A wholesome, protein-packed, veggie-loaded bake that comes together effortlessly. Tender shredded chicken, fresh zucchini, and juicy tomatoes are layered under a blanket of golden, bubbly cheese. Light enough for a weeknight dinner, comforting enough for meal prep, and simple enough for beginners.
Servings & Timing
Serves: 4–6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: ~45 minutes
Ingredients
Base
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 3 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Creamy Binder
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded parmesan
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Topping
- ½ cup mozzarella (extra for browning)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a medium baking dish.
2. Prepare the Vegetables
Slice the zucchinis into thin rounds and halve the cherry tomatoes.
Pat the zucchini slices dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture in the bake.
3. Mix the Creamy Binder
In a mixing bowl, combine:
- sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- mozzarella
- parmesan
- garlic
- Italian seasoning
- salt & pepper
Stir until thick and well blended.
4. Assemble the Casserole
In your baking dish, layer in this order:
1️⃣ Shredded chicken
2️⃣ Sliced zucchinis
3️⃣ Cherry tomatoes
4️⃣ Evenly spread the creamy cheese mixture over the top
Finish with a generous layer of extra mozzarella.
5. Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until:
- the cheese is melted and bubbly
- the top is lightly browned
- the zucchini is tender but not mushy
For a deeper golden top, broil for the last 1–2 minutes.
6. Rest & Serve
Allow the bake to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Finish with fresh basil or parsley.
Serve warm with:
- a side salad
- garlic bread
- roasted veggies
- cauliflower rice
Tips & Variations
To Reduce Moisture
Salt zucchini slices lightly and let sit 10 minutes, then pat dry.
High-Protein Boost
Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt.
Add ½ cup cottage cheese to the mixture.
Flavor Variations
- Add spinach or mushrooms
- Use rotisserie chicken
- Swap mozzarella for Monterey Jack
Make Ahead
Assemble completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours.
Bake when ready to serve.
Storage
- Refrigerator: 3–4 days
- Freezer: up to 2 months (best without tomatoes)
- Reheat at 350°F until warmed through.
