Name: Chicken Zucchini Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-487092H2M23S
Total time: PT-487092H2M23S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs); ¼ tsp salt; ¼ tsp pepper; ¼ tsp garlic powder; 1 medium zucchini, chopped; 1 medium yellow squash, chopped; ½ medium sweet yellow onion, chopped; ½ cup prepared pesto; 4 oz Parmesan cheese, grated; 4 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded

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A wholesome and satisfying Chicken Zucchini Casserole that layers tender and juicy chicken breasts with vibrant zucchini, squash, and onion, all topped with savory pesto and gooey cheeses. Simple, flavorful, and baked to golden perfection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole is a delicious one‑dish meal that blends lean protein, fresh vegetables, and cheesy goodness. It’s easy to assemble, healthy, and versatile—great for weeknight dinners or meal prep. The pesto adds bright herbal flavor, while Parmesan and mozzarella bring gooey, melty satisfaction.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
¼ tsp garlic powder
1 medium zucchini, chopped
1 medium yellow squash, chopped
½ medium sweet yellow onion, chopped
½ cup prepared pesto
4 oz Parmesan cheese
4 oz mozzarella cheese

Directions

Preheat The Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare Chicken And Veggies
In a large casserole dish, place chicken breasts in a flat single layer. Season evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Chop zucchini, yellow squash, and onion and combine.
Layer The Veggies And Pesto
Spread the chopped vegetables over the seasoned chicken breasts. Dollop spoonfuls of pesto evenly across the top of the vegetables.
Add Cheeses
Sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella cheese over the entire casserole, covering the pesto and veggies.
Bake
Bake on the middle rack for 35–45 minutes, until the chicken reaches 165°F internally. If the top begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover with foil for the remainder of the cooking time.
Serve Hot
Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving hot. Enjoy!

Servings And Timing

Serves: 4–6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35–45 minutes
Total Time: 45–55 minutes

Variations

Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness
Replace pesto with marinara or Alfredo sauce for a different flavor profile
Stir in cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for added color and sweetness
Substitute dairy-free pesto and cheeses to make this dairy-free
Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning for extra zing

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
To refresh texture, broil briefly for 1–2 minutes to re‑melt cheese and crisp the top.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes—just add an additional 5–10 minutes of baking time and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Can I make this casserole ahead?

Absolutely. Assemble up to a day ahead and store covered in the fridge. Bake when you’re ready to eat.

Is zucchini necessary?

No—you can swap in yellow squash, eggplant, or broccoli.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes—this recipe is naturally gluten-free as written.

What cheeses can I use instead?

Try provolone, Gouda, or cheddar for a different taste and melt.

Can I add breadcrumbs for topping?

Yes—mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top before baking.

How do I prevent veggies from releasing water?

Pat them dry after chopping, or squeeze out excess moisture before layering.

Can I halve this recipe?

Yes—use a smaller casserole dish and adjust cooking time as needed.

Will leftovers freeze well?

Yes—freeze in portions without cheese, then reheat and add fresh cheese before serving.

Can I serve this cold?

It’s best served warm, but leftovers taste great at room temperature, too.

Conclusion

Chicken Zucchini Casserole is a simple, healthy, and flavorful dish that brings together chicken, veggies, pesto, and cheesy comfort—all in one pan. With easy prep and delicious results, it’s a reliable go‑to for busy nights or cozy family dinners. Enjoy!

Maggie