This Easy Cheesy Keto Chicken Zucchini Bake is a yummy dish packed with juicy chicken and tender zucchini, all topped with melted cheese. Perfect for a low-carb meal!
I love how quick and easy it is to throw together. Just layer it all in a dish, pop it in the oven, and voilà—dinner is served! Who can say no to gooey cheese? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: This is the star of the dish! Use medium zucchinis for the best texture. If you can’t find zucchini, yellow squash is a good alternative. Or try fresh spinach for a different flavor.
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is great here. You can also use turkey, rotisserie chicken for convenience, or even canned chicken if you’re in a pinch. Just make sure it’s shredded or diced well.
Cheese: I love the combo of mozzarella and cheddar for that rich flavor. If you’re looking for less fat, swap some of the cheese for a low-fat version. Keep in mind the cheese will affect the texture a bit.
Heavy Cream: This gives a nice creaminess to the bake. If you want a lighter option, you could use half-and-half or unsweetened coconut milk, but the flavor will change slightly.
How Do I Ensure My Zucchini Stays Tender and Not Mushy?
Sautéing the zucchini before baking is key to keeping it tender but not mushy. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use medium heat to control cooking. High heat can make it too soft.
- Keep an eye on them; just 3-5 minutes is usually enough. They should be slightly tender but still firm.
- Layering in the bake also helps—don’t overcrowd your dish!
This way, you’ll have perfectly cooked zucchini in your cheesy bake without it falling apart! You’ll love the texture it adds to the dish.
Easy Cheesy Keto Chicken Zucchini Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bake:
- 3 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
- Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 10 minutes to prepare, followed by 30-35 minutes of baking time. So, in about 45-45 minutes, you’ll have a satisfying meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready when it’s time to bake your delicious dish. Also, grease your baking dish gently to prevent sticking.
2. Sauté the Zucchini:
In a skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it smells amazing. Then, toss in the sliced zucchini and sauté for about 3-5 minutes until they’re slightly tender but still firm. Once done, remove from heat.
3. Mix the Creamy Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, add the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir to combine all the flavors together—this will make your bake creamy and rich.
4. Start Layering:
Now it’s time to assemble! Start by layering half of the sautéed zucchini at the bottom of your greased baking dish. Spread the cooked chicken evenly on top of the zucchini layer.
5. Add the Sauce and Cheese:
Pour half of the creamy mixture over the chicken. Sprinkle ¾ cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the cheddar cheese on top of the chicken. Yum!
6. Repeat the Layers:
Next, add the remaining sautéed zucchini as another layer. Pour the rest of the cream mixture over it, and then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. This will create a deliciously cheesy crust.
7. Bake the Dish:
Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 20 minutes. Once that time is up, carefully remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown
8. Cool and Serve:
After removing the baking dish from the oven, let it cool for about 5 minutes. This will help it set up a little bit before serving. If you’d like, garnish it with fresh parsley or basil for a touch of color and extra flavor. Now, dig in and enjoy your keto-friendly cheesy chicken zucchini bake!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Keto Chicken Zucchini Bake
Can I Use Different Vegetables Instead of Zucchini?
Yes! While zucchini is perfect for this recipe, you can also use yellow squash, eggplant, or even spinach. Just adjust cooking times as needed so they remain tender while baking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave it for quicker reheating.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish a day ahead and store it covered in the fridge. Just remember to bake it right before serving—add an extra few minutes if it goes into the oven cold!
Is This Recipe Freezer-Friendly?
Yes! If you want to freeze it, allow the bake to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating and enjoy!
