Description
This Tuscan Chicken Zucchini Casserole is a flavorful and wholesome baked dish featuring tender chicken breast, fresh zucchini, spinach, juicy cherry tomatoes, and sun-dried tomatoes, all seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices. Topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, it’s a perfect one-dish meal that combines vibrant Mediterranean flavors in an easy-to-make casserole.
Ingredients
Chicken and 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 and Toppings
- 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
- 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 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, sliced zucchini, fresh spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, sliced shallot, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
- Toss to Coat: Gently toss all the ingredients together in the dish until everything is well coated with the seasonings and olive oil, ensuring even flavor throughout.
- Add Cheese: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the combined mixture in the baking dish.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, allowing the chicken and vegetables to cook through and the flavors to meld.
- Uncover and Continue Baking: Remove the foil from the dish and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to let the cheese and top layer brown slightly.
- Broil for Golden Cheese: Switch the oven to broil on high and broil the casserole for 1 to 2 minutes. Watch closely and check every 20 seconds to prevent burning, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh, vibrant finish before serving. Optionally, add an extra pinch of oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like more seasoning.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are cut into smaller pieces if preferred for even cooking.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes for your preferred spice level.
- Covering the casserole during the initial baking helps retain moisture and cook the chicken thoroughly.
- Use fresh herbs if available for enhanced flavor.
- Broiling at the end creates a perfectly golden cheesy crust; stay attentive to avoid burning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 32 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
