Description
A wholesome and flavorful Chicken Zucchini Bake that combines shredded chicken, fresh zucchinis, and cherry tomatoes with a creamy blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese. This easy-to-make casserole is seasoned with garlic powder and Italian herbs, baked to perfection with a golden, bubbly cheese topping. 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
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
- Combine 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. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Drizzle the olive oil into a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it evenly across the bottom to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the chicken and zucchini mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to form a uniform layer.
- Add Parmesan Topping: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the mixture to create a flavorful, golden crust when baked.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to set. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired before serving.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken from a rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken for convenience.
- To reduce fat content, use part-skim mozzarella and low-fat cream cheese.
- You can substitute other mild cheeses like provolone or cheddar if preferred.
- Fresh basil is optional but adds a lovely aromatic freshness to the dish.
- For additional veggies, consider adding chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the mix.
- Let the bake rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to make slicing easier.
