Description
Chicken zucchini bake brings together lean protein and garden-fresh veggies for a simple weeknight dinner that’ll satisfy your whole family’s hunger. Melted cheese and savory seasonings make this casserole a complete meal that comes together faster than ordering takeout.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 cups chicken, shredded
Vegetables:
- 3 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Cheese and Dairy:
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
Seasonings and Oils:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil
Instructions
- Activate your oven to 375°F, creating the perfect warm environment for this delectable casserole.
- Grab a spacious mixing bowl and add 2 cups shredded chicken, slicing 3 medium zucchinis into thin rounds.
- Halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes and drop them into the bowl with the chicken and zucchini.
- Measure 1 cup mozzarella cheese, ½ cup softened cream cheese, and sprinkle in 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
- Season the mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper, then thoroughly mix all ingredients until they’re evenly distributed.
- Take a 9×13 inch baking dish and coat the bottom with 1 tablespoon olive oil, ensuring complete coverage.
- Pour the entire chicken-zucchini blend into the dish, spreading it smoothly to create an even layer.
- Generously shower ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese across the top of the casserole.
- Slide the dish into the 375°F oven and bake for precisely 25-30 minutes until zucchini turns tender and cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
- Extract the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for 3-4 minutes to settle the flavors.
- Optional: Scatter fresh basil leaves over the top for a vibrant finishing touch.
Notes
- Keep zucchini slices thin and uniform for even cooking and better texture throughout the dish.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation and extra flavor boost if time is short.
- Choose full-fat cream cheese for a richer, more creamy consistency that helps bind the ingredients.
- Fresh mozzarella works wonderfully here, but shredded works perfectly fine if that’s what you have on hand.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Baked
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg