with warming spices and two kinds of cheese for a delightful, protein-packed meal that can be customized with extra veggies or served over rice or pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Protein
- 2 medium zucchini, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
Dairy
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Spices and Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped zucchini, shredded cooked chicken, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure the zucchini and chicken are evenly coated with the sour cream and spices.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, making sure it’s level for even baking.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese to create a rich, cheesy crust.
- First Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the dish to heat through.
- Second Bake: Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set and make slicing easier.
Notes
- This recipe is best with pre-cooked chicken, such as rotisserie, to ensure proper cooking time and texture.
- Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to increase nutrition and flavor.
- For a fuller meal, mix in cooked rice or pasta before baking.
- Enhance the seasoning with paprika, Italian seasoning, or chili flakes for additional flavor depth.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of casserole (approx. 250g)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
