Chicken Zucchini Mushroom Bake

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

Gather diced chicken, zucchini, mushrooms, and green onions, combining them with Italian cheese, sour cream, and eggs for a hearty oven bake. After sautéing the chicken and vegetables until just tender, blend everything with basil, salt, and pepper, then bake until bubbling and golden. This flavorful dish is both creamy and satisfying, balancing lean protein with vegetables and aromatic herbs. Serve hot for a quick dinner that highlights tender chicken, melt-in-your-mouth cheese, and the subtle sweetness of fresh zucchini. A practical option for small households or anyone seeking a simple, comforting meal.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Sat, 02 Aug 2025 19:42:14 GMT
A dish of chicken and zucchini bake. Save
A dish of chicken and zucchini bake. | lilicooks.com

This Chicken Zucchini Bake comes together quickly for a comforting weeknight dinner loaded with savory chicken, tender zucchini, earthy mushrooms, and a creamy cheese base. It is one of my favorite ways to use summer zucchini and sneak extra veggies onto the table without any complaints.

I first tried this when we were swimming in homegrown zucchini and wanted something cozy yet simple. My family asks for it on busy nights when we need comfort food without fuss.

Ingredients

  • Boneless chicken: Choose tender cuts like chicken breast or save time with pre-cooked rotisserie chicken
  • Fresh mushrooms: Look for firm mushrooms with dry caps for the best flavor and texture
  • Medium zucchini: Firm zucchini with no soft spots brings a subtly sweet bite and moisture to the bake
  • Butter: High-quality butter adds richness to the sauté
  • Salt and fresh ground black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper enhances the basil and cheese
  • Shredded Italian cheese blend: Look for a blend with mozzarella and provolone for the best melt
  • Sour cream: Adds tang and helps create a creamy texture
  • Green onion: Use fresh green onions—snappy green tops and crisp white bases are best
  • Eggs: Large or jumbo eggs help bind the bake so it holds together
  • Dried basil: Choose aromatic basil with a deep green color for maximum flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Ingredients:
Dice the chicken into uniform bite-sized cubes for even cooking. Slice the zucchini into coins then halve or quarter them for easy bites. Slice the mushrooms and green onions thinly to distribute their flavors throughout the bake.
Sauté and Build Flavors:
Melt the butter in a high-sided skillet over medium heat until foaming. Add diced chicken gently so each piece is in contact with the pan. Add zucchini and mushrooms and cooked for about five minutes stirring often. Watch for the mushrooms to soften and the zucchini to become a little translucent. Season lightly with salt and fresh ground black pepper as the vegetables cook.
Drain Mixture:
When the vegetables are tender but not mushy transfer everything from the skillet into a colander to drain off excess moisture. Do not skip this step or the finished bake may turn watery.
Mix the Creamy Cheese Base:
In a large bowl combine the shredded Italian cheese blend with sour cream sliced green onions beaten eggs dried basil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir thoroughly making sure the eggs and sour cream coat everything well.
Combine and Fill Baking Dishes:
Add the drained chicken zucchini and mushroom mixture to the cheese base. Use a big spoon to fold everything together until the vegetables and chicken are evenly coated.
Bake:
Spray your individual oven-safe baking dishes with nonstick spray. Divide the chicken mixture evenly between the dishes and smooth the tops gently with the back of a spoon. Bake at 375 F for thirty to thirty five minutes. The top should be bubbling and golden brown. Remove from oven and let rest for five minutes before serving—this helps the bake set up perfectly.
A baked dish with mushrooms and zucchini. Save
A baked dish with mushrooms and zucchini. | lilicooks.com

You Must Know

  • High protein and gluten free which makes it friendly to many diets
  • Freezes and reheats beautifully so you can prep ahead
  • Delicious hot or as leftovers for an easy lunch

The blend of cheese and basil is my favorite part—I love to use a special basil from my garden which adds a bright aroma that always reminds me of summer. One of my most vivid memories is making this dish with my daughter after picking zucchini together for the very first time.

A dish of chicken and zucchini bake. Save
A dish of chicken and zucchini bake. | lilicooks.com

Storage Tips

Once cooled keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage slice and freeze individual portions then reheat straight from the freezer in the microwave or oven.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute cooked turkey or even ground chicken for the diced chicken. For a vegetarian version try using diced tofu and a vegetarian cheese blend. Feel free to swap the Italian cheese blend for just mozzarella or provolone if that is what you have on hand.

Serving Suggestions

This bake works beautifully for dinner with a simple green salad or some crusty bread on the side. For brunch try serving it alongside a fruit salad or even as a filling for a hearty sandwich.

Cultural or Historical Context

Baked savory casseroles like this have a classic place in American home-cooking where stretching a small amount of meat or cheese with plenty of vegetables was essential for feeding families. Dishes like this highlight that tradition—the bake is easy to adapt with seasonal garden produce and readily available pantry staples.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use chicken breast or thighs?

Both chicken breast and thighs work well. Breast yields a leaner dish, while thighs add extra juiciness.

→ How should I prepare the zucchini?

Slice zucchini thinly, then cut slices into halves or quarters to ensure even cooking and tender texture.

→ Can I substitute other cheeses?

Yes, mozzarella or a mild cheddar can be used in place of the Italian blend for different flavor notes.

→ Is it possible to add more vegetables?

Bell peppers or baby spinach make great additions. Add them with the mushrooms and zucchini in the skillet.

→ Do I need to drain the sautéed mixture before baking?

Yes, draining off excess liquid helps ensure a creamy, not watery, result after baking.

Chicken Zucchini Mushroom Bake

Creamy baked chicken with zucchini, mushrooms, and cheese, finished with fresh basil and green onions.

Preparation Time
10 min
Cooking Time
40 min
Overall Time
50 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 4 Serves (2 large servings)

Dietary Options: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 8 ounces boneless chicken, diced
02 4 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
03 1 medium zucchini, sliced into halves or quarters
04 2 tablespoons butter
05 Salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
06 2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend
07 ½ cup sour cream
08 2 green onions, sliced
09 2 large eggs, beaten
10 2 teaspoons dried basil

Steps

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Step 02

On a cutting board, dice the chicken into bite-sized cubes. Slice the green onions, mushrooms, and zucchini. Cut the zucchini slices into halves or quarters.

Step 03

Melt the butter in a large pan on medium heat. Add the chicken, zucchini, mushrooms, salt, and pepper to the pan. Cook and stir often until tender, about 5 minutes. Drain in a colander.

Step 04

In a bowl, mix together the cheese, sour cream, green onions, beaten eggs, basil, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Stir in the chicken, zucchini, and mushrooms until well-coated.

Step 05

Spray two 18.6-ounce individual baking dishes with non-stick spray. Pour the chicken and cheese mixture into the two dishes, divided evenly.

Step 06

Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve hot dishes on top of pot holders or trivets to protect the table or counter.

Required Tools

  • Cutting Board with Juice Grooves
  • 12-inch high-sided skillet
  • Zulay 3-Piece Plastic Mixing Bowls
  • 18.6-ounce individual baking dishes
  • Cork Trivets

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Dairy
  • Eggs

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 401
  • Fats: 29 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Proteins: 31 g