Zucchini and Chicken Casserole with Herbed Cheese

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting layered casserole featuring tender chicken, zucchini, and a creamy herb-infused cheese sauce, baked until golden and bubbling. This american-inspired keto ready in about 45 minutes pairs medium, 12 oz total, diced Zucchini, Heavy cream, shredded Cheddar cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 240 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 240 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, add diced chicken, and cook for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried herbs, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper, stirring until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Arrange diced zucchini in a 9x13-inch baking dish, top with cooked chicken, and pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top.
  4. Step 4: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the top is lightly golden.
  5. Step 5: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Zucchini and Chicken Casserole with Herbed Cheese take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Zucchini and Chicken Casserole with Herbed Cheese?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep heavy cream from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Zucchini and Chicken Casserole with Herbed Cheese?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Zucchini and Chicken Casserole with Herbed Cheese for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Zucchini and Chicken Casserole with Herbed Cheese?

American keto like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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