🥘 Chicken Zucchini Bake – Creamy, Cheesy & Gluten‑Free

A cozy, wholesome casserole packed with tender chicken, zucchini, tomatoes, and two types of cheese—this is comfort food made light and delicious!

Prep Time: 15 minutes · Bake Time: 30 minutes · Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings · Dietary Tags: Gluten‑Free · High-Protein · Family-Friendly

📚 Table of Contents

1. Why You’ll Love This Bake

2. Ingredients You’ll Need

3. Quick Recipe Overview

4. Step‑by‑Step Instructions

5. Make‑Ahead & Leftover Tips

6. W-W Friendly Swaps & Add‑Ins

7. Nutrition & Tips

8. Kristy’s Personal Note

9. More One‑Dish Dinner Ideas

10. Bake, Snap & Share!

🌟 1. Why You’ll Love This Bake

This is one of those weeknight gems—super simple, hearty, and full of flavor. It’s gluten-free, loaded with protein, and the creamy cheese pull helps everyone feel cozy. Perfect for meal prep or a no-hassle family dinner.

🛒 2. Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or leftover chicken works great)

• 3 medium zucchinis, sliced

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Cheeses

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella

• ½ cup grated Parmesan

• ½ cup softened cream cheese

Seasonings & Flavor

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• 1 Tbsp olive oil

Optional Garnish

• Fresh basil, roughly chopped

🍳 3. Quick Recipe Overview

1. Preheat oven to 190 °C (375 °F).

2. Mix chicken, veggies, cheeses, and seasonings.

3. Transfer to greased baking dish.

4. Top with Parmesan, bake 25–30 minutes.

5. Cool slightly, garnish with basil, and serve warm.

🔪 4. Step‑by‑Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 190 °C (375 °F). Grease a 23×33 cm (9×13″) baking dish with olive oil.

2. Drain Zucchini (Optional but Recommended)
To avoid excess moisture, place sliced zucchini in a colander, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and let it drain for 10 minutes.

3. Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, cream cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss until everything is well coated.

4. Assemble the Bake
Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared dish, then sprinkle Parmesan on top.

5. Bake
Bake 25–30 minutes or until zucchini is tender and top is golden and bubbling.

6. Garnish & Serve
Let slightly rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle fresh basil if desired. Serve warm for a comforting meal.

🥡 5. Make‑Ahead & Leftover Tips

• Make ahead: Assemble in the dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add 5–10 minutes cooking time if baking cold.

• Leftovers: Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Heat in a 350 °F oven or microwave until heated through.

🥗 6. W-W Friendly Swaps & Add‑Ins

• Lower point version: Use part-skim mozzarella and light cream cheese.

• Extra veggies: Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to stretch servings and boost nutrition.

• Spicy twist: Stir in red pepper flakes or top with chopped jalapeño before baking.

📊 7. Nutrition & Tips

• Use quality rotisserie chicken to save time and add flavor.

• Letting zucchini drain prevents a watery bake.

• For a crispier top, broil for the final 1–2 minutes—watch closely!

📝 8. Kristy’s Personal Note

This is one of my go-to casseroles when life gets busy. It’s effortless, gluten-free, and hits all the comfort-food cravings without being heavy. My kids love whipping out the cheesy strings—no leftovers guaranteed!

🍽 9. More One‑Dish Dinner Ideas

• Cheesy Turkey Spinach Skillet Bake

• Greek Chicken & Vegetable Sheet Pan

• Mushroom & Kale Quinoa Casserole

📸 10. Bake, Snap & Share!

Made this creamy chicken zucchini bake? Tag me @KristyCookRecipes on Instagram—I’d love to see your cheesy, cozy creations! Comment with your favorite veggie add‑in below. Let’s inspire each other in the kitchen! 💚