A creamy, cheesy, comforting casserole made with tender rotisserie chicken, fresh zucchini, garlic, and melted cheese. It’s an easy family-friendly weeknight dinner and a great way to use leftover chicken.

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: ~50 minutes

Ingredients

Casserole

3 cups (450–500 g) cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
3 medium zucchini, sliced into thin half-moons
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup (240 g) sour cream
½ cup (120 g) cream cheese, softened
½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella
½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Optional

½ cup chopped mushrooms
½ cup baby spinach
¼ tsp red pepper flakes
½ cup cooked bacon, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Lightly grease a 9 × 13-inch (23 × 33 cm) baking dish.

2. Prepare the zucchini

Slice the zucchini into thin half-moons.

Place them in a bowl and lightly sprinkle with salt.

Let them sit for 10 minutes, then pat them very dry with paper towels.

This helps prevent a watery casserole.

3. Sauté the vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the onion and cook for 2–3 minutes.

Add the zucchini and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Remove from heat.

4. Make the creamy sauce

In a large bowl, combine:

Sour cream
Softened cream cheese
Chicken broth
Italian seasoning
Paprika
Black pepper

Mix until smooth.

5. Combine

Add the shredded rotisserie chicken and sautéed zucchini mixture to the bowl.

Add ½ cup mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan.

Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.

6. Transfer to the baking dish

Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.

Spread evenly.

Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

7. Bake

Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until hot and bubbling and the cheese is golden.

For a more browned top, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully.

8. Rest and serve

Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes.

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Tips for the Best Casserole

Don’t skip draining the zucchini. It naturally contains a lot of water.
Use rotisserie chicken that’s already cooked and shredded.
If your chicken is heavily seasoned, reduce the added salt.
Don’t overcook the zucchini before baking—it will continue cooking in the oven.
Let the casserole rest before serving so the sauce thickens.

Easy Variations

Mediterranean Style

Add cherry tomatoes, spinach, feta, oregano, and a little lemon zest.

Spicy Chicken

Add red pepper flakes and diced jalapeño.

Chicken Bacon

Add ½ cup cooked chopped bacon.

Chicken Mushroom

Sauté 1 cup sliced mushrooms with the zucchini.

Extra Cheesy

Add ½ cup shredded cheddar along with the mozzarella.

Nut & Allergy Information

The recipe contains no peanuts or tree nuts as written.

Contains: dairy from sour cream, cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan.

The recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates.

Gluten-Free

The casserole is naturally gluten-free, but check the rotisserie chicken, chicken broth, and seasonings for gluten-containing ingredients.

Dairy-Free

Use dairy-free sour cream, cream cheese, and shredded cheese alternatives.

For serious allergies, always check packaged ingredients for allergen and cross-contact information.

Recipe Q&A

Can I use leftover cooked chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Yes. Any cooked shredded chicken works.

Why is my casserole watery?

Zucchini releases a lot of moisture. Salt, drain, and pat it dry before adding it to the casserole.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes. Plain Greek yogurt works well and gives the sauce a slightly tangier flavor.

Can I make it without cream cheese?

Yes. Increase the sour cream to 1½ cups or use cottage cheese blended until smooth.

Can I add rice?

Yes. Add 1–2 cups cooked rice to make it a more substantial meal.

Can I prepare it ahead?

Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going directly from the refrigerator.

How long do leftovers last?

Store covered in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.

Can I freeze it?

Yes, although zucchini may become softer after freezing. Cool completely, cover well, and freeze for up to 2 months.

How should I reheat it?

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.

Approximate Nutrition

Per serving, assuming 6 servings:

Calories: ~390 kcal
Protein: ~34 g
Carbohydrates: ~9 g
Fat: ~24 g
Fiber: ~2 g

Nutrition is approximate and varies according to the rotisserie chicken, cheese, and dairy products used.

Social Media Caption

ROTISSERIE CHICKEN & ZUCCHINI CASSEROLE 🧀

Tender shredded chicken + fresh zucchini + creamy sauce + plenty of melted cheese = the ultimate easy comfort-food dinner! 😍

Perfect for busy weeknights and a delicious way to use leftover rotisserie chicken.

Save this recipe! ❤️