This easy healthy chicken zucchini casserole is a tasty and nutritious dish. With tender chicken pieces, fresh zucchini, and cheesy goodness, it’s perfect for a family meal!
I love how quick it comes together—just mix everything in one dish and pop it in the oven. Less fuss means more time to enjoy with family. Plus, who doesn’t love a cheesy bake? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: You can use shredded rotisserie chicken for ease, or leftovers from another meal. If you’re vegetarian, try chickpeas or tofu for a protein boost.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchinis are the best, but yellow squash works too! If zucchinis aren’t available, consider using other veggies like bell peppers or spinach.
Corn: You can use frozen corn, which is just as good. If you want a lower-carb option, skip it or replace it with diced mushrooms.
Cottage Cheese: I love cottage cheese for its creaminess, but ricotta can be a nice alternative. For a dairy-free option, use cashew cream or a plant-based ricotta.
Cheeses: I prefer sharp cheddar for its flavor, but feel free to mix in pepper jack for some spice. Vegan cheese can easily replace dairy if you’re vegan.
What’s the Best Way to Sauté Vegetables for This Casserole?
Sautéing the vegetables unlocks their flavors and softens them. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the zucchini and corn, cooking for another 5 minutes until lightly tender. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
Taking your time will enhance the flavors, making the casserole even more delicious!
Easy Healthy Chicken Zucchini Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced or diced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Cheesy Goodness:
- 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Other Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup milk (any kind)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This casserole will take about 10 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 20-25 minutes for baking in the oven. In no time, you’ll have a delicious and healthy meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheating and Preparing the Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, lightly grease a medium baking dish with some oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Sautéing the Veggies:
In a skillet over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become soft and fragrant—this will take about 3-5 minutes. Next, stir in the sliced zucchini and corn. Cook for another 5 minutes until the zucchini is slightly tender. Season everything with salt, pepper, and oregano or Italian seasoning before removing from heat.
3. Mixing it All Together:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, the sautéed vegetables, cottage cheese (or ricotta), sour cream (or Greek yogurt), half of the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and milk. Mix everything together until well blended and evenly combined.
4. Assembling the Casserole:
Transfer the chicken and vegetable mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly, then sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top for that delicious cheesy layer.
5. Baking to Perfection:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
6. Finishing Touches:
Once it’s done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. If you’d like, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color before serving warm. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy chicken zucchini casserole!
Bon appétit!
FAQs about Easy Healthy Chicken Zucchini Casserole
Can I Use Raw Chicken Instead of Cooked?
For this recipe, it’s best to use cooked chicken to keep things simple and quick. However, if you prefer to use raw chicken, you can cook it in the skillet first until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink, then shred or dice it before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Can I Substitute the Cheese?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for lower-fat options, you can use reduced-fat cheeses. For a dairy-free version, substitutes like vegan cheese or nutritional yeast can also work well. Just keep in mind that the flavors may vary slightly!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or oven, but make sure to cover it to retain moisture while reheating.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! This casserole is quite versatile. Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli. Just be sure to adjust cooking times if you’re adding ingredients that take longer to cook!
