Easy Chicken Zucchini Casserole Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds moisture and texture. If you can’t find zucchini, yellow squash works well as a substitute and offers a similar flavor.

Chicken: I love using leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe; it’s super convenient! You can also use canned chicken or turkey if needed.

Cream of Chicken Soup: If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using homemade cream of chicken soup or a can of cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor.

Cheeses: While I suggest mozzarella and cheddar, feel free to mix it up! Pepper jack adds a nice kick, and Monterey Jack is creamy and delicious too.

Breadcrumbs: Use seasoned or plain breadcrumbs here. For a gluten-free option, almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs work wonderfully.

How Do I Get My Casserole to be Creamy and Not Dry?

The key to keeping your chicken zucchini casserole creamy is the right balance of moisture. Here’s how to achieve that:

• Ensure your cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and mayonnaise are mixed well before adding the other ingredients. This helps in coating everything evenly.
• Avoid overbaking! Once the top is golden brown, take it out. The cooking time can vary based on your oven.
• Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This lets the flavors meld together and keeps it from being too runny.

Easy Chicken Zucchini Casserole

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 2 medium zucchinis, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Olive oil or butter for greasing the baking dish

How Much Time Will You Need?

This easy casserole recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 25-30 minutes to bake. So, set aside about 40 minutes, and you’ll have a delicious, homemade meal ready to enjoy!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

First, you want to warm up your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps the casserole cook evenly. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with a little olive oil or butter to prevent sticking.

2. Mix the Creamy Base:

In a large mixing bowl, combine that can of cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until you have a nice, smooth mixture.

3. Add the Veggies and Chicken:

Now, toss in the diced zucchinis, red bell pepper, and your cooked chicken. Also, add the mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Give it a good stir to coat all those yummy ingredients in the creamy mix.

4. Transfer to the Baking Dish:

Carefully pour your mixture into the greased baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly so every bite is packed with deliciousness.

5. Prepare the Topping:

In a small bowl, mix the seasoned breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese. This will add a crunchy, cheesy topping to your casserole!

6. Top and Bake:

Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the casserole. Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until you see it bubbling and the top turns a beautiful golden brown.

7. Cool and Serve:

Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for about 5 minutes. This makes it easier to serve. Then, dig in and enjoy your creamy, cheesy chicken and zucchini casserole!

FAQ for Easy Chicken Zucchini Casserole

Can I Use Fresh or Frozen Zucchini?

Fresh zucchini works best for this casserole, but if you only have frozen, make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid extra moisture. Pat it dry before adding to the mix.

How Can I Make This Casserole Healthier?

To lighten it up, consider using low-fat or Greek yogurt in place of sour cream and mayonnaise. You can also swap out the cream of chicken soup for a homemade alternative or a low-sodium version.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm it up in the oven until heated through.

Can I Add Other Vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate other veggies, like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli, for added nutrition and flavor. Just be sure to chop them small enough so they cook through in the baking time!