Here’s a simple, hearty Chicken Zucchini Bake 🍗🥒 — creamy, cheesy, and perfect for a one-dish meal.
Chicken Zucchini Bake
Ingredients (serves 4–6):
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie works great)
- 3 medium zucchinis, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cream (or ½ cup cream + ½ cup milk)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil
Optional Topping:
- ½ cup breadcrumbs mixed with 2 tbsp melted butter
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat oven:
375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. - Prep zucchini:
Slice zucchini and toss with a pinch of salt. Let sit 10 minutes to draw out moisture, then pat dry. - Cook aromatics:
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until soft (~3–4 minutes). - Assemble bake:
Layer half the zucchini in the baking dish. Top with half the chicken and half the onion mixture. Sprinkle half the mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat layers. - Add cream & seasoning:
Pour cream over the layers. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper evenly. - Optional topping:
Mix breadcrumbs and butter; sprinkle on top for a golden crust. - Bake:
Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly, and top is golden. - Serve:
Garnish with parsley. Serve hot with a side salad or crusty bread.
⭐ Tips:
- Extra flavor: Add cooked mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
- Cheese variation: Use Gruyère or cheddar for a richer taste.
- Make-ahead: Assemble in advance and refrigerate; bake when ready.
🔄 Variations:
- Low-carb: Skip breadcrumbs and use full-fat cheeses.
- Creamy tomato version: Replace some cream with ½ cup marinara sauce.
- Spicy: Add ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes to the cream layer.
I can also give you a crockpot version of this dish that cooks low and slow while keeping it extra creamy.
Do you want me to give that version?
