This Cheesy Keto Chicken Zucchini Bake is the ultimate comfort food. It’s loaded with cheesy goodness and paired with tender chicken and zucchini. What’s not to love?
It’s super easy to whip up, and I enjoy how healthy yet tasty it is! I usually pair it with a fresh salad for a complete meal. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds a lightness to the bake. If you can’t find zucchini, yellow squash works well too. It’s best to choose smaller ones, as they tend to be more tender.
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is great for this dish. You can also use rotisserie chicken for quick prep or leftover chicken from another meal. Shredded chicken offers a nice texture.
Cheese: Mozzarella and cheddar make this dish cheesy and delicious. If you’re short on mozzarella, you can substitute with provolone or gouda. Consider using dairy-free cheese for a lactose-free option!
Heavy Cream: This gives a rich creaminess to the bake. You can replace it with coconut milk or almond milk mixed with some coconut flour for a lighter version that stays keto-friendly.
Sun-dried Tomatoes: They add a burst of flavor. If you prefer, fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers can be used. Dried tomato flakes also work well if you’re looking for something less tangy.
How Can You Ensure the Zucchini is Perfectly Cooked?
Sautéing the zucchini before mixing it with the other ingredients is key. This step helps remove excess moisture, preventing a soggy bake.
- Heat olive oil or butter in your skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced zucchini and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until slightly tender but not mushy.
- Make sure to keep an eye on them, as you want them still slightly crunchy, adding great texture to your bake!
After sautéing, set them aside, allowing any steam to escape before cooling down, which will enhance the dish’s overall taste!
Cheesy Keto Chicken Zucchini Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Vegetables:
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced
Protein:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped into bite-sized pieces
Cheeses:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
Other Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup almond flour or crushed pork rinds (for topping)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter (for cooking zucchini)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take you about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 25 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at around 40 minutes for a warm, cheesy meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your bake cooks evenly throughout.
2. Sauté the Zucchini:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced zucchini and sauté until slightly tender, about 4-5 minutes. Once cooked, remove it from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Create the Creamy Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and heavy cream until you get a nice, smooth mixture.
4. Combine Ingredients:
Add the cooked chicken, sautéed zucchini, minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the bowl. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed.
5. Stir in the Cheeses:
Mix in the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, but save a little mozzarella for the topping later. This will make it extra gooey and delicious!
6. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Carefully transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish or individual cast iron skillets. It’s fun to serve in individual portions!
7. Add the Toppings:
Sprinkle the top with the grated Parmesan cheese and the reserved mozzarella to create that gorgeous, cheesy layer. Then, evenly sprinkle almond flour or crushed pork rinds on top for a crispy finish.
8. Bake:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top. The wonderful aroma will fill your kitchen!
9. Cool and Garnish:
Once done, carefully remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will help set everything nicely!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Serve warm, and enjoy your cheesy keto chicken zucchini bake!
This dish is not only low-carb and keto-friendly, but it’s also packed with cheesy flavor, making it perfect for a hearty yet healthy meal! Enjoy! 😊
FAQs for Cheesy Keto Chicken Zucchini Bake
Can I Use Fresh Chicken Instead of Cooked Chicken?
Absolutely! If you’re starting with raw chicken, simply cook it first—season and sauté it in the skillet until fully cooked, then chop it before mixing it with other ingredients. This will add extra flavor to the dish!
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese?
If you’re looking for a substitute, you can use Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese for a similar creamy texture. Just be aware that the flavor will be slightly different but still delicious!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave until it’s warmed through. Just be cautious not to overcook it when reheating!
Can I Freeze This Dish?
Yes, you can freeze the Cheesy Keto Chicken Zucchini Bake. Make sure it’s cooled completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating for best results!
