This Easy Chicken Zucchini Casserole is a tasty, one-pan dish filled with juicy chicken and tender zucchini, all baked in a creamy sauce. Perfect for busy nights!
You can’t go wrong with a meal that gets dinner on the table in a flash. I like to add a sprinkle of cheese on top for an extra flavor boost. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Use medium-sized zucchinis for the best texture. If you’re out of zucchini, yellow squash can make a great substitute. They taste lovely and can be sliced in the same way!
Chicken: I love using leftover rotisserie chicken because it saves time. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using turkey instead. Canned chicken works too, just be sure to drain it well.
Cheeses: Mozzarella adds a delicious stretch, while Parmesan brings a nice flavor. Feel free to swap out for cheddar or any cheese you love. Just remember that stronger cheeses might change the overall taste.
Sour Cream & Mayonnaise: This combo makes the casserole creamy. For a healthier option, Greek yogurt can replace both without sacrificing creaminess.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from Your Onions and Garlic?
Sautéing the onions and garlic is a key step to building flavor in this casserole. Taking just a few minutes to cook them helps bring out their natural sweetness. Here’s how to get it right:
- Heat oil over medium heat to avoid burning.
- Add chopped onions first and cook for about 2 minutes until they start to soften.
- Then, add minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes. You want to see a slight golden color but not brown.
Easy Chicken Zucchini Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Optional: red pepper flakes or paprika for a little heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This casserole takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’re looking at around 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when your casserole is assembled.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until they are softened and smell amazing, about 3-4 minutes. This adds great flavor to the dish!
3. Mix the Casserole Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, the sautéed onion and garlic, sour cream, mayonnaise, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is well mixed.
4. Add the Zucchini:
Now, gently fold in the sliced zucchini into the chicken mixture. Make sure the zucchini is coated evenly so every bite is delicious!
5. Transfer to Casserole Dish:
Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. This will help it cook through nicely.
6. Add the Cheese Topping:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Cheese makes everything better!
7. Bake the Casserole:
Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it bubbles and the cheese is golden brown.
8. Let It Rest and Serve:
Once it’s out of the oven, let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows it to set a little, making it easier to scoop. Enjoy warm and savor the delicious flavors!
FAQs for Easy Chicken Zucchini Casserole
Can I Use Fresh Chicken Instead of Cooked?
Yes, you can use fresh chicken! Just cook it first, whether by boiling, baking, or sautéing. Make sure it’s fully cooked and shredded or diced before adding it to the casserole mixture.
What If I Don’t Have Mayonnaise?
No problem! You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or even more sour cream for a similar creamy texture. If you like a bit of tang, consider using a mix of both yogurt and sour cream!
How to Make This Meal Gluten-Free?
This Easy Chicken Zucchini Casserole is naturally gluten-free, as none of the listed ingredients contain gluten. Just double-check that your mayonnaise and any spices you use are labeled gluten-free, and you’re good to go!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm it up gently in the oven until heated through.
