This Cheesy Zucchini Chicken Rice Bake is a comforting dish loaded with tender chicken, fresh zucchini, and gooey cheese. It’s simple to make and fills your home with delicious smells!
I love how it’s all in one pan. It’s like a hug in a dish! Don’t be surprised if you find yourself sneaking bites straight from the oven. Who can resist that cheesy goodness? 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Rice: White rice works great, but I prefer brown rice for a nuttier flavor and more nutrients. You can also use quinoa or cauliflower rice if you’re looking for gluten-free or lighter options!
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds a lovely texture. You can swap it for yellow squash or even spinach if that’s what you have on hand. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly.
Chicken: I use skinless, boneless chicken breasts for this recipe. You can easily substitute with shredded rotisserie chicken or turkey for ease or if you’re in a pinch.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is my go-to for its melty texture and flavor. A cheese blend or even mozzarella can work well. For a bit of kick, try pepper jack!
How Do I Ensure My Zucchini Is Perfectly Tender?
Getting zucchini just right is easy! Start by cooking it slightly before adding it to the rest of your bake. This way, it won’t release too much moisture later and make the dish soggy.
- Slice the zucchini evenly for consistent cooking.
- Sauté it over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes, just until it starts to soften.
- Don’t overcook it; we want it tender but not mushy!
Cheesy Zucchini Chicken Rice Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bake:
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano and basil)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cozy dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 35-40 minutes to bake. You’ll spend some time cooking the chicken and veggies, mixing everything together, and letting it get golden and bubbly in the oven. Perfect for a family dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, take a moment to lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to keep things from sticking.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and season with a little salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink and has a nice golden color. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if necessary. Sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic for about 3 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. Next, toss in the diced zucchini and cook it for about 4-5 minutes, just until it’s slightly tender.
4. Mix Everything Together:
In a large bowl, combine your cooked rice, the chicken you set aside, the sautéed onion, garlic, and zucchini mix. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well to make sure those yummy flavors are evenly distributed!
5. Create the Creamy Mixture:
In another bowl, whisk together the milk and chicken broth until combined. Pour this mixture over the rice and chicken blend, stirring to combine thoroughly.
6. Add the Cheese:
Mix in half of the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese into the bowl. This will create a creamy, cheesy goodness throughout your bake!
7. Assemble and Bake:
Transfer the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish. Now sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Parmesan cheeses evenly on top; this will create a delicious cheesy crust! Cover the dish with foil and pop it in the oven to bake for 20 minutes.
8. Golden Topping:
After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil and let it bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once you take it out of the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes. If you like, garnish it with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve it warm and enjoy this cheesy, hearty dish with family or friends!
FAQ for Cheesy Zucchini Chicken Rice Bake
Can I Use Leftover Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken is perfect for this bake. Just shred or dice it before adding it to the mixture and reduce the cooking time slightly since it’s already cooked.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or oven until heated through. Add a little splash of milk before reheating to keep it creamy!
Can I Substitute the Rice with Quinoa or Cauliflower Rice?
Yes, both quinoa and cauliflower rice are great alternatives! If using quinoa, make sure to cook it first as you would with rice. For cauliflower rice, sauté it a bit before mixing to reduce moisture, and consider decreasing the liquid amounts slightly.
What If I Don’t Have Zucchini?
No worries! You can easily substitute zucchini with other veggies. Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach would work beautifully in this dish. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose!
