This Easy Cheesy Zucchini Chicken and Rice Bake is a one-dish wonder! It’s filled with juicy chicken, tender zucchini, and creamy cheese, making it super comforting and tasty.
Plus, it’s so simple! I love how everything bakes together, bringing out all the flavors. It’s like a hug in a casserole dish—perfect for family dinners! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best here for quick cooking. If you’re looking for a substitution, turkey breast or even cooked rotisserie chicken can be used. Just adjust the cooking time for cooked chicken to avoid overcooking.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds moisture and flavor. If you can’t find it, yellow squash is a great alternative. For a lower-carb option, try cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice for a different texture.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is ideal as it cooks well and stays fluffy. Brown rice can also be used but will require extra cooking time and more liquid. Quick-cooking rice options are available too if you’re short on time!
Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella give a great cheesy flavor. Don’t hesitate to mix it up! Try pepper jack for a kick or a blend of Italian cheeses for extra richness. Vegan cheese is an option too if you’re dairy-free.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Chicken Without Drying It Out?
Cooking chicken can sometimes be tricky, but with a few simple tips, it can stay juicy and flavorful. Here’s how:
- Start by cutting the chicken into smaller, uniform pieces. This helps them cook evenly.
- Season well with salt, pepper, and spices to enhance flavor.
- Cook on medium heat and avoid overcrowding the pan, which can trap steam and prevent browning.
- Remove the chicken once it’s lightly browned but not fully cooked; it will continue cooking in the oven.
These steps help ensure that your chicken stays moist and delicious in your bake!
How Do I Ensure My Rice Comes Out Perfectly Cooked?
Rice can be a bit unpredictable, but here are some helpful strategies:
- Make sure to use the right ratio of rice to liquid. For white rice, one part rice to two parts broth works well.
- Mix the rice into the other ingredients to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
- Keep the dish covered with foil during the initial baking to trap moisture, allowing the rice to steam properly.
By following these tips, your rice should cook up fluffy and delicious, blending beautifully with the rest of the dish!
Easy Cheesy Zucchini Chicken and Rice Bake
Ingredients List:
For the Bake:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Topping (Optional):
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 55 minutes of total cooking time, including baking. So, in about an hour and 10 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready for the family. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something easy and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish lightly with oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking. This will make cleanup easier later!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Next, take a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken to the pan and season it with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes until it’s lightly browned, but don’t worry about it being fully cooked yet. Remove the chicken from the heat and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Veggies:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them together for about 2-3 minutes, until the onion is soft and the garlic is fragrant. This adds great flavor to the dish!
4. Combine Everything in the Bake Dish:
Now, let’s put it all together! In your greased baking dish, combine the uncooked rice, chicken broth, the sautéed onion and garlic, diced zucchini, cooked chicken, and the remaining Italian seasoning. Stir everything well to ensure even distribution—this is where all the flavors come together!
5. Bake It:
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and pop it in the preheated oven. Bake it for about 40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through. We want all those flavors to blend beautifully!
6. Add the Cheese:
After 40 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Now, sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. If you chose to use Parmesan, sprinkle that on too!
7. Final Baking:
Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake it for an additional 10-15 minutes. This way, the cheese becomes melted and bubbly, and gets a nice golden color.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps all the flavors settle. You can garnish with fresh parsley or basil if you like! Serve it warm and enjoy your comforting zucchini chicken and rice bake!
This dish is not only hearty and flavorful but also gives you minimal cleanup, making it a fantastic choice for any busy night!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Zucchini Chicken and Rice Bake
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap in your favorite veggies. Bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli would work great as alternatives to zucchini. Just adjust cooking times slightly based on the vegetable’s tenderness.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Chicken Broth?
No worries! If you don’t have chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth or even water. For added flavor, consider adding a little bit of soy sauce or a splash of cooking wine to enhance the depth of taste.
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the bake in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, then follow the baking instructions.
