Name: Chicken & Zucchini Casserole: 15 Minute Comfort!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium zucchinis, chopped into bite-sized pieces; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp dried thyme (or Italian seasoning); Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (for topping); 2 tbsp butter, melted (to mix with breadcrumbs)

Jump to Recipe

Oh, there’s just nothing like a good casserole, is there? When you need comfort food, like, *now*, and you don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen? That’s where my Chicken & Zucchini Casserole comes in! It’s cheesy, it’s packed with flavor, and honestly, it’s just plain good.

My family? They *love* casseroles. I swear, I could put almost anything in a baking dish, cover it with cheese, and they’d devour it. This Chicken & Zucchini Casserole is always a winner, though. It’s got that creamy, savory thing going on, plus it’s actually pretty good for you! We’re talking zucchini (hello, veggies!), lean chicken, and not a ton of fuss. And the best part? You can throw it together in like, 15 minutes flat. Seriously! I’ve been making this for years and it’s always a crowd pleaser. I even bring it to potlucks, and it disappears every single time!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken & Zucchini Casserole

Okay, so why *will* you love it? Let me tell ya!

Quick & Easy: Seriously, it practically makes itself!
Flavor-Packed: It’s not bland, I promise! Cheesy, savory goodness.
Cheesy Heaven: Who doesn’t love a good cheesy casserole?
Kinda Healthy (Shhh!): Veggies *and* chicken? You can feel good about this one.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will gobble this up. Trust me!

Chicken & Zucchini Casserole - detail 1

Ingredients for Your Chicken & Zucchini Casserole

Alright, gather ’round! Here’s what you’ll need for this masterpiece. Don’t worry if you’re missing something; it’s pretty forgiving!

2 medium zucchinis, chopped into bite-sized pieces
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (for topping)
2 tbsp butter, melted (to mix with breadcrumbs)

How to Make Chicken & Zucchini Casserole: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, listen up, because this is where the magic happens! Don’t be scared; it’s easier than it looks, I promise. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a bubbling, cheesy Chicken & Zucchini Casserole in no time!

Preheat the Oven: First things first, crank up that oven to 375°F (190°C). This is super important! You want it nice and hot when that casserole goes in. While it’s heating up, go ahead and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I usually just use a little cooking spray. Easy peasy!
Make the Base Mixture: In a large bowl – and I mean *large* – dump in that can of cream of chicken soup, the sour cream, garlic powder, thyme (or Italian seasoning, whatever you’re feelin’!), salt, and pepper. Now, stir it all together until it’s nice and smooth. This is your flavor base, so make sure it’s well combined!
Add the Veggies and Chicken: Now, toss in the chopped zucchini, diced red bell pepper, cooked chicken, and about half of that yummy mozzarella cheese. Gently mix it all together. You don’t want to overmix it; just make sure everything’s coated in that creamy sauce.
Spread it into the Dish: Pour that glorious mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Make sure it’s nice and level so it cooks evenly, too.
Prepare the Topping: Okay, almost there! In a small bowl, mix together the seasoned breadcrumbs and the melted butter. This is what’s gonna give you that nice, crunchy topping, so don’t skip it!
Assemble the Casserole: Sprinkle that breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. Then, sprinkle on the remaining mozzarella cheese and that Parmesan cheese. The more cheese, the merrier, right?
Bake in the Oven: Pop that baby into the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s bubbly and golden brown on top. And when you stick a fork in, it comes out hot and steamy! Let it cool for a few minutes before serving – you don’t want to burn your tongue!

Chicken & Zucchini Casserole - detail 2

Tips for the Best Chicken & Zucchini Casserole

Want this Chicken & Zucchini Casserole to be *amazing*? Of course you do! Here are my top little secrets. Trust me, they make all the difference!

Say NO to Soggy Zucchini: Zucchini can be a little watery, right? To avoid a soggy casserole, try salting the chopped zucchini and letting it sit for about 15 minutes before adding it. Then, pat it dry with a paper towel. Seriously, this works wonders!
Cheese, Cheese, Everywhere!: Make sure you spread that cheese evenly over the top. Nobody wants a corner without cheese, right? My favorite part is the bubbly, golden crust, so I make sure it’s all covered!
Watch That Baking Time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your casserole. You want it bubbly and golden, but not burnt! If the top starts to get too brown, just tent it with some foil. Easy fix!

Chicken & Zucchini Casserole Variations

Okay, so you’ve made the basic Chicken & Zucchini Casserole and you’re loving it, right? But maybe you’re feeling a little adventurous! Well, good news! This recipe is super easy to tweak. Here are a few of my favorite ways to mix it up:

Spice it Up!: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. Seriously, it’s delish!
Veggie Power: Not a bell pepper fan? Swap it out for some sliced mushrooms or onions. Or, add both! Why not, right?
Cheese Please!: Experiment with different cheeses! Monterey Jack, Colby, even a little pepper jack for some heat. My favorite part is always the cheese!
Herb Garden: Try different herbs! Instead of thyme, use basil or oregano. Fresh herbs are even better, if you’ve got ’em!

Serving Suggestions for Chicken & Zucchini Casserole

So, you’ve got this amazing Chicken & Zucchini Casserole, but what do you serve with it? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! A simple side salad is always a winner – something fresh and crisp to balance out the richness of the casserole. Or, garlic bread! Who can resist garlic bread? Steamed veggies are great too, like broccoli or green beans. Keep it simple, and let that casserole shine!

Storing and Reheating Your Chicken & Zucchini Casserole

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Chicken & Zucchini Casserole is just as good the next day (maybe even better!). Just pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, you can use the oven (350°F/175°C until warmed through) or the microwave (just nuke it ’til it’s hot!). Easy peasy!

Chicken & Zucchini Casserole: Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about this Chicken & Zucchini Casserole? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common things people ask me:

Can I use frozen zucchini in this Chicken & Zucchini Casserole?

Sure thing! But here’s the deal: frozen zucchini can be kinda watery. So, you’ll want to thaw it completely and then drain it really, *really* well to get rid of all that excess moisture. Otherwise, your casserole might end up a bit soupy. And nobody wants that!

How long does Chicken & Zucchini Casserole last in the fridge?

If you store it properly in an airtight container, this Chicken & Zucchini Casserole will last for about 3-4 days in the fridge. Honestly, it never lasts that long at my house, because it’s usually gone in a flash! But yeah, 3-4 days is your window.

Can I make Chicken & Zucchini Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! That’s one of the things I love about casseroles – they’re perfect for meal prepping! You can assemble the whole casserole, right up to the point of baking it, and then just pop it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time, since it’ll be starting out cold. So easy!

Nutritional Information for Chicken & Zucchini Casserole

Okay, so here’s the deal: nutrition info can vary *a lot* depending on the brands and ingredients you use. So, this is just an estimate, okay? Don’t come at me if your numbers are different!

Enjoyed this Chicken & Zucchini Casserole Recipe?

Awesome! Then please, pretty please, leave a comment below and let me know what you think! Rate the recipe, share it with your friends, and tell everyone how much you loved it!