Chicken Zucchini Casserole Recipe (Super Easy to Make!)

Nothing says comfort food quite like a homemade Chicken Zucchini Casserole. It’s perfectly savory and cheesy, with the surprise twist of zucchini! The flavors of chicken, zucchini, and cheddar cheese go great together, while the Bisquick gives it the structure and makes it super easy and delicious!

This chicken zucchini casserole is a fantastic dish to whip up at home, especially during those busy weeknights. It’s a perfect blend of protein and veggies, all tossed in a creamy sauce and then baked to perfection. The best part? It’s incredibly versatile and a great way to use up leftover chicken and zucchini. 

What makes this recipe truly special is the use of Bisquick, which lends a unique, comforting flavor to the casserole. Topped with cheddar cheese that bubbles to a beautiful golden brown in the oven, this chicken zucchini casserole is something you’ll want to make again and again. Trust me, your family will thank you!

Why I Love This Recipe

Easy to make: This chicken zucchini bake recipe is a breeze to prepare. With simple steps like mixing the ingredients in a bowl, transferring the mixture into a greased casserole pan, and baking, it’s perfect for those busy weeknights. 

Family-Favorite: This chicken zucchini casserole is a crowd-pleaser. With its tender chicken, veggies, and cheese, it’s a dish that both kids and adults love. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some vegetables into your family’s diet.

Customizable: You can easily modify this casserole to suit your tastes or use what you have in the refrigerator. For instance, you could add red bell pepper or swap the chicken for any other cooked meat you may have! 

Delicious: Above all, this chicken zucchini bake is absolutely delicious. Combining the savory chicken, tender zucchini, and melted cheddar cheese creates an incredible flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Key Ingredients

Eggs: These are a binding agent in this recipe. They hold all the ingredients together and give the casserole a nice texture. Make sure they’re slightly beaten before adding them to the mixture.

Unsalted Butter: Melted butter adds a rich, creamy flavor to the casserole. It also helps to keep the casserole moist during the baking process and gives it crispy edges.

Salt: This essential ingredient enhances the flavors of the other ingredients. It’s particularly important in this recipe to bring out the flavor of the chicken and zucchini.

Onion: Chopped fine, the onion gives a subtle sweetness and adds an extra layer of flavor to the chicken zucchini casserole.

Zucchini: The star of this recipe, zucchini adds a fresh, light taste and a nice texture. If using frozen zucchini, remember to thaw and let it drain before adding it to your mixture.

Chicken: Cooked and chopped, chicken adds a hearty, savory flavor to the casserole. It’s the protein element that makes this dish filling and satisfying. I like to use leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe.

Bisquick: This helps to bind the casserole together and gives it a fluffy, bread-like texture.

Cheddar Cheese: Grated cheddar cheese provides a lovely, tangy flavor and a beautiful melted topping. It complements the chicken and zucchini perfectly.

Equipment

1.5 Quart Casserole Dish – This is the perfect size for the amount of ingredients in this recipe, and its depth allows the flavors to meld together perfectly while baking in the oven.

Large Mixing Bowl – You will need this to mix together the eggs, butter, salt, onion, zucchini, and chicken. It’s important to use a bowl that’s big enough to hold all the ingredients and give you enough space to stir without spilling.

Grater – A grater is required to grate the zucchini and the cheddar cheese. It helps to distribute the flavors of these ingredients throughout the casserole evenly. Plus, freshly grated cheese melts better and adds more flavor than pre-grated cheese. Although if you’re like me, sometimes store bought shredded is what makes life easier.

How to Make Chicken Zucchini Casserole

Preparation

To start off, preheat your oven to 350˚ While waiting for the oven to heat up, take your casserole pan and grease it well to prevent the chicken zucchini casserole from sticking.

Step 1 – Combine Ingredients in a Bowl

In a large bowl, combine your main ingredients: eggs, butter, salt, onion, zucchini, and chicken. These form the heart of your chicken zucchini casserole. Stir them together until they’re well mixed.

