Description
A delicious and healthy Chicken Zucchini Bake featuring tender shredded chicken, fresh zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, all combined with creamy cheeses and Italian herbs, then baked to bubbly perfection. This easy one-dish meal is perfect for a comforting family dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 3 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
Seasonings & Oils
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the dish evenly.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sliced zucchinis, halved cherry tomatoes, shredded mozzarella cheese, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Drizzle the olive oil evenly across the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Assemble Bake: Transfer the chicken and zucchini mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the mixture to add a golden, cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let sit for a few minutes to cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired before serving.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken leftovers or rotisserie chicken to save time.
- For a lower-fat version, substitute part of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt.
- Cherry tomatoes can be substituted with diced Roma tomatoes if preferred.
- Ensure zucchinis are sliced evenly for uniform cooking.
- Fresh basil adds a bright, fresh flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
