Description

This Chicken Zucchini Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy cheese mixture baked to perfection. With a combination of Italian cheese, sour cream, and herbs, it creates a rich and satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Vegetables

8 ounces boneless chicken
4 ounces fresh mushrooms
1 medium zucchini
2 green onions

Other Ingredients

2 Tablespoons butter
Salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend
1/2 cup sour cream
2 eggs, large or jumbo (beaten)
2 teaspoons dried basil

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
Dice Chicken: On a cutting board, carefully cut the boneless chicken into bite-sized cubes for even cooking.
Prepare Vegetables: Slice the green onions, mushrooms, and zucchini. Cut the zucchini slices into halves or quarters for manageable pieces in the bake.
Melt Butter: In a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter to create a flavorful cooking base.
Sauté Chicken and Vegetables: Add the diced chicken, zucchini, mushrooms, salt, and pepper to the pan. Cook and stir frequently until tender, about 5 minutes. Drain excess liquid in a colander to avoid sogginess.
Mix Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine shredded Italian cheese blend, sour cream, sliced green onions, beaten eggs, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture thoroughly until well blended.
Combine Ingredients: Stir the sautéed chicken and vegetables into the cheese mixture until everything is evenly coated.
Prepare Baking Dishes: Spray two 18.6-ounce individual baking dishes with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Fill Dishes: Evenly divide the chicken and cheese mixture between the two baking dishes.
Bake: Place the dishes in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the bake is set and lightly browned on top.
Cool: Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes to let the bake firm up.
Serve: Serve the Chicken Zucchini Bake hot, placing the dishes on pot holders or trivets to protect surfaces.

Notes

You can substitute the Italian cheese blend with mozzarella and Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
Use fresh herbs like basil or oregano instead of dried if preferred.
For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat cheese and sour cream.
Ensure to drain the cooked chicken and vegetables well to avoid a watery bake.
This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or garlic bread.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Chicken casserole, zucchini bake, cheesy chicken bake, Italian cheese dish, baked chicken recipe, healthy chicken dinner