Step 2 – Add Bisquick to the Mixture

Now, it’s time to add your Bisquick to the mixture. This will give your casserole that tender texture and delicious flavor. Stir it in until it’s evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 3 – Transfer the Mixture to the Casserole Dish

Once your mixture is ready, add it to your greased casserole dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure a consistent bake.

Step 4 – Sprinkle the Cheese

A casserole isn’t a casserole without cheese. Sprinkle your cheddar cheese on top of the mixture. This will melt into a deliciously gooey topping as the casserole bakes.

Step 5 – Bake the Casserole

Pop your casserole into the preheated oven. Let it bake for about 40-50 minutes. This should be enough time for the flavors to mingle and the cheese to melt into a golden crust.

Step 6 – Let it Cool

After you’ve taken your casserole out of the oven, let it cool for about 15 minutes before serving. This will make it easier to cut and serve, plus it gives the flavors a chance to settle. Enjoy your homemade chicken zucchini casserole!

Expert Tips

Preheat the oven: Always preheat the oven to the correct temperature before you start baking. This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and perfectly.

Use the right baking dish: A casserole pan is the best option for this recipe. The size is important too – a pan that’s too small will result in a deep casserole that takes longer to cook, while a pan that’s too large will spread the mixture too thin.

Mix the ingredients well: Make sure you mix all the ingredients together thoroughly in a large bowl. This will evenly distribute the flavor and ensure every bite is as tasty as the last.

Top it off with cheese: Sprinkle a generous layer of grated cheddar cheese on top of the mixture before you bake it. This creates a deliciously cheesy crust that adds extra flavor and texture to the dish.

Let it rest: After you take the casserole out of the oven, let it cool for about 15 minutes before you serve it. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes the casserole easier to cut and serve.

Use fresh zucchini: If you’re using frozen zucchini, make sure to thaw and drain it before you measure it out. Fresh zucchini will give your casserole a brighter, more vibrant flavor.

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian Version: If you’re trying to amp up your vegetable intake, try this variation. Replace the chicken with an additional cup of shredded zucchini. This will not only add an extra serving of veggies but also keep the dish just as hearty and satisfying. 

Switch the Oil: The original recipe uses vegetable oil instead of butter. This simple swap reduces the saturated fat content without compromising on the rich flavor of the dish. 

Add Other Veggies: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables in this casserole. Adding red bell pepper or yellow squash can add a pop of color and a different flavor profile to the dish. Just make sure to chop the vegetables into small pieces so they cook evenly.

Use Some Herbs: For an extra burst of flavor, add a teaspoon of dried oregano or your favorite herbs to the mixture. This will elevate the flavor of the casserole and make it more aromatic and tasty.

What to Serve With

• This chicken zucchini casserole pairs beautifully with a side of warm, freshly baked biscuits. The buttery flavor of the biscuits complements the savory casserole, making for a comforting meal.
• For a cozy dinner option, pair this casserole with a bowl of warm, creamy tomato basil soup. The tangy flavor of the soup enhances the savory taste of the casserole. It also goes great with some cream of chicken soup.
• Looking for a side dish for your barbecue party? This chicken zucchini casserole is a great option. The cheese and veggies in the casserole balance the smoky flavor of grilled meats.
• This casserole also pairs well with garlic bread. The crunchy texture of the bread contrasts beautifully with the soft and cheesy casserole. Any other type of fresh bread will work great too!

Recipe FAQs

Storing and Reheating

Refrigerate: After enjoying this savory chicken zucchini casserole, store any leftovers in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It can be safely stored for up to three days.

Freeze: Unfortunately, this flavorful casserole does not freeze well due to the high water content in the zucchini. Freezing and thawing can result in a soggy texture, which is not ideal for this dish.

Reheat Instructions: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover chicken zucchini casserole, simply reheat it in a medium oven until it’s hot throughout. If you wish, you can sprinkle a little extra cheese on top before reheating to refresh the delicious, melted topping.

Serving Size

What to Expect: This recipe makes one 1.5-quart casserole of chicken zucchini, which is enough for four to six servings.

How to Scale: If you want to make more than four to six servings, you can double the recipe and follow the instructions as directed. Make sure you use two 1.5-quart casserole pans or one 3-quart pan.