This chicken zucchini casserole is a tasty and simple meal. It features tender chicken, fresh zucchini, and cheesy goodness baked all together!
I love how this dish makes veggies fun! You can sneak in extra zucchini without anyone complaining. Serve it with a side salad for a full meal—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken for quick prep, making this dish quicker to make. Alternatively, leftover chicken from a previous meal works great too.
Zucchini: This recipe calls for fresh zucchini, but yellow squash can also be used. If zucchini isn’t in season, frozen sliced zucchini can work as a substitute, just make sure to drain excess water!
Cheese: Mozzarella is a favorite for its melting quality, but you can mix it up with cheddar or pepper jack for extra flavor. If you want to reduce dairy, try using a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Either adds creaminess, but Greek yogurt provides extra protein. If you’re looking for a lighter option, low-fat versions work well. You can also use plain coconut yogurt for a dairy-free variant.
Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise gives creaminess, but you could use additional sour cream or yogurt instead to keep it lighter.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from the Onions and Garlic?
Cooking the onions and garlic before mixing them into the casserole is key to bringing out their flavors. Sautéing them helps release their natural sweetness and aroma. Here’s how:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and cook until it’s translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and sauté for another minute—just enough to get fragrant.
This technique ensures your dish has a rich and delicious flavor rather than a raw onion bite.
Easy Chicken Zucchini Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 3 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Optional: 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for prep and cooking time, plus another 25-30 minutes in the oven. So, you’re looking at a total of around 40-45 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, take a moment to lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish so your casserole doesn’t stick.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute until fragrant. This step enhances the flavors beautifully!
3. Mix the Casserole Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, sliced zucchini, sautéed onion and garlic, sour cream, mayonnaise, Italian seasoning, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed.
4. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure it cooks properly.
5. Add Cheese and Topping:
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top. If you want a crunchy finish, you can also add the breadcrumbs or crushed crackers now for extra texture!
6. Bake the Casserole:
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbling and the top is a lovely golden brown.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
After removing the casserole from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish is best served warm, so dig in and enjoy your delicious chicken zucchini casserole!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Zucchini Casserole
Can I Use Fresh Zucchini Instead of Frozen?
Yes! Fresh zucchini works beautifully in this casserole. If you’re using frozen zucchini, be sure to thaw and drain it first to avoid excess moisture in your dish.
Can I Substitute the Mayonnaise?
Absolutely! You can use additional sour cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter option. If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, try using a dairy-free mayonnaise or plain coconut yogurt.
How Long Will Leftovers Last in the Fridge?
Your leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Can I Prepare This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, remove the wrap and add an extra few minutes to the baking time.
