Chicken Zucchini Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Chicken Zucchini Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. It combines tender chicken, fresh zucchini, and a blend of cheeses baked to golden perfection. Simple to prepare and satisfying to eat, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 3 medium zucchinis, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sliced zucchinis, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until well combined.
3. Step 3: Drizzle the olive oil evenly in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. Step 4: Transfer the chicken and zucchini mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the mixture.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh basil if desired. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika to the mixture.
• Substitute shredded rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Try adding other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for more variety.
• Use low-fat cheeses to make this dish lighter while keeping the creamy texture.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible to retain the texture of the zucchini and cheese.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked chicken?

Yes, but you will need to cook the chicken thoroughly before combining it with the other ingredients. Using already cooked chicken saves time and ensures even baking.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat or gluten-containing ingredients. Just be sure to check that your seasonings and cheeses do not have any added gluten.

Chicken Zucchini Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 111 reviews

This Chicken Zucchini Bake is a comforting and flavorful casserole that combines tender shredded chicken with fresh zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and a blend of creamy cheeses. Baked to perfection, this dish offers a delightful mix of textures and Italian-inspired seasonings, making it a wholesome and easy meal for any day of the week.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

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Chicken and Vegetables

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 3 medium zucchinis, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Cheeses and Seasonings

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Additional Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
2. Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, sliced zucchinis, halved cherry tomatoes, shredded mozzarella, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly distributed and the cream cheese is thoroughly mixed in.
3. Prepare the baking dish: Drizzle the olive oil in a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it evenly across the bottom to prevent sticking and add flavor.
4. Transfer mixture to dish: Pour the combined chicken and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly for uniform cooking.
5. Add Parmesan topping: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top of the mixture to create a delicious golden crust as it bakes.
6. Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
7. Cool and garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired before serving for a fresh, aromatic touch.

Notes

• You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
• For a lower-fat version, use part-skim mozzarella and reduce the amount of cream cheese.
• If you prefer, add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• This dish can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated; bake just before serving.
• Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: Chicken Zucchini Bake, healthy casserole, cheesy chicken bake, Italian zucchini recipe, easy dinner casserole