Description
This Chicken Zucchini Casserole is a comforting, creamy, and wholesome dinner perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family meals. It combines tender chicken, fresh zucchini, smoky turkey bacon, and melted plant-based cheese for a flavorful, nutritious dish enhanced with fresh herbs and a natural gelling agent for perfect texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
Vegetables and Herbs
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds or half-moons
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
Dairy and Binding
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Liquids and Sauces
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Bacon: Cook chicken breasts in a skillet with a splash of olive oil over medium heat until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and let rest, then shred or chop into bite-sized pieces. In the same skillet, cook smoked turkey bacon until crispy, then chop into small bits.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add a little more olive oil to the skillet and sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add sliced zucchini and cook just until they start to soften but remain slightly firm, preserving texture for the casserole.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix shredded chicken, chopped smoked turkey bacon, sautéed vegetables, plant-based cheese, and fresh herbs. Season with vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), salt, and pepper. Pour in vegetable broth and stir in the natural gelling agent to bind everything together into a creamy mixture.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the mixture evenly into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle additional plant-based cheese on top for a golden, bubbly finish. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes or until the top is browned and casserole is hot throughout.
Notes
- Slice zucchini uniformly to ensure even cooking and maintain a pleasant texture.
- Avoid overcooking zucchini to prevent the casserole from becoming soggy.
- Add fresh herbs at the end of cooking for vibrant flavor and aroma.
- Allow casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking to set well.
- Use quality smoked turkey bacon and plant-based cheese for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 casserole
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Chicken zucchini casserole, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, creamy casserole, healthy dinner
