Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game with a dish that's not only delicious but also packed with wholesome ingredients? Introducing the "Souper Cheesy Chicken Zucchini Rice" – a mouthwatering fusion of tender chicken, fresh zucchini, and gooey cheddar cheese that will have your family begging for seconds! In just 35 minutes, you can create a comforting meal that combines all the flavors you love in one delightful casserole. Trust us, this recipe is so good, you might just find yourself making it every week!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cream of chicken soup
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken, 2 medium zucchinis grated, 1 cup of cooked rice, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of cream of chicken soup, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, grated zucchini, cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, and garlic powder. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture, reserving a small handful for topping later. Stir until the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the reserved cheddar cheese on top of the mixture to create a cheesy crust when baked.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the dish to set slightly.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy your souper cheesy chicken zucchini rice!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time on busy nights, consider shredding the chicken and grating the zucchini in advance. You can store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook.
- Cheese Variations: While cheddar cheese adds a fantastic flavor, feel free to mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for an extra kick!
- Zucchini Drain: If your zucchini is particularly watery, you can sprinkle a little salt on the grated zucchini and let it sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture before mixing it in.
- Add Veggies: Boost the nutrition by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or even corn to the mixture.
- Baking Dish Size: Ensure your baking dish is well-greased to prevent sticking, and consider using a slightly larger dish if you're doubling the recipe.
- Garnish for Flair: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil just before serving can add a burst of color and freshness to your dish.
- Leftovers: This dish reheats beautifully, so make extra for easy lunches throughout the week!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 287kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 25g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
