Name: Cheesy Zucchini Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 3 small/medium zucchini, chopped; Kosher salt and black pepper; 1 yellow onion, chopped; 1 pound boneless chicken breasts, cut into cubes; 2 tablespoons salted butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated; 1 ½ cups basmati or jasmine rice; ½ cup dry orzo pasta (use gluten free if needed); 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves; 3 cups low sodium chicken broth; ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (more or less to taste); ¾ cup shredded Havarti cheese; ¾ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

This Cheesy Zucchini Chicken and Rice Bake is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal that’s perfect for a family dinner. It combines tender chicken, zucchini, rice, orzo, and a blend of cheeses for a satisfying and easy-to-make dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks in one pot or casserole dish, minimizing cleanup.
Cheesy and Delicious: The combination of Havarti and cheddar cheese creates a gooey and flavorful topping.
Healthy and Hearty: Packed with vegetables, protein, and grains for a balanced meal.
Easy to Customize: You can easily add your favorite vegetables or adjust the spices to your liking.

Ingredients

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: For sautéing vegetables and chicken.
Small/Medium Zucchini (Chopped): Adds a mild flavor and texture.
Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Enhances the flavors.
Yellow Onion (Chopped): Adds a savory base.
Boneless Chicken Breasts (Cubed): Provides a lean protein source.
Salted Butter: Adds richness and flavor.
Garlic (Minced or Grated): Adds pungent flavor.
Basmati or Jasmine Rice: Provides a fluffy and satisfying base.
Dry Orzo Pasta (Gluten-Free Option Available): Adds texture and variety.
Fresh Thyme Leaves: Adds a herbaceous flavor.
Low Sodium Chicken Broth: Provides a rich and flavorful base.
Cayenne Pepper: Adds a hint of spice.
Shredded Havarti Cheese: Adds a creamy and melty texture.
Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp and tangy flavor.
Fresh Basil (for Garnish): Adds a fresh herb flavor.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Cheesy Zucchini Chicken and Rice Bake

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

Step 2: Sauté Zucchini

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add zucchini, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden, 5-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Onion and Chicken

Add remaining oil and onion to the pot. Cook until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until seared, 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Rice, Orzo, and Broth

Add butter, garlic, rice, orzo, and thyme. Cook until golden and toasted, 2-3 minutes. Add broth, bring to a boil, and add zucchini back to the pot. Add cayenne, salt, and pepper.

Step 5: Simmer

Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook, covered, for 15-20 minutes, until rice is mostly cooked.

Step 6: Add Cheese

Stir in 1/2 cup Havarti and 1/2 cup cheddar. Transfer to an oven-safe dish if needed. Scatter remaining cheese over the top.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 10-15 minutes, until cheese is melted. Switch to broil and broil for 1-2 minutes, until cheese is crispy.

Step 8: Serve

Serve warm with fresh basil.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use a Large Pot or Dutch Oven: This will allow you to cook everything in one pot.
Don’t Overcook the Rice: Cook the rice until it’s mostly cooked, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Adjust Spices: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level.
Use Quality Cheese: High-quality cheese enhances the flavor and meltability.
Broil for Crispy Cheese: Broiling the cheese for a short time creates a crispy and golden topping.

How to Serve

Main Course: Serve as a complete and satisfying main course.
With a Side Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
With Crusty Bread: Serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Cheesy Zucchini Chicken and Rice Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or in the microwave until warmed through.

Freezing

Freeze cooled bake in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, you can use other types of rice like brown rice or wild rice.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorite cheeses.

3. Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, you can add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.

4. Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, omit the chicken and add more vegetables or beans.

Jaden Christner

Hey everyone! I'm Jaden, and welcome to YummyHere! Basically, I'm obsessed with food. Like, really obsessed. So, I figured, why not share all my yummy creations with the world? Hopefully, you'll find something here that makes you say "Yum!" (because that's the goal, right?). Let's get cooking!

Cheesy Zucchini Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe