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This creamy chicken zucchini bake transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying weeknight dinner that's both nutritious and comforting. The melty combination of three cheeses paired with tender zucchini and juicy tomatoes creates a dish that's become my go-to solution for using summer produce in a way everyone loves.
I first created this recipe when my garden produced an overwhelming amount of zucchini one summer. What started as a desperate attempt to use up vegetables quickly became a family favorite that my children request even in winter when we have to buy zucchini from the store.
Ingredients
- Fresh zucchini slices: Add moisture and nutrients while remaining tender after baking
- Shredded chicken: Provides protein and makes this a complete meal; use rotisserie chicken for convenience
- Cherry tomatoes: Burst during baking creating pockets of sweet acidity throughout the dish
- Mozzarella cheese: Creates that irresistible stretchy texture everyone loves
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory umami depth and creates a golden crust
- Cream cheese: Binds everything together and creates a luxurious silky sauce
- Italian seasoning: Infuses Mediterranean flavors throughout; select a blend with oregano, thyme, and basil
- Garlic powder: Provides aromatic flavor without the work of mincing fresh garlic
- Olive oil: Prevents sticking and adds a subtle richness
- Fresh basil: Brightens the finished dish with color and aroma; use it if available
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven:
- Set your oven to 190°C and allow it to fully preheat while you prepare the ingredients. A properly preheated oven ensures even cooking and proper browning of the cheese topping.
- Combine All Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl gently combine the shredded chicken, zucchini, tomatoes, mozzarella, cream cheese, and seasonings. Take your time folding everything together to ensure the cream cheese is evenly distributed throughout the mixture without crushing the tomatoes.
- Prepare The Baking Dish:
- Coat your baking dish with olive oil using a pastry brush or paper towel to ensure even coverage, including the sides. This prevents sticking and helps the edges develop a delicious caramelization.
- Transfer And Arrange:
- Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Press down gently to eliminate air pockets, which could cause uneven cooking.
- Add The Finishing Touch:
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly across the top, creating a layer that will transform into a golden crispy crust during baking. Make sure to reach the edges for maximum flavor.
- Bake To Perfection:
- Place in the center rack of your oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, watching for the cheese to bubble and turn golden. The zucchini should be tender but not mushy when pierced with a fork.
- Rest And Garnish:
- Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving; this helps the cheese set slightly, making serving easier. Tear fresh basil leaves over the top just before bringing to the table for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
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You Must Know
The cream cheese is truly the secret ingredient in this recipe. I discovered its magic when I ran out of heavy cream one evening and substituted cream cheese out of desperation. The resulting texture was so much richer and more satisfying that I never went back to my original recipe.
Make Ahead Options
This chicken zucchini bake is perfect for meal planning. You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours before baking and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply allow it to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking. You may need to add 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time if the dish is still cold when it goes into the oven. This make-ahead approach actually allows the flavors to meld together, creating an even more delicious final result.
Storage And Reheating
Leftovers keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. The flavors often deepen overnight, making day two servings sometimes even better than the first night. To reheat individual portions, microwave for 2 minutes or until heated through. For the best texture when reheating a larger portion, use an oven at 160°C for about 15 minutes, which maintains the creamy texture while preventing the zucchini from becoming too soft.
Customization Ideas
This recipe welcomes adaptations based on what you have available. Swap yellow squash for some or all of the zucchini for a colorful variation. Turkey or rotisserie chicken both work perfectly as the protein. For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with chickpeas or white beans and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. The Italian seasoning can be replaced with herbs de Provence, taco seasoning, or Greek seasoning for completely different flavor profiles while maintaining the same cooking technique.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?
It's best to use pre-cooked shredded chicken for this bake, as raw chicken would require additional cooking time and could affect the texture of the zucchini and tomatoes.
- → Can I substitute another vegetable for zucchini?
Yes, you can use vegetables like bell peppers, eggplant, or yellow squash as substitutes. Just ensure they are thinly sliced for even cooking.
- → Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and replace cream cheese with a plant-based spread or mashed avocado for creaminess.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish in advance and store it in the fridge for up to one day before baking. Allow it to cool slightly when reheating.
- → What side dish pairs well with this meal?
This bake pairs well with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.