This Cheesy Zucchini Chicken and Rice Casserole is a warm hug in a dish! With tender chicken, fresh zucchini, and cheesy goodness, it’s a meal the whole family will love.
I like to think of this as a one-pan wonder where everything comes together easily. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to get in some veggies. Who knew healthy could be this tasty? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: For this casserole, cooked chicken works best. I love using rotisserie chicken because it’s quick, easy, and already seasoned! You can substitute with leftover chicken or even turkey if you have some on hand.
Zucchini: Zucchini adds moisture and a mild flavor. If zucchini isn’t available, you can use other veggies like yellow squash or even spinach, which gives a nice color and nutrients!
Rice: Long-grain white rice is perfect for this dish. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try brown rice or even quinoa, just remember they may require extra cooking time or liquid.
Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella create gooey goodness. If you’re dairy-free, you might try plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast, but the flavor will be a little different.
Onion and Garlic: These are staples for flavor! If you’re short on time, you can use onion powder and garlic powder as substitutes, but fresh really adds more depth.
How Do You Make a Creamy Cheese Sauce?
A great cheese sauce is key to a delicious casserole! The important part is to make a roux before adding the milk, which thickens the sauce and prevents lumps. Here’s how:
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and let it cook for about a minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually pour in the milk while whisking. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens, usually about 3-4 minutes.
- Once thickened, stir in half the cheese until it’s melted and smooth.
Remember, if the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency!
Cheesy Zucchini Chicken and Rice Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Components:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated or thinly sliced
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
Cheese Layers:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Vegetable & Flavor Additions:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Extras:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30-35 minutes to bake, making a total of roughly 50 minutes. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish to prepare it for the deliciousness to come!
2. Cook the Rice:
In a medium saucepan, cook the rice according to the package instructions. For a flavorful twist, replace water with chicken broth. Set the cooked rice aside for later.
3. Sauté the Veggies:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it’s translucent—about 3-4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic, stirring for another minute until it becomes fragrant.
4. Cook the Zucchini:
Next, add the grated or thinly sliced zucchini to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes until it’s slightly softened. Don’t forget to season with salt, pepper, and your choice of dried thyme or Italian seasoning for that extra flavor!
5. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a separate small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly until the sauce thickens, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
6. Combine the Cheese:
Remove the thickened sauce from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with a bit of salt and pepper if needed.
7. Mix Everything Together:
In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked chicken, sautéed zucchini mixture, cooked rice, and cheese sauce. Mix everything well so every bite will be oozing with cheesy goodness!
8. Assemble the Casserole:
Transfer the mixed ingredients to the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Then sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top, creating a lovely cheesy layer.
9. Bake:
Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. After that time, remove the foil and continue to bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes. If you like, garnish with fresh parsley. Then scoop out a hearty portion and enjoy your Cheesy Zucchini Chicken and Rice Casserole with family or friends!
Can I Use Fresh or Frozen Zucchini?
You can use both! If using fresh zucchini, make sure to slice or grate it thinly for even cooking. If you have frozen zucchini, thaw it first and pat it dry to remove excess moisture before adding it to the casserole. This helps keep the dish from becoming too watery!
Can I Substitute the Chicken?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can replace the chicken with additional veggies or beans like black beans or chickpeas. If you want a different protein, shredded turkey or cooked sausage are great alternatives too!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave for a few minutes or warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated thoroughly.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole in advance and store it in the fridge unbaked for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
