If you love comforting casseroles that beautifully balance creamy textures with fresh vegetable goodness, you are going to adore this Creamy Ground Chicken and Zucchini Casserole Recipe. It’s a delightful mix of tender ground chicken, juicy zucchini, and a vibrant hint of carrot, all baked beneath a luscious layer of melted cheese and tangy sour cream. This dish is perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep, offering a comforting yet light flavor that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A flat lay of various ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface, each in clear glass bowls with white labels: shredded bright orange cheddar cheese in a medium bowl near the center, finely chopped white onion in a smaller bowl above it, grated orange carrots in a bowl to the right, a smooth white sour cream portion in a small bowl near the center-right, a golden raw egg in a tiny bowl below the sour cream, and ground chicken in a larger bowl at the bottom. Around these are small bowls with black pepper, Italian herbs, salt, and garlic powder. A whole dark green zucchini is placed vertically on the left side. All ingredients are spaced evenly with clear visibility of their colors and textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is all it takes to bring this casserole to life. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s boosting flavor, adding creamy texture, or contributing a pop of color to your dish.

11-12 ounce (300 g) ground chicken: Provides lean protein and a tender base for the casserole.
1 medium egg: Acts as a binder to hold all the ingredients together perfectly.
1 medium carrot, grated: Adds subtle sweetness and vibrant orange color.
1 pound zucchini, grated: Infuses moisture and a fresh, earthy flavor that balances the richness.
1 medium yellow onion, chopped: Brings mild sharpness and depth to every bite.
3-4 tablespoons sour cream: Offers creaminess and a tangy layer that elevates the dish.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds savory warmth and a fragrant touch.
½ teaspoon cracked black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity.
½ teaspoon salt, plus extra for zucchini: Essential for seasoning and enhancing natural flavors.
1 ½ cup Cheddar or Colby Jack Cheese: Creates a golden, bubbly, irresistible cheesy crust.
1 teaspoon Italian herb spice blend: Infuses Mediterranean flair with oregano, thyme, and garlic.

How to Make Creamy Ground Chicken and Zucchini Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini

Start by grating the zucchini and sprinkling it with a teaspoon of salt. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes so it releases its excess water. This step is crucial to avoid a soggy casserole and to concentrate the zucchini’s fresh, slightly sweet flavor. Once it has drained, squeeze out as much moisture as possible using a strainer and spoon, or wrap the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and press firmly.

Step 2: Mix the Main Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated carrot, chopped onion, egg, garlic powder, cracked black pepper, Italian herb spice, and drained zucchini. Mix everything with a spatula or your hands gently until all ingredients are evenly distributed, creating a flavorful and colorful base.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar size with cooking spray. Transfer the mixture into the prepared dish and use a spatula to spread it evenly. Smooth the top and then spread 3 to 4 tablespoons of sour cream over the surface to add creamy tanginess that will bake into the filling beautifully.

Step 4: Bake and Add Cheese

Bake your casserole for 35 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the top looks set. Remove it from the oven and sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded Cheddar or Colby Jack cheese evenly on top. Return the dish to the oven for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling with cheesy goodness.

How to Serve Creamy Ground Chicken and Zucchini Casserole Recipe

A white rectangular baking dish with two handles contains a baked casserole. The bottom layer is creamy and smooth, topped with a generous layer of melted orange cheese strips covering the whole surface evenly. The edges of the dish show light browning from baking. The dish sits on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your casserole extra inviting, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or scallions on top. A few cracks of black pepper add visual appeal and a little extra zip to each bite, making the dish look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or a simple side of roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, warm crusty bread or garlic mashed potatoes can round out the plate perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For family gatherings or potlucks, serve this dish directly in the baking pan to showcase the bubbling cheese crust. Alternatively, for a more refined look, scoop out portions onto individual plates and garnish with fresh herbs and a lemon wedge to brighten the flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from your Creamy Ground Chicken and Zucchini Casserole Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The casserole stays fresh for 3 to 4 days and continues to taste delicious as the flavors meld even more over time.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or transfer portions into freezer-safe containers. It can be kept frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat the casserole in an oven preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through. Adding a little extra cheese on top before reheating will help restore that fresh-from-the-oven feel.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and will give you a similar texture and flavor, though it can be a bit leaner, so keeping an eye on moisture when draining zucchini is even more important.

Is it necessary to drain the zucchini?

Yes, draining the zucchini is a crucial step to prevent the casserole from becoming watery. Squeezing out excess moisture ensures a firm, cohesive texture in the finished dish.

Can I make this casserole dairy-free?

Yes, by substituting sour cream with a dairy-free alternative and using vegan cheese, you can enjoy a dairy-free version without sacrificing creaminess or flavor.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

The original recipe is naturally gluten-free since it contains no flour or breadcrumbs. Just be sure all your seasoning blends and cheese are certified gluten-free.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! You can sneak in finely chopped spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or even corn to customize the casserole to your liking. Just adjust cooking times if you add moisture-heavy veggies.

Final Thoughts

There is something incredibly satisfying about a warm, cheesy casserole loaded with fresh veggies and tender ground chicken, and this Creamy Ground Chicken and Zucchini Casserole Recipe fits the bill perfectly. It’s easy to prepare, versatile, and full of comforting flavors that make it a family favorite. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own go-to dinner recipe!

Creamy Ground Chicken and Zucchini Casserole Recipe