This Deliciously Cheesy Chicken and Zucchini Casserole is the perfect weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Tender chunks of chicken combine with fresh zucchini and juicy cherry tomatoes in a creamy, cheesy sauce that will have your family asking for seconds. Ready in under an hour, this low-carb dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort!

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 oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sliced zucchinis, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Drizzle olive oil in a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it evenly across the bottom.
Transfer the chicken and zucchini mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top of the mixture.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh basil, if desired.

Variation

Mediterranean Style: Add 1/4 cup chopped kalamata olives, 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese instead of mozzarella, and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest.
Tex-Mex Twist: Substitute Mexican cheese blend for the mozzarella, add 1 can of drained black beans, 1/2 cup corn kernels, and 1 tablespoon taco seasoning.
Garden Veggie Delight: Add 1 diced bell pepper, 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms, and 1/4 cup diced red onion for extra vegetables and flavor.

Cooking Notes

For best results, slice zucchini to an even 1/4-inch thickness to ensure consistent cooking throughout the dish.
If your zucchini releases too much moisture during baking, consider salting the slices and letting them sit for 10 minutes, then patting dry before mixing with other ingredients.
The casserole is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the cheese is golden brown and bubbly on top.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a fresh green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice for a complete, balanced meal.
Pair with roasted cherry tomatoes and a side of quinoa for additional protein and fiber.
For a heartier meal, serve alongside garlic bread or crusty whole grain bread for dipping in the cheesy sauce.

Tips

To prevent a watery casserole, avoid overcooking the zucchini – it will continue to soften as the dish rests after baking.
Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience and enhanced flavor.
For meal prep, you can assemble this casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Prep Time:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per serving)

Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 32g
Sodium: 480mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen zucchini instead of fresh? Fresh zucchini works best for this recipe as frozen zucchini releases too much moisture when thawed, potentially making your casserole watery. If you must use frozen, thaw completely and squeeze out excess moisture before adding.
How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a 350°F oven until warmed through (about 10-15 minutes).
Can I make this vegetarian? Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and double the zucchini, or substitute with 2 cups of cooked chickpeas or white beans for a protein-rich vegetarian option.
Is this recipe keto-friendly? Yes, with approximately 8g of carbohydrates per serving, this dish fits well into a ketogenic diet plan. The high protein and healthy fat content make it satisfying while keeping carbs low.

Conclusion

This Chicken Zucchini Bake is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something nutritious, delicious, and simple to prepare. The combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy cheese creates a comforting meal that’s both family-friendly and impressive enough for guests. With endless variations possible, this versatile dish can be adapted to suit your taste preferences and what you have on hand. Plus, its make-ahead potential makes meal planning a breeze. Whether you’re following a low-carb diet or just looking for a satisfying, veggie-packed dinner, this casserole deserves a regular spot in your meal rotation!

Chicken Zucchini Bake

Author: Avery
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Ingredients

Scale

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 oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sliced zucchinis, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Drizzle olive oil in a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it evenly across the bottom.
Transfer the chicken and zucchini mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top of the mixture.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh basil, if desired.

Notes

For meal prep, you can assemble this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
If you prefer firmer zucchini, slice it thicker or reduce the cooking time slightly.
This dish freezes well! Simply portion into individual containers for quick and easy future meals.
For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to taste.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: chicken zucchini casserole, low carb dinner, cheesy chicken bake, zucchini casserole, easy weeknight dinner, high protein meal