Savory Summer Delight: Chicken And Summer Squash Casserole

I love cooking casseroles—they’re so easy to make and always turn out delicious! This Chicken and Summer Squash Casserole is one of my favorites and is a hit every time I serve it. It’s packed with flavor and nutrition, and the combination of tender chicken, summer squash, and cheesy goodness is heavenly. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any extra summer squash you may have! Give it a try and I guarantee it will quickly become a family favorite.

Chicken And Summer Squash Casserole Recipe

Prep Time

20 mins

Cook Time

35 mins

Total Time

55 mins

Servings

8 servings

Chicken And Summer Squash Casserole

Ingredients

  • 1. Cooking spray
  • 2. 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3. 6 cups sliced yellow squash
  • 4. 2 medium onions, chopped
  • 5. 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
  • 6. 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
  • 7. 16 saltine crackers, crushed
  • 8. 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 9. 3 large eggs
  • 10. 2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing mix (such as Hidden Valley Ranch®)
  • 11. Ground black pepper to taste
  • 12. 2 cups herb-seasoned stuffing mix (such as Pepperidge Farm®)
  • 13. ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 14. 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (Optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add yellow squash and onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until squash is tender and onion is translucent, about 10 minutes.
  • In a large bowl, combine cooked squash, onion, chicken, Cheddar cheese, crackers, mayonnaise, eggs, ranch dressing mix, and pepper. Stir until combined.
  • Spread mixture into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle stuffing mix over top and pour melted butter over stuffing.
  • Bake uncovered in preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until casserole is golden brown and bubbly. Sprinkle with fresh parsley, if desired, before serving.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

  • Serving size: 1/6th of recipe
  • Calories: 478
  • Fat: 27g
  • Saturated fat: 12g
  • Carbohydrates: 26g
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 31g
  • Cholesterol: 121mg
  • Sodium: 983mg

How can a chicken and summer squash casserole be easily adapted to fit a variety of dietary needs?

Chicken and summer squash casserole is a delicious and versatile dish that can be adapted to fit a wide range of dietary needs. With a few simple swaps and substitutions, you can make this classic dinner a healthy, hearty meal that everyone can enjoy.

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To make a gluten-free version of the casserole, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to replace the all-purpose flour called for in the recipe. Gluten-free breadcrumbs can also be used as a topping instead of regular breadcrumbs. For a vegan version, you can use a plant-based milk and vegan butter substitute in place of dairy products and replace the chicken with a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh.

If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to the classic casserole, you can use a combination of whole wheat flour