Get ready to fall in love with our scrumptious Cheesy Zucchini Chicken and Rice Bake! This delightful dish combines tender chicken, vibrant zucchini, and creamy cheeses, all coming together in a comforting rice casserole that’s perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Busy Nights: With just an hour from prep to table, this dish is ideal for hectic evenings.
- Kid-Friendly: The gooey cheese and mild flavors make it a hit even with picky eaters.
- Great for Leftovers: Low effort reheat means tomorrow’s lunch is already sorted.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can swap in seasonal veggies or experiment with different cheeses.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Cheesy Zucchini Chicken and Rice Bake are wonderfully approachable yet key to producing a dish that’s as comforting as a warm hug. Each component lends a distinct flavor and texture, creating a harmonious medley you’ll savor in every bite.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Brings a rich aroma and helps sauté the vegetables perfectly.
- Boneless Chicken Breasts: Lean, protein-packed, and easy to cook.
- Zucchini: Adds a pleasant, subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
- Havarti and Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Provides a creamy, tangy layer of flavor.
- Basmati or Jasmine Rice: Fragrant and light, it mingles beautifully with the chicken and veggies.
Variations
One of the joys of cooking is making a recipe your own, and the Cheesy Zucchini Chicken and Rice Bake is remarkably versatile. You can customize it to suit your family’s tastes or to use what you have on hand. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Vegetarian Twist: Swap the chicken for chickpeas or extra veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers.
- Dairy-Free Delight: Use your favorite vegan cheese alternatives for a lactose-free version.
- Spicy Kick: Add a splash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
How to Make Cheesy Zucchini Chicken and Rice Bake
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees F. This ensures that the baking process comes together seamlessly once the stovetop part of the preparation is complete. It’s the perfect temperature to achieve a golden, crispy cheese topping.
Step 2: Cook the Zucchini
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add chopped zucchini, sprinkling with salt and pepper. Sauté until golden, around 5-8 minutes, then set them aside. This step ensures the zucchini holds its shape and flavor, avoiding a mushy finish.
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken and Aromatics
Add the remainder of the olive oil and the chopped onion to your skillet, cooking until fragrant. Stir in the chicken, season, and cook until seared. Add butter, garlic, rice, orzo, and thyme, cooking until golden and toasted. This sautéing brings out rich textures and flavors that form the base of your bake.
Step 4: Simmer and Combine
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Return the zucchini to the pot, season with cayenne, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer until the rice is nearly cooked. The slow simmer allows your ingredients to marry, making each bite flavourful and well-rounded.
Step 5: Cheese It Up!
Once the rice is ready, stir in a portion of Havarti and cheddar. Transfer to an oven-safe casserole if needed, adding remaining cheese on top. For extra zest, sprinkle everything spice and chives before baking! This cheesy layer is the crowning glory, ensuring each forkful is tantalizing.
Step 6: Bake and Broil
Transfer your dish to the oven, baking until the cheese melts perfectly, around 10-15 minutes. For an irresistible touch, switch to broil for 1-2 minutes for that extra crunchy, golden top that makes it simply irresistible.
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Zucchini Chicken and Rice Bake
- Perfect Rice Cooking: Ensure your rice isn’t overcooked by checking it 5 minutes early; the final oven baking will complete the softening process.
- Cheese Blend: Mixing Havarti and sharp cheddar creates a melty blend—feel free to try with other cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella for a unique flavor.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh thyme is wonderful; add a little rosemary or oregano for deeper herbal notes.
- Basil Garnish: Freshly torn basil right before serving adds a pop of color and an aromatic punch.
How to Serve Cheesy Zucchini Chicken and Rice Bake
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil or chives not only boosts flavor but also elevates the presentation. These garnishes provide a fresh contrast to the warm, gooey interior.
Side Dishes
Pair this bake with a crisp green salad or simple roasted veggies to complement and enhance the meal. A light vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the cheese.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in individual ramekins for a charming touch or in a rustic, large cast-iron skillet lined with fresh herbs for a cozy family-style vibe at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow your bake to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. This ensures freshness and helps it stay moist for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Slice into portions, wrap in foil, and store in freezer bags. You’ll have a hearty meal ready to go for up to 3 months.
Reheating
For best results, reheat in the oven at 350 °F, covered with foil, until warmed through. A quick broil at the end will restore that delicious crustiness on top.
FAQs
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Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but be aware it requires more liquid and longer cooking time. Ensure the rice is adequately covered with broth and check periodically.
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What can I use instead of everything bagel spice?
A blend of sesame seeds, dried onion, garlic, and poppy seeds can mimic bagel spice if you don’t have it on hand or prefer to create your own mix!
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Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve for fresh, delicious results.
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Is there a vegan version of this bake?
You can swap the chicken for tofu and use plant-based cheese alternatives to create a vegan-friendly option without losing the creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Zucchini Chicken and Rice Bake is a delightful recipe to make and enjoy. Its simplicity is matched only by its crowd-pleasing flavors. Give it a try, and let it become a new favorite in your household!
Print
Cheesy Zucchini Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful baked dish combining tender chicken, roasted zucchini, aromatic rice, and two types of melted cheese, seasoned with herbs and spices for a comforting, cheesy zucchini chicken and rice casserole.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 3 small/medium zucchini, chopped
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
Proteins
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
Grains & Pasta
- 1 1/2 cup basmati or jasmine rice
- 1/2 cup dry orzo pasta (use gluten free if needed)
Dairy
- 3/4 cup shredded Havarti cheese
- 3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Pantry & Spices
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp salted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (more or less to taste)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
- Fresh basil, for serving
Optional
- 2-4 tbsp everything bagel spice
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Cook zucchini: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped zucchini, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until golden and tender, about 5-8 minutes, then remove and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics and chicken: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and chopped onion. Cook until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add the chicken cubes, season with salt and pepper, and cook until seared, 2-3 minutes.
- Toast rice and orzo: Add butter, minced garlic, rice, orzo, and thyme to the skillet. Cook until golden and toasted, 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to coat everything evenly.
- Add broth and cook: Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil over high heat. Return zucchini to the skillet. Season with cayenne pepper, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 15-20 minutes until rice and orzo are mostly cooked.
- Mix in cheese & assemble: Once cooked, stir in ½ cup of Havarti and ½ cup of sharp cheddar cheese. If needed, transfer the mixture to an oven-safe casserole dish. Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top. If using, add everything bagel spice and chopped chives.
- Bake and broil: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until cheese melts. Switch to broil and cook for 1-2 minutes to crisp the top slightly. Serve warm garnished with fresh basil.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use fresh herbs like parsley or thyme on top before serving.
- Adjust the spice level by varying the cayenne pepper according to taste.
- If you prefer a less cheesy dish, reduce the cheese quantities.
- Ensure to use oven-safe dishes for baking and broiling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
