Chicken Zucchini Mushroom Bake

There’s something undeniably comforting about a creamy, cheesy bake fresh from the oven. This Chicken Zucchini Mushroom Bake combines tender, golden chicken breasts with sautéed zucchini and mushrooms, all enveloped in a luscious creamy sauce topped with melted mozzarella. It’s an easy, satisfying dinner that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas and tastes equally delightful alongside pasta, rice, or warm crusty bread.

Perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend meals, this dish balances hearty flavors with the fresh, tender texture of garden vegetables. Its rich sauce and melty cheese create a cozy, crave-worthy dinner everyone will love.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts (2 large, sliced): Thick, juicy chicken sliced for even cooking and perfect for soaking up rich sauce flavors.
• Zucchini (2, sliced): Adds freshness and tender bite while balancing the creamy richness of the bake.
• Mushrooms (2 cups, sliced): Earthy mushrooms provide depth and a satisfying meaty texture to the dish.
• Small onion (1, chopped): Sweet onions sautéed to add aromatic flavor and subtle sweetness.
• Garlic cloves (3, minced): Infuses the sauce with a fragrant, savory note that enhances all ingredients.
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used for sautéing to lightly brown chicken and vegetables while adding subtle richness.
• Salt & black pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out natural flavors and balance the dish.
• Paprika (½ teaspoon): Adds a mild smoky warmth and gentle color to the chicken.
• Italian seasoning (½ teaspoon): A fragrant herb blend that complements the chicken and veggies perfectly.
• Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates a rich and smooth base for the creamy sauce enveloping the ingredients.
• Chicken broth (½ cup): Adds subtle savory depth and thins the cream for a perfect sauce consistency.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Sharp, salty Parmesan enhances the sauce with umami and richness.
• Shredded mozzarella (1 cup): Melts beautifully to form a gooey, golden crust on top of the bake.
• Red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): Adds a touch of heat for those who enjoy a spicy kick.

Instructions

Preheat oven and prepare baking dish

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature while you prepare the ingredients. Lightly grease your baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Sear the chicken

Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a skillet. Add the sliced chicken breasts and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown on the outside. This step locks in juices and builds flavor. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning to infuse the chicken with aromatic spices.

Sauté the vegetables

Add the chopped onion, sliced mushrooms, zucchini, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 4 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly but still hold their shape. This enhances their natural flavors and creates a tender texture that complements the chicken.

Make the creamy sauce

Pour the heavy cream and chicken broth into the pan and bring to a gentle simmer for 2 minutes. This warms and thickens the sauce, helping it to coat the ingredients. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese to add savory depth and a smooth, cheesy texture.

Assemble and bake

Transfer the contents from the skillet to your prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top to create a rich, melty crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the chicken is thoroughly cooked.

Rest and serve

Let the bake rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly, making it easier to serve. Enjoy it alongside fluffy rice, your favorite pasta, or warm garlic bread for a complete, hearty meal.

Storage Tips

This bake stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain creamy texture. For longer storage, freeze portions and thaw before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish with steamed rice or buttery pasta to soak up every bit of the creamy sauce. A fresh side salad or garlic bread rounds out the meal beautifully for added texture and brightness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs will work and bring extra juiciness and flavor to the bake.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives, though flavor and texture will vary.

How do I make this dish spicier?

Increase or omit the optional red pepper flakes as desired. You can also add cayenne pepper or hot paprika.

Can the vegetables be swapped or added to?

Absolutely, spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers work well and add different textures and nutrients.

What sides pair well with this bake?

Rice, pasta, steamed vegetables, or warm garlic bread complement the creamy bake perfectly.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bake and keep it covered in the fridge for up to a day before baking.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) or slice to check for no pinkness inside.

Chicken Zucchini Mushroom Bake

Creamy and cheesy baked chicken with tender zucchini and mushrooms, delivering a flavorful and comforting dish perfect alongside rice or pasta.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 people

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• 1 baking dish lightly greased
• 1 pan for sautéing

Ingredients

  

• 2 large chicken breasts sliced
• 2 zucchini sliced
• 2 cups mushrooms sliced
• 1 small onion chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease the baking dish.
• Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
• Cook sliced chicken for 3 to 4 minutes until lightly golden, seasoning with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
• Add chopped onion, sliced mushrooms, zucchini, and minced garlic to the pan and cook for 4 minutes until vegetables are slightly tender.
• Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth, simmer for 2 minutes.
• Mix in grated Parmesan cheese.
• Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish and top evenly with shredded mozzarella.
• Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the dish is bubbly and golden.
• Let bake rest for 5 minutes before serving with rice, pasta, or garlic bread.

Notes

• Add spinach or broccoli for extra greens.
• Use rotisserie chicken to reduce prep time.
• Substitute cream with cream cheese and milk.
• Top with crispy bacon for added crunch.
• Finish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil.