Healthy Chicken Zucchini Casserole
Chicken, zucchini, tomatoes, and a little parmesan, with no canned soup and no pasta.
Healthy Chicken Zucchini Casserole
Course: Main CourseDifficulty: Easy6
servings15
minutes3
hours30
minutesChicken, zucchini, tomatoes, and a little parmesan, with no canned soup and no pasta.
Ingredients
1½ lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
3 medium zucchini, cut in half moons
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
salt and pepper
½ cup shredded mozzarella
¼ cup grated parmesan
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves to finish
Cooked quinoa or brown rice to serve
Directions
- Gather and measure everything before you start, so nothing waits on the counter.
- Layer the onion and chicken on the bottom of the greased insert and season.
- Spread the drained tomatoes and garlic over the chicken.
- Cook 3 hours on LOW.
- Add the zucchini on top and cook 30 minutes more.
- Sprinkle the cheeses over, leave the lid off for 10 minutes, and serve.
- Check that the zucchini is tender but not collapsing and the chicken reads 165°F.
- Let the casserole rest 10 minutes with the lid off so the layers set.
- Scoop with a wide spoon straight down to the bottom, so each serving has every layer.
- Cool leftovers within 2 hours and refrigerate in shallow containers for up to 4 days.
Notes
- Zucchini is mostly water. Added at the start, it floods the pot. It goes in for the last half hour.
Why the zucchini waits
Zucchini is mostly water. Added at the start it would flood the pot. Half an hour at the end leaves the slices tender but not collapsed.
Draining the tomatoes does the same job and keeps the casserole from turning soupy.
Healthy Chicken Zucchini Casserole: swaps
Summer squash works in place of zucchini. Cheddar can replace mozzarella. Do not salt the zucchini early, because it draws out more liquid.
Cutting the chicken into 1-inch pieces keeps it from drying out.
Serving and storage
Quinoa or brown rice makes this a full dinner. Fresh basil on top adds a bright finish. Store leftovers in shallow containers, and reheat in a covered dish with a spoonful of water.
One mistake to avoid
Adding the cheese too early. It melts into the juices and turns greasy instead of forming a top. Sprinkle it over at the end, leave the lid off for ten minutes, and let the casserole rest so the layers set before you scoop.
Healthy Chicken Zucchini Casserole at a glance
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Ingredients: 12, led by boneless skinless chicken breasts, zucchini, (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, onion
Tips for Healthy Chicken Zucchini Casserole
Zucchini is mostly water. Added at the start, it floods the pot. It goes in for the last half hour.
Healthy Chicken Zucchini Casserole FAQ
How long does Healthy Chicken Zucchini Casserole take?
Healthy Chicken Zucchini Casserole takes 3 hours 30 minutes of cooking after 15 minutes of prep.
How many people does Healthy Chicken Zucchini Casserole serve?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What do I need to make Healthy Chicken Zucchini Casserole?
12 ingredients, led by boneless skinless chicken breasts, zucchini, (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, onion. Amounts are in the recipe card above.
Part of: 10 Crockpot Casserole Recipes for Dinner
