Description
This Tuscan Chicken Zucchini Casserole is a flavorful, hearty, and healthy baked dish combining tender chicken breast with fresh zucchini, spinach, and tomatoes, all seasoned with classic Italian herbs and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It's an easy-to-make one-pan meal that perfectly blends fresh vegetables and rich cheeses for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Proteins & Vegetables
- 1 lb (454 g) skinless, boneless chicken breast
- 3 small or 2 medium zucchini, sliced (about 3 cups / 360 g)
- 1 cup (30 g) fresh spinach
- 1 cup (150 g) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup (65 g) sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped
- 1 shallot, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings & Oils
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
- 1 tsp (1 g) dried oregano leaves
- 1 tsp (1 g) dried basil leaves
- 1 tsp (3 g) garlic powder
- 1 tsp (5 g) salt
- ½ tsp (1 g) black pepper
- ½ tsp (1 g) paprika
- ¼ tsp (0.5 g) red pepper flakes
Cheeses & Garnish
- 1 cup (113 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅛ cup (5 g) chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Combine Ingredients: In a 2.5-quart (11x7-inch / 28x18 cm) baking dish, add the chicken breasts, sliced zucchini, fresh spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, thinly sliced shallot, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
- Toss Together: Mix all the ingredients thoroughly in the baking dish until the chicken and vegetables are well coated with the seasonings and oil.
- Add Cheese: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the mixture in the dish.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to cook the chicken and vegetables.
- Remove Foil and Continue Baking: Carefully remove the foil and continue baking the casserole uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to brown the top slightly.
- Broil for Golden Cheese: Turn the oven to broil on high. Place the dish under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully and checking every 20 seconds to ensure the cheese turns golden without burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving. Optionally, add a pinch of oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes for extra seasoning.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs if available for a brighter flavor.
- Keep a close eye during broiling to prevent the cheese from burning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
- Adjust spice levels by varying the amount of red pepper flakes.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cheeses with vegan alternatives.
