This Easy Cheesy Keto Chicken Zucchini Bake combines tender chicken and fresh zucchini, all topped with gooey cheese. It’s a tasty, low-carb dish that will satisfy your cravings!
I love how the cheese gets bubbly and golden while the zucchini keeps everything nice and moist. It’s like a cozy hug on a plate. Perfect for when you need a quick dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Zucchini adds a lovely texture and keeps the dish lighter. If you can’t find zucchini, consider using yellow squash or eggplant. These options will still absorb the flavors well!
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is great, but shredded rotisserie chicken makes it easier if you’re in a hurry! You can also use turkey for a different spin.
Cheese: Mozzarella is the star for its meltiness, but feel free to mix in other cheeses like Gouda for more flavor. If you’re dairy-free, opt for vegan cheese alternatives that melt well.
Sour Cream: This gives creaminess. Greek yogurt is a perfect swap for a healthier option with more protein. For dairy-free, use coconut yogurt.
How Do I Layer This Dish for Best Results?
Layering your ingredients right is key to a well-cooked dish! Start with zucchini, as it needs time to soften and soak up flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a layer of sliced zucchini in the baking dish.
- Then, spread half the chicken mixture on top. This keeps the chicken moist.
- Don’t skimp on cheese – place a layer of your cheese blend next.
- Repeat by layering more zucchini, the rest of the chicken, and more cheese.
- Finish with a generous amount of cheese on top to get that beautiful, bubbly finish.
Covering with foil initially traps steam for cooking, then uncover to brown the top nicely. Letting it cool a bit helps it firm up. Enjoy this delicious twist on a comfort dish!
Easy Cheesy Keto Chicken Zucchini Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bake:
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
For the Cheese:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes to prep and about 40 minutes to bake. So, you can have a delicious, cheesy meal on your table in less than an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating, lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with a tablespoon of olive oil. This helps your bake not to stick.
2. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together well to form a creamy sauce that will bring all the flavors together.
3. Mix in the Chicken:
Now, add the shredded chicken to your creamy sauce. Stir gently until all the chicken pieces are evenly coated in the sauce. This will keep your chicken moist when baking!
4. Layer the Zucchini:
Start layering by arranging a single layer of zucchini slices evenly at the bottom of your greased baking dish. This creates a delicious bed for your cheesy chicken mix.
5. Add the Chicken Mixture:
Spread half of your chicken mixture evenly over the zucchini layer. Make sure to distribute it well so every bite has that creamy goodness.
6. Sprinkle the Cheese:
Take a third of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses and sprinkle it over the chicken mixture. This will add a lovely cheesy layer.
7. Repeat the Layers:
Now, throw on another layer of zucchini, followed by the remaining chicken mix, and top it with another third of the shredded cheeses.
8. Finish It Off with Cheese:
Finally, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan on top for that gooey, cheesy finish.
9. Bake:
Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the oven. Bake covered for 25 minutes to allow everything to cook gently. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the zucchini is tender.
10. Let It Cool:
After baking, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This helps it set up a bit and makes serving easier.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if you like for a pop of color and flavor. Then dig in and enjoy your warm, cheesy, keto-friendly chicken and zucchini bake!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Keto Chicken Zucchini Bake
Can I Use Fresh Chicken Instead of Cooked Chicken?
Yes, you can use raw chicken! Just dice it into small pieces. Adjust the baking time to ensure that it cooks through, cooking covered for 30 minutes and then removing the foil to bake for another 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked and the cheese is bubbly.
What Can I Substitute for Zucchini?
If you don’t have zucchini, yellow squash or eggplant works great as alternatives! Both will give you a similar texture and absorb the flavors of the dish.
How Can I Make This Dairy-Free?
To make this recipe dairy-free, swap out the sour cream and mayonnaise for coconut yogurt or a dairy-free sour cream alternative. Use dairy-free cheese substitutes that melt well, such as cashew cheese or almond-based cheeses.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or bake it in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through. Enjoy it as a quick meal or snack!
