Chicken Zucchini Casserole

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Creamy, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection, this Chicken Zucchini Casserole is the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table. It combines tender chunks of chicken, layers of fresh zucchini and potatoes, and a velvety cheese sauce, all topped with a golden crust that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re cooking for a hungry family or prepping a hearty meal ahead of time, this casserole checks all the boxes.

This is a perfect go-to recipe when you have zucchini to use up and want something cozy but full of flavor. It’s an ideal comfort food option that feels indulgent yet includes wholesome veggies. Plus, it’s a complete one-dish meal that makes leftovers you’ll actually look forward to.

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Why You’ll Love This Chicken Zucchini Casserole

• Complete one-pan dinner: Protein, veggies, and carbs in one dish.
• Cheesy and satisfying: The creamy cheese sauce ties everything together.
• Perfect for meal prep: Make ahead and bake when ready.
• Kid-approved: Great way to sneak in vegetables with lots of flavor.
• Customizable: Swap ingredients based on what you have at home.

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Can I Use Leftover Chicken or Rotisserie Chicken?

Absolutely! Using pre-cooked or leftover chicken is a huge time saver and makes this dish even easier. Just make sure to cube or shred it into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the casserole. Rotisserie chicken brings a delicious flavor boost and keeps things super convenient.

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Ingredients for the Chicken Zucchini Casserole

Each ingredient plays a key role in building flavor and texture in this creamy, hearty casserole:

• Chicken breast or thighs – The main protein; use cooked and cubed or shredded.
• Zucchini – Sliced and layered in; adds moisture and lightness.
• Potatoes – Thinly sliced for texture and to soak up all the cheesy sauce.
• Onion – Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
• Garlic – Boosts flavor and gives the casserole a savory base.
• Butter – Used to cook the aromatics and create the roux.
• Flour – Helps thicken the creamy sauce.
• Milk – Forms the base of the cheese sauce.
• Cream cheese – Adds richness and smoothness.
• Shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) – Melts into the sauce and on top for that golden finish.
• Salt and pepper – Simple seasoning to enhance all the ingredients.
• Paprika or chili flakes (optional) – Adds warmth or a touch of heat.
• Parsley – For garnish and a pop of freshness.

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How To Make the Chicken Zucchini Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables and Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Slice zucchini and potatoes thinly. If using raw chicken, cook and cube it beforehand.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic; cook until soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

Sprinkle flour into the skillet and stir to create a roux. Slowly whisk in milk, stirring until smooth. Add cream cheese and half the shredded cheese. Stir until melted and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and optional paprika.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

In a greased baking dish, layer sliced potatoes, zucchini, and chicken. Pour cheese sauce evenly over the layers. Top with the remaining cheese.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Step 6: Let It Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.

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Serving and Storing Your Chicken Zucchini Casserole

This cheesy chicken zucchini casserole feeds about 6 hearty servings, making it great for a family dinner or as a meal prep option for a few days. Serve it straight out of the oven while it’s bubbly and golden, with a simple green salad or steamed veggies on the side.

To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or rewarm larger servings in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

You can also freeze this casserole. Wrap it tightly or store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until hot and bubbly.

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What to Serve With Chicken Zucchini Casserole?

H3: Garlic Bread

The ultimate side for any cheesy, creamy bake.

H3: Mixed Green Salad

A crisp salad with lemon vinaigrette brightens up the rich casserole.

H3: Roasted Green Beans

Simple, savory, and oven-friendly.

H3: Tomato Cucumber Salad

Light and refreshing with a tangy twist.

H3: Sautéed Mushrooms

Add a savory, earthy element to balance the creaminess.

H3: Grilled Corn

Sweet and smoky corn pairs beautifully with the cheesy filling.

H3: Steamed Broccoli

Nutritious, green, and always a good match for creamy dishes.

H3: Fresh Fruit Platter

A clean and juicy finish to your meal.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?
Yes! Yellow squash is a perfect substitute and adds a slightly sweeter flavor. You can also mix both for color and variety.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely. You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time if going straight from the fridge.

Is it possible to make this casserole low-carb?
Yes, simply omit the potatoes or replace them with thinly sliced cauliflower for a low-carb alternative.

What cheeses work best?
Cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even gouda are excellent choices. You can mix and match based on your preference.

How do I keep zucchini from making the dish watery?
Salt the sliced zucchini and let it sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry before layering. This helps draw out excess moisture.

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Have you tried this dish with a twist? Maybe added bacon or swapped out the cheese? I’d love to hear your take on it.

Drop your thoughts in the comments or tag me on Pinterest when you make it!

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Conclusion

This Chicken Zucchini Casserole brings the best of both comfort and nutrition into one dish. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, it’s a dinner winner every time. With its simple ingredients and customizable nature, you’ll want to put this one on repeat.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or planning for leftovers, this casserole is a satisfying, family-friendly meal you’ll turn to again and again.

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