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

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.

Equipment for this recipe

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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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