Chicken Zucchini Cheese Bake

Featured in Satisfying Main Courses.

This comforting dish features tender cooked chicken layered with sliced zucchini and juicy cherry tomatoes, all enveloped in a creamy blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese. Italian herbs and garlic powder infuse every bite with savory depth, while a golden, bubbling cheese crust provides the perfect finish. Simple to prepare, it’s baked until the zucchini is tender and the top is attractively browned. Garnish with fresh basil for extra color and flavor. Great for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this bake brings together classic flavors with minimal effort and gluten-free goodness.

Barbara Chef
Updated on Tue, 24 Jun 2025 00:49:56 GMT
A white bowl filled with food. Pin it
A white bowl filled with food. | gracefulflavors.com

This creamy chicken zucchini bake delivers comforting flavor without the fuss of complicated steps or extra dishes. Tender zucchini and juicy chicken mingle with tomatoes and melted cheese under a golden Italian-seasoned crust, making it the kind of meal I turn to when I want something that feels both wholesome and special but comes together with little effort.

The first chilly week that zucchini flooded my garden I tossed this together as an experiment and it has since become a go-to in our rotation everyone in my house requests it when they want pure comfort food

Ingredients

  • Shredded cooked chicken: adds protein and soaks up flavors using leftover rotisserie works perfectly just check for quality by ensuring meat is still juicy
  • Zucchinis: provide a fresh mellow bite pick firm vibrant ones without blemishes for best results
  • Cherry tomatoes: offer brightness and moisture select ones that are plump and sweet
  • Mozzarella cheese: melts into creamy ribbons for gooeyness fresh mozzarella is especially nice but pre-shredded saves time
  • Parmesan cheese: brings salty depth and a nutty finish always use freshly grated Parmesan whenever possible for richer taste
  • Cream cheese: forms the creamy foundation make sure it is fully softened to blend smoothly
  • Garlic powder: distributes savory flavor easily choose a fine powder for even mixing
  • Italian seasoning: pulls the dish together with classic herb notes fresher blends carry more aroma
  • Salt and pepper: highlight all the flavors use sea salt for clean taste and freshly ground black pepper for a little heat
  • Olive oil: keeps everything from sticking use the fruitiest extra virgin you have
  • Fresh basil: adds color and herby zip at the end if using pick bright green leaves

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 190 degrees C make sure it fully reaches temperature so the bake cooks evenly with no sogginess
Mix the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl thoroughly blend together shredded chicken sliced zucchinis halved cherry tomatoes mozzarella cheese softened cream cheese garlic powder Italian seasoning salt and pepper stir until every bite will have a little of everything
Prepare the Dish:
Lightly grease a 23 by 33 cm baking dish with olive oil coat every corner to make sure nothing sticks and cleanup is simple
Assemble and Layer:
Pour the mixture into the dish spread it out into an even layer smooth the top so the cheese browns uniformly
Top and Bake:
Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese all over the top so every serving gets a crispy flavor boost bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the zucchini is tender and the top is golden and bubbly
Garnish and Serve:
Let the bake cool for a few minutes so it cuts cleanly finish with fresh basil for a pop of color and extra freshness slice and enjoy while hot
A bowl of food with tomatoes and zucchini. Pin it
A bowl of food with tomatoes and zucchini. | gracefulflavors.com

I absolutely love how the cream cheese transforms the filling into something so rich that nobody can guess how simple it is to make and my favorite memory is walking in from the garden with armfuls of zucchini and watching everyone’s face light up when this bake hits the table

Storage Tips

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated for up to three days If you want to freeze portion cooled servings into small containers and reheat gently in the oven or microwave Keep the basil garnish off until after reheating for the freshest flavor

Ingredient Substitutions

No rotisserie chicken on hand Cook up two medium chicken breasts and shred them or use leftover turkey For a sharper cheese flavor swap half the mozzarella for fontina or provolone You can use yellow squash if you are out of zucchini just make sure it is sliced evenly

Serving Suggestions

Serve this bake as a hearty stand alone meal or pair it with fluffy rice crisp green salad or a side of crusty bread For an extra Italian touch finish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan

Make it Yours

Fold in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach into the mix before baking for even more vegetables If you like heat add a pinch of red pepper flakes into the filling before baking For low carb fans this dish is perfect served on its own or alongside roasted cauliflower

A dish of food with tomatoes and zucchini. Pin it
A dish of food with tomatoes and zucchini. | gracefulflavors.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of chicken works best for this bake?

Shredded cooked chicken such as rotisserie, poached, or leftover roast ensures a moist and flavorful result.

→ How can I prevent the dish from becoming watery?

Lightly salting and draining the sliced zucchini before assembling helps reduce excess moisture during baking.

→ Can I substitute other vegetables for zucchini?

Yes, yellow squash or eggplant make excellent alternatives; just slice them similarly for even cooking.

→ What cheeses are recommended for a creamy texture?

Mixing mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese creates a rich, creamy texture and a flavorful, golden crust.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Cool the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat gently for best texture.

→ Is this bake suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, all stated ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it a suitable choice for those with gluten sensitivities.

Chicken Zucchini Cheese Bake

Chicken, zucchini, and tomatoes blend with creamy cheese and herbs, baked to bubbling perfection.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Barbara

Category: Hearty Mains

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: International

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
02 3 medium zucchinis, sliced
03 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

→ Cheeses

04 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
05 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
06 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

→ Seasonings

07 1 teaspoon garlic powder
08 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
09 Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Other

10 1 tablespoon olive oil
11 Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F), ensuring full temperature before proceeding.

Step 02

In a large mixing bowl, blend shredded chicken, sliced zucchinis, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly incorporated.


A bowl of food with tomatoes and zucchini.
Step 03

Lightly grease a 23x33 cm (9x13 in) baking dish with olive oil.

Step 04

Spread the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Step 05

Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly across the surface.

Step 06

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until zucchini is tender and the topping is golden and bubbling.


A dish of food with tomatoes and zucchini.
Step 07

Cool briefly, then garnish with fresh basil if desired. Portion and serve warm.

Notes

  1. For improved texture and flavor, drain excess moisture from sliced zucchini before mixing.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • 23x33 cm baking dish
  • Oven

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (mozzarella, Parmesan, cream cheese).