Use What You Have
Cheesy Chicken Zucchini Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
- Butter flavored cooking spray
- 1 1/2 cups finely crushed buttery crackers (such as Club crackers)
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
- 2 cups chopped, cooked chicken (light or dark meat, or a combination)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, divided
- 1 1/2 pounds zucchini, sliced
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 (5 ounce) jar Cheddar cheese spread (such as Kraft Old English Cheese Spread)
Directions:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400F (200C). Lightly spray the bottom and sides of a 3 1/2-quart baking dish with butter-flavored cooking spray.
Step 2: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the crushed crackers and melted butter. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of the buttered cracker crumbs in the bottom of the prepared dish. Set aside the remaining crumbs for the topping.
Step 3: Evenly layer the chopped chicken over the cracker crumbs.
Step 4: In a large non-stick skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is sizzling, add the sliced zucchini and diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables just begin to soften, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Step 5: Add the minced garlic, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Continue to cook for an additional 30 seconds, just until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Step 6: Layer the cooked vegetables evenly over the chopped chicken in the casserole dish.
Step 7: To prepare the cheese sauce, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Stir in the flour, mixing until the flour is evenly coated with butter. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring continuously.
Step 8: Gradually pour in the milk while stirring, ensuring that any lumps are flattened. Continue to stir until the sauce thickens and begins to bubble, about 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 9: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the Cheddar cheese spread until it is completely melted and smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Step 10: Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the vegetables and chicken in the casserole dish. Top with the reserved buttered cracker crumbs.
Step 11: Bake in the center of the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the top is lightly browned.
Step 12: Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 5 minutes before serving warm.
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 564
- Total Fat: 37g (48% Daily Value)
- Saturated Fat: 16g (79% Daily Value)
- Cholesterol: 95mg (32% Daily Value)
- Sodium: 745mg (32% Daily Value)
- Total Carbohydrate: 39g (14% Daily Value)
- Dietary Fiber: 3g (9% Daily Value)
- Total Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 19g (39% Daily Value)
- Vitamin C: 16mg (18% Daily Value)
- Calcium: 205mg (16% Daily Value)
- Iron: 3mg (18% Daily Value)
- Potassium: 579mg (12% Daily Value)
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
The Story Behind Cheesy Chicken Zucchini Casserole
Cheesy Chicken Zucchini Casserole is a quintessential example of American comfort food that combines simple, fresh ingredients into a hearty, satisfying dish. Its origins are rooted in mid-20th century home cooking, when casseroles became popular in the United States for their convenience and ability to feed a family with minimal fuss. The use of leftover chicken and seasonal vegetables like zucchini reflects a tradition of resourcefulness in the kitchen, turning what might otherwise go to waste into a rich, flavorful meal. The addition of cheese and buttery cracker toppings became common as processed cheese spreads and packaged crackers gained popularity in post-war American households.
Regional Variations
While Cheesy Chicken Zucchini Casserole is enjoyed nationwide, it has slight regional adaptations. In the Midwest, cooks often add more cheese or even cream-based soups to increase richness, while in Southern states, the casserole might include a hint of cayenne or paprika for subtle heat. West Coast versions sometimes incorporate fresh herbs like basil or thyme and a variety of seasonal squash to enhance the natural flavors of the vegetables. Despite these variations, the core elementschicken, zucchini, and a cheesy toppingremain consistent across regions.
Differences From Similar Dishes
This casserole differs from other chicken and vegetable bakes in several ways. Unlike traditional chicken pot pie, it does not have a pastry crust, instead using buttery cracker crumbs for a crisp topping. Compared to classic broccoli or green bean casseroles, the focus on zucchini provides a lighter texture and a subtle sweetness that complements the creamy cheese sauce. The combination of tender chicken, lightly sauted vegetables, and a smooth cheese sauce creates a layered flavor profile distinct from simpler baked dishes.
Typical Serving Occasions
Cheesy Chicken Zucchini Casserole is commonly served as a family dinner, especially on weeknights when convenience is key. It also appears at potlucks and holiday gatherings, where it is appreciated for its ease of preparation and crowd-pleasing taste. Often accompanied by a simple side salad or steamed vegetables, it can function as a complete meal. Some households even enjoy it as a make-ahead dish for lunches or frozen portions for later use.
Fun Facts and Trivia
- Zucchini, the star ingredient, is technically a fruit but treated as a vegetable in cooking, and it became widely popular in American kitchens after the 1920s.
- Cheddar cheese spread was originally developed as a convenient alternative to grated cheese, allowing for quick incorporation into sauces and casseroles.
- Using cracker crumbs as a topping is an evolution of traditional breadcrumb toppings, adding both flavor and texture without the heaviness of pastry crusts.
- The dish exemplifies the layering method common in American casseroles, combining starch, protein, vegetables, and sauce in harmonious strata for both flavor and visual appeal.
- Leftover chicken casseroles like this one highlight the ingenuity of mid-century American cooks in transforming simple ingredients into comfort food classics.
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FAQ about Cheesy Chicken Zucchini Casserole Recipe
Comments
Joshua Evans
09/13/2022 07:08:27 AM
I've been experimenting with zucchini recipes due to an abundance in my kitchen. Last night, I tried this dish with a few tweaks. Firstly, the recipe lacks guidance on zucchini slicing - I recommend 1/8" thickness, but it took longer than the suggested 3-4 minutes to soften, more like 10 minutes before adding the garlic. As for cheddar cheese spread, I opted to grate 5 oz. of sharp cheddar and season it to my liking with salt, pepper, and a touch of cayenne for a kick. I substituted cream for milk, though diluted it with water by half. The end result was satisfying; the zucchini maintained a slight crunch despite the extended cooking time. A comforting dish indeed.
Joshua Thomas
03/26/2023 07:06:18 PM
Sure! Here is the rewritten review: 😄
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