Chicken Zucchini Bake Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Transfer mixture to dish: Pour the combined chicken and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly for uniform cooking.
- Add Parmesan topping: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top of the mixture to create a delicious golden crust as it bakes.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://messykitchenmagic.com/chicken-zucchini-bake-recipe/
