🍽️ Creamy Cottage Cheese Zucchini Chicken Bake – A Healthy, Comforting One-Dish Wonder! 🥒🍗🧀


 For the casserole:

  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie works great!)
  • 2 medium zucchinis, grated and squeezed dry
  • 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)

½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 small onion, finely diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
  • Salt & black pepper to taste

1 egg (helps bind the casserole)

Optional add-ins:

  • ½ cup diced bell peppers
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or basil
  • ½ cup frozen peas or corn

🍳 Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

  2. Prep the zucchini

    • Grate zucchini and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel. This prevents a soggy bake.

  3. Mix the base

    • In a large bowl, combine chicken, zucchini, cottage cheese, sour cream, ¾ cup cheddar, Parmesan, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, and egg.
    • Fold in any optional add-ins.

  4. Transfer to baking dish

    • Spread mixture evenly into the dish.

  5. Top & bake

    • Sprinkle with remaining ¼ cup cheddar.
    • Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden on top and heated through.
  1. Rest & serve
    • Let cool 5–10 minutes before serving.
    • Pair with:
      • A crisp green salad
      • Garlic bread or crusty rolls
      • Steamed broccoli or roasted veggies

Tips for the Best Bake

🔥 Squeeze the zucchini DRY — this is the #1 secret to a perfect texture
🔥 Use full-fat cottage cheese — creamier and more flavorful
🔥 Rotisserie chicken saves time — just shred and add
🔥 Make it ahead — assemble and refrigerate unbaked. Add 10 minutes to bake time
🔥 Freeze for later — cool and freeze in portions for up to 3 months

Ways to Customize Your Bake

Love the base? Try these fun twists:

  • 🍝 Pasta Version – Add cooked egg noodles or zucchini noodles
  • 🌶️ Spicy Kick – Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce
  • 🍗 Turkey or Tofu Version – Swap chicken for ground turkey or crumbled tofu
  • 🍅 Marinara Twist – Mix in ½ cup tomato sauce for a baked ziti-style dish
  • 🥦 Extra Veggies – Add mushrooms, spinach, or carrots
  • 🍞 Crunchy Topping – Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan for crunch

What to Serve With This Bake

This dish is complete and satisfying — here are some great pairings:

  • A fresh garden salad with lemon vinaigrette
  • Garlic bread or dinner rolls
  • Roasted asparagus or green beans
  • A cold glass of iced tea or sparkling water

Perfect for:

  • Weeknight dinners
  • Freezing for future meals
  • Meal prep lunches
  • Holiday leftovers

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Can I use frozen zucchini?

Yes — thaw and squeeze dry before using.

❓ Can I make it without cottage cheese?

Yes — substitute with ricotta, Greek yogurt, or cream cheese (adjust thickness as needed).

❓ Can I make it ahead?

Absolutely! Assemble and refrigerate (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed.

❓ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes — if you use gluten-free ingredients and skip breadcrumbs (if using a topping).

Final Thoughts

Creamy Cottage Cheese Zucchini Chicken Bake is the perfect balance of hearty, healthy, and comforting — a dish that’s easy to love and even easier to make.

With its tender chicken, fresh zucchini, and creamy cottage cheese sauce, it’s no wonder this recipe is a family favorite and dinner superstar.

So next time you need a quick, nutritious meal that feeds a crowd and reheats like a dream — bake a pan of this golden, wholesome casserole.

Because sometimes, the best dinners are the ones that taste like comfort — but leave you feeling light and satisfied.