This Cheesy Zucchini Chicken Rice Bake is a warm and comforting dish, combining tender chicken, tasty zucchini, and fluffy rice all smothered in gooey cheese. Yum!
I love how everything cooks together in one dish. It makes clean-up so easy! Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies without anyone noticing. 🥰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Rice: I prefer using white rice, but brown rice works too for a nutty flavor! Just make sure it’s cooked before mixing into the bake.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds a nice texture, but you can use yellow squash if that’s what you have. Frozen zucchini can be used as well – just thaw and drain excess water before cooking!
Chicken: Using rotisserie chicken is super convenient. If you’re a vegetarian, try swapping it out for cooked chickpeas or a meat alternative for protein.
Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but feel free to mix it up with Monterey Jack or a pepper jack for a kick. Use dairy-free cheese for a vegan option!
Sour Cream: Greek yogurt is a great substitute—it adds creaminess like sour cream. If you’re dairy-free, look for plant-based yogurts!
How Do I Sauté Zucchini Without Making it Mushy?
SautĂ©ing zucchini is about getting that perfect tender-crisp texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with medium heat and add your olive oil first. Let it heat up before adding the zucchini.
- Add diced zucchini in a single layer when the oil is hot. Avoid overcrowding; this will help it brown instead of steam.
- Cook until just golden and tender, stirring occasionally—about 5-7 minutes. If it’s browning too fast, lower the heat a bit.
This method keeps the zucchini flavorful and prevents it from turning into mush in the bake!
Cheesy Zucchini Chicken Rice Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
Cheesy Goodness:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Aromatics & Dairy:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish (optional):
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious bake takes about 10 minutes to prep, plus 25-30 minutes of baking time. In around 40 minutes, you’ll have a warm, cheesy dish ready to devour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light grease with cooking spray or some olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, toss in the chopped onion. SautĂ© for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and diced zucchini. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender and a little golden. It smells amazing, right?
3. Mix It All Together:
In a big mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, cooked chicken, and the sautéed mixture of zucchini and onions. Add in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, milk, and sour cream. Season it with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is nicely mixed!
4. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Carefully pour the mixture into your greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. For that cheesy touch, sprinkle extra cheddar cheese on top.
5. Bake the Casserole:
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and let it bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes. Watch for those tasty bubbles and a golden top—it’s what you want!
6. Rest and Serve:
When it’s done, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps everything settle a bit. Garnish with some chopped fresh parsley or basil if you’d like and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious cheesy goodness!
FAQ for Cheesy Zucchini Chicken Rice Bake
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture from the frozen zucchini before adding it to the skillet. It helps to sauté it for a few minutes to get rid of excess water.
Can I Substitute the Chicken with Something Else?
Yes, you can! Feel free to use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience or swap in cooked chickpeas or a plant-based protein for a vegetarian alternative. Just ensure any substitute is already cooked.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You might want to add a splash of milk to moisten it up again!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the entire dish a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. Bake it fresh before serving, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s coming from the fridge!
