This Cheesy Zucchini Chicken and Rice Casserole is a warm and comforting dish. It combines tender chicken, fresh zucchini, and fluffy rice, all covered in a gooey cheese blanket!
If you’re like me and love one-pot meals, this dish is a winner! It’s easy to make and perfect for busy nights. Plus, who can resist that extra cheese on top? Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: You can use any leftover cooked chicken or even rotisserie chicken for convenience. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try substituting it with chickpeas or cooked lentils.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is fantastic for this dish, adding moisture and flavor. However, if you can’t find zucchini, yellow squash or even diced bell peppers can be good alternatives.
Cheddar & Mozzarella Cheese: Cheddar gives a nice sharpness, while mozzarella adds that great cheesy texture. You can swap in any cheese you love! Pepper Jack adds a fun kick, and for a dairy-free option, use plant-based cheese.
Rice: White or brown rice works well, but if you want to save time, consider using precooked rice or even quinoa as a nutritious swap. Just adjust the liquid since quinoa might absorb less!
How Can I Ensure My Casserole Turns Out Perfectly?
Getting the perfect casserole comes down to a few key steps. First, sauté your onions and garlic until they’re fragrant and lightly golden. This builds great flavor!
- Be consistent with your zucchini pieces; aim for similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
- When mixing everything together, don’t be shy! Stir well to combine all flavors and ensure even moisture distribution.
- Covering the casserole with foil during the first half of the baking process traps steam, which helps cook the rice. Removing it later lets the cheese get beautifully melted and bubbly.
- Letting the casserole rest before serving is a must! This helps it set up and makes serving much easier.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a deliciously cheesy casserole that’ll impress everyone at the table! Enjoy cooking! 😊
Cheesy Zucchini Chicken and Rice Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup white or brown rice, uncooked
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Cheesy Zucchini Chicken and Rice Casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 1 hour of baking time. In total, you should budget about 1 hour and 15 minutes to create a delightful meal that serves a crowd!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish lightly so your casserole doesn’t stick.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes until it turns translucent. This will make your kitchen smell amazing!
3. Add the Garlic and Zucchini:
Next, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until it’s fragrant. Then throw in the diced zucchini and cook for around 4-5 minutes until it’s slightly softened. Sprinkle in some salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to season the veggies, mixing them well.
4. Mix the Casserole Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, uncooked rice, the sautéed onion and zucchini mixture, chicken broth, sour cream, and both types of cheese—save some cheddar cheese for the top! Mix everything together until well combined.
5. Assemble and Bake:
Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
6. Add the Cheese Topping:
After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Sprinkle the reserved cheddar cheese on top of the casserole. Return it to the oven, uncovered, for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, and the rice is fully cooked.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, take the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This makes it easier to portion out. If you’d like, garnish with fresh parsley or chives, and enjoy your hearty and cheesy dish with family and friends!
FAQ for Cheesy Zucchini Chicken and Rice Casserole
Can I Use Leftover Cooked Chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand works perfectly for this recipe. Just shred or dice it before adding it to the casserole mixture.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
If you want to make this casserole vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and replace it with cooked chickpeas, lentils, or even extra vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms. Just ensure you adjust the seasoning according to your taste!
What If I Don’t Have Chicken Broth?
No problem! You can use vegetable broth as a substitute or even water in a pinch. However, using broth helps enhance the flavors, so choose a low-sodium version if possible.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven until heated through. Add a little splash of broth or water to keep it moist if needed!
