Description
Chicken Zucchini Casserole is a wholesome, easy-to-make comfort dish combining tender chicken, fresh zucchini, and creamy plant-based cheese with vibrant herbs and natural seasonings. This healthy and flavorful one-dish meal is perfect for family dinners or meal prepping and delivers satisfying taste and texture with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 medium zucchini, sliced into thin rounds
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
Dairy and Sauces
- 1 cup plant-based cheese (plant-based), shredded
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/4 cup grape juice
Oils, Herbs, and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent, dissolved in warm water
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Finely chop the onion and garlic cloves. Slice the zucchini into thin rounds and cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get ready for baking.
- Sauté Vegetables and Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, cooking until translucent and fragrant. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until they turn white and begin to brown slightly.
- Add Zucchini and Flavorings: Stir in the sliced zucchini, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), grape juice, and fresh herbs. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the zucchini softens but remains crisp, allowing the flavors to blend.
- Combine and Bind: Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish. Sprinkle the plant-based cheese evenly on top. Drizzle the dissolved natural gelling agent over the entire casserole to help it set during baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The casserole is done when the top is golden and bubbling and the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
Notes
- Choose firm zucchini to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
- Do not overcook chicken during sautéing to keep it juicy after baking.
- Distribute cheese evenly to ensure creamy texture in every bite.
- Allow the casserole to rest a few minutes after baking to set and slice cleanly.
- Use fresh herbs to enhance the flavor more effectively than dried.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: Chicken casserole, zucchini casserole, plant-based cheese, gluten-free dinner, healthy casserole, one-dish meal
