This easy chicken zucchini casserole is a tasty dish that blends tender chicken with fresh zucchini and cheesy goodness. It’s a one-pan wonder, making cleanup a breeze!
Honestly, who doesn’t love a meal that practically cooks itself? I like to serve it with a side salad for a complete dinner. Quick, simple, and oh-so-good! 🥗
Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchinis add a nice texture to this dish. If zucchinis are out of season, you can substitute with yellow squash or even eggplant for a different twist.
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is my go-to for convenience. You can also use leftover chicken or even turkey. For a vegetarian option, use chickpeas or firm tofu instead.
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess. If you need a lighter option, Greek yogurt works well. Or, try cream cheese for a richer taste.
Cheddar and Parmesan: I like sharp cheddar for more flavor. You could switch to mozzarella for a milder taste or use vegan cheese for a dairy-free version of the dish.
Crackers: If you don’t have buttery crackers, you can use crushed tortilla chips or even seasoned bread crumbs. Just adjust the seasonings if needed!
How Do You Get the Best Flavors When Sautéing Onions and Garlic?
Sautéing onions and garlic is all about building flavor. Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add your chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring frequently.
- Cook until the onions become translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Don’t rush! This step develops the sweetness in onions and mellows out the garlic.
- Make sure not to burn the garlic; it can turn bitter quickly. Just a little golden is perfect!
These sautéed ingredients will really enhance your casserole by adding depth and flavor. Enjoy the process!
Easy Chicken Zucchini Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers or panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley or fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to bake, totaling around 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick meal option for a busy weeknight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when you’re done preparing the casserole.
2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s heated, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté this mixture until the onions are translucent and fragrant, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
3. Mix the Main Ingredients
While the onions are cooking, grab a large mixing bowl. Combine the cooked chicken, sautéed onions and garlic, sour cream, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir everything well to make sure it’s nicely blended.
4. Add the Zucchini
Now, gently fold in the sliced zucchinis into your mixture. Be sure to season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix gently so you don’t break up the zucchini too much.
5. Prepare the Casserole Dish
Transfer your chicken and zucchini mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly to ensure even cooking.
6. Make the Topping
In a small bowl, combine the crushed buttery crackers or panko breadcrumbs with the remaining Parmesan cheese and dried parsley. Mix well and then sprinkle this topping evenly over the casserole.
7. Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling hot.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Once it’s done, take out the casserole and let it cool slightly. If you’d like, garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and comforting chicken zucchini casserole while it’s warm!
FAQ about the Easy Chicken Zucchini Casserole
Can I Use Fresh or Frozen Zucchini?
You can use fresh zucchini for the best texture and flavor. If you’re using frozen zucchini, make sure to thaw and drain it well to remove excess moisture before adding it to the casserole to prevent it from becoming watery.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm it in the oven until heated through.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise?
If you’re looking for a substitute for mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt or an equal amount of sour cream can work well. Both options will keep your casserole creamy while adding a bit of tang!
