The Cheesy Chicken Zucchini Casserole Recipe Everyone Loves

Comfort food reaches new heights with this delectable chicken zucchini casserole that promises to satisfy every hungry palate.

Tender chicken mingles with fresh zucchini, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

The creamy layers meld together, offering a warm and inviting dish that feels like a culinary hug.

Packed with wholesome ingredients, this casserole brings nutrition and taste to your dinner table.

Cheese adds a golden, melty dimension that elevates each forkful with irresistible appeal.

Quick to prepare and even faster to disappear, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a memorable meal.

Grab a fork and savor every delicious bite of this crowd-pleasing casserole that’s sure to become a household favorite.

Why Chicken Zucchini Casserole Is a Simple Favorite

• Packed with tender chicken, creamy texture, and a crunchy stuffing topping, this dish delivers ultimate satisfaction for the whole family.
• Perfect for weeknight meals, potlucks, or when you need a hearty dish that comes together quickly with pantry staples.
• Uses affordable ingredients like stuffing mix, canned soup, and common vegetables, helping you create a delicious meal without breaking the bank.

What You’ll Need for This Chicken and Zucchini Bake

• Chicken: Cooked and diced protein that provides the main substance of the casserole.
• Zucchini: Fresh vegetable that adds moisture and nutrition to the dish.
• Stuffing Mix: Provides flavor and texture base for the entire casserole.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Sour Cream: Creamy components that help hold the casserole together and add rich flavor.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts and creates additional creaminess and depth of taste.

• Butter, Onion: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the casserole.
• Reserved Stuffing Mix: Creates a crispy and golden topping that adds textural contrast to the dish.

How to Make Chicken Zucchini Casserole From Scratch

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F, getting it ready for some serious comfort food magic.

Step 2: Create the Crunchy Topping

• Stuffing mix
• Melted butter

Blend the stuffing mix with melted butter in a spacious mixing bowl.

Set aside a half cup of this mixture for that irresistible crispy crown later.

Step 3: Mix the Flavor Explosion

• Diced zucchini
• Cooked chicken
• Shredded cheese
• Cream of chicken soup
• Diced onion
• Sour cream

Stir everything together until it’s beautifully blended and looking totally appetizing.

Step 4: Prepare the Baking Vessel

Grease up a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the mixture evenly across the surface.

Make sure it’s smooth and inviting.

Step 5: Add the Crispy Topping

Sprinkle that reserved stuffing mixture over the top, creating a golden, crunchy layer that’ll make mouths water.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pop the dish into the oven and bake uncovered for 40-50 minutes.

Tips to Keep It Creamy and Balanced

• Toast dry stuffing mix in a skillet before mixing for enhanced nutty, rich undertones that elevate the entire casserole's taste profile.
• Pat zucchini dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring your casserole stays perfectly crisp and doesn't become watery.
• Replace chicken with turkey, rotisserie chicken, or plant-based chicken alternatives to accommodate different dietary preferences without compromising the dish's deliciousness.
• Mix in sharp cheddar or gruyere alongside the recommended cheese for a more complex, tangy flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
• Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready – perfect for meal prep and busy weeknights.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Casserole Efficiently

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freezes well up to 3 months.
• Place individual portion on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place casserole in baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F, removing foil last 5 minutes to crisp up topping.

Side Suggestions That Match This Dish Well

• Elevate Flavor Harmony: Pair with crisp Sauvignon Blanc, its bright acidity cutting through the casserole's richness.
• Complement Creamy Textures: Serve alongside a light mixed green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the dish's hearty profile.
• Enhance Comfort Meal: Add crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce and provide extra texture contrast.
• Complete the Experience: Finish with a chilled lemon sorbet to cleanse the palate and offer a refreshing end to the meal.

Delicious Variations You’ll Want to Try

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace zucchini with riced cauliflower and use almond flour stuffing mix for a keto-friendly version that cuts down on carbohydrates while maintaining the casserole's creamy texture.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Substitute regular stuffing mix with gluten-free breadcrumbs or cornbread stuffing mix, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy this comforting meal without worry.
• Vegetarian Protein Option: Swap chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, and use vegetable cream soup instead of chicken soup to create a plant-based alternative that's packed with protein and flavor.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Remix: Add feta cheese, spinach, and oregano to transform the classic casserole into a Greek-style dish with bright, fresh Mediterranean flavors and a lighter profile.

FAQs

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, the combination of chicken, stuffing, and cheese makes this casserole appealing to children. The soft texture and mild flavors are perfect for young eaters who might be picky about vegetables.

• Can I use fresh herbs in this recipe?

Absolutely! Fresh parsley, thyme, or basil can add extra flavor to the casserole. Chop them finely and mix them into the stuffing or sprinkle on top before baking for a fresh, aromatic touch.

• What type of chicken works best?

Rotisserie chicken is ideal because it’s already cooked and tender. Alternatively, you can use leftover grilled, baked, or poached chicken breasts. Just make sure the chicken is fully cooked and shredded or diced.

• How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?

Zucchini contains a lot of moisture, so pat the diced zucchini with paper towels to remove excess water before mixing it into the casserole. This helps maintain a creamy, not soggy, consistency.

Chicken Zucchini Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comfort meets nutrition in this hearty Chicken Zucchini Casserole, blending tender chicken, garden-fresh zucchini, and creamy cheese into a satisfying one-pan meal. Families will savor each cheesy, herb-infused bite that brings wholesome ingredients together in pure culinary harmony.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced into small pieces
• 4 zucchini, diced (about 4–5 cups of bite-size pieces)
• 6 ounces (170 grams) boxed stuffing mix (such as Stove Top)

Dairy and Sauce Components:

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) butter, melted
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese, optional
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
• 10 1/2 ounces (298 grams) canned cream of chicken soup (1 can)

Additional Ingredients:

• 1/2 onion, diced

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350°F, preparing a greased 9×13-inch baking dish for a hearty casserole creation.
2. Combine stuffing mix with melted butter in a spacious mixing bowl, carefully reserving ½ cup for a crispy topping later.
3. Fold diced zucchini, shredded chicken, cheese, cream of chicken soup, diced onion, and sour cream into the main stuffing mixture, ensuring thorough and even integration of all ingredients.
4. Distribute the blended mixture uniformly across the prepared baking dish, creating a smooth, consistent layer.
5. Generously scatter the reserved stuffing mixture over the top, creating a textured and golden-brown crust.
6. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, baking uncovered for 40-50 minutes until the surface turns a rich golden brown and edges become visibly bubbly.

Notes

• Use low-sodium cream of chicken soup to control salt intake and make the dish healthier for those watching sodium levels.
• Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a protein-packed, lower-fat alternative that maintains creamy texture.
• Swap chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas to create a vegetarian version of this comforting casserole.
• Toast the reserved stuffing mix briefly before sprinkling on top to enhance its nutty flavor and crunchiness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 345
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg