This Easy Healthy Chicken Zucchini Casserole is a tasty and light dish you’ll love. It combines tender chicken, fresh zucchini, and cheese all baked together for a comforting meal!
What’s great is how quick it is to make—just mix everything in a dish and pop it in the oven. I enjoy serving it with a side salad for a complete dinner that’s good for you and your taste buds! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini gives a nice texture and moisture. If you’re missing zucchini, yellow squash makes a great substitute and adds a similar flavor!
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is best for this dish. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken or even turkey for a different twist.
Corn: Sweet corn adds a pop of color and flavor. If you don’t have corn, diced bell peppers or peas can work well too.
Cheese: I like the Mexican blend because it melts beautifully. But if you’re after something milder, you can use mozzarella or any cheese that you enjoy.
Cream Cheese & Sour Cream: These create a rich, creamy texture. Greek yogurt is a healthier swap for sour cream and works well without sacrificing creaminess.
How Can I Ensure My Casserole Cooks Evenly?
To get that perfect, bubbly casserole, follow these tips:
- Make sure your oven is preheated. It helps everything cook evenly.
- Chop the zucchini into uniform pieces. This ensures they all cook through at the same rate.
- Don’t skip letting it cool for a few minutes before serving, as it helps the flavors settle and is easier to serve.
- Check for doneness: the cheese should be bubbly and slightly browned, indicating it’s well baked!
Easy Healthy Chicken Zucchini Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 medium zucchinis, chopped
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar and Monterey Jack mix)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup milk (or as needed)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or mixed herbs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious chicken zucchini casserole only takes about 10 minutes for prep and around 25-30 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at about 40 minutes from start to table! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a medium-sized casserole dish and give it a light greasing with oil or cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy!
2. Make the Creamy Mixture:
In a large bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and milk. Use a whisk or spoon to blend until it’s smooth and creamy. This is the base of your yummy casserole!
3. Season the Sauce:
Add in garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the creamy mixture. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. This will add lots of flavor to your dish!
4. Combine the Chicken and Veggies:
Now, fold in your cooked chicken, chopped zucchini, and corn into the creamy mixture. Mix gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated. You want to see the chicken and veggies coated with that delicious sauce!
5. Assemble the Casserole:
Pour the mixture into the greased casserole dish and spread it out evenly. It should look nice and saucy! Then, sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the top. Cheese makes everything better, doesn’t it?
6. Bake and Enjoy:
Pop your casserole into the oven and let it bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes. It’s done when it’s bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown. Take it out and let it cool for a few minutes—that way, it’s easier to serve!
7. Finishing Touches:
Before you dig in, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor. And there you have it—a comforting, creamy chicken zucchini casserole!
Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and healthy chicken zucchini casserole as a comforting main dish any night of the week!
FAQs for Easy Healthy Chicken Zucchini Casserole
Can I Use Raw Chicken in This Recipe?
It’s best to use cooked chicken for this casserole. You can shred leftover rotisserie chicken or boil and shred chicken breasts beforehand. If you want to use raw chicken, you’ll need to cook it first until fully done before adding it to the casserole.
What If I Don’t Have Zucchini?
No worries! You can easily substitute zucchini with other vegetables. Yellow squash, bell peppers, or even broccoli can work well. Just make sure to chop them into similar sizes so they cook evenly.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. You might want to add a splash of milk to keep it creamy when reheating!
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes into the oven straight from the fridge.
