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Tuscan Chicken Zucchini Casserole Recipe

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4 from 7 reviews

This Tuscan Chicken Zucchini Casserole is a flavorful and wholesome baked dish featuring tender chicken breast combined with fresh zucchini, spinach, cherry tomatoes, and sun-dried tomatoes, all seasoned with classic Italian herbs and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this casserole offers a balanced blend of protein, vegetables, and cheese with a spicy touch from red pepper flakes.

  • Total Time: 42 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Protein 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 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

Cheese and 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

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
  2. Combine ingredients in baking dish: In a 2.5-quart (11×7-inch / 28×18 cm) baking dish, add the chicken breast, 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.
  3. Toss to coat: Mix all ingredients thoroughly in the baking dish until everything is well coated with the seasonings and olive oil, ensuring an even flavor throughout.
  4. Add cheese topping: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the mixture in the baking dish.
  5. Cover and bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
  6. Remove foil and continue baking: Take off the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and the chicken to cook through.
  7. Broil for golden cheese: Switch your oven to broil on high and broil the casserole for 1 to 2 minutes, checking every 20 seconds carefully to ensure the cheese turns golden without burning.
  8. Garnish and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top, and serve immediately.
  9. Optional seasoning: For extra flavor, optionally add a pinch of oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes before serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken breast with boneless, skinless chicken thighs if preferred.
  • Adjust the red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level.
  • Use fresh herbs if available for a brighter flavor, substituting dried oregano and basil in equal amounts.
  • Covering the dish initially ensures moist chicken and tender vegetables.
  • Broiling at the end gives a beautiful golden and slightly crispy cheese topping.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 32 minutes
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Low Salt

Find it online: https://monicarecipes.com/tuscan-chicken-zucchini-casserole-recipe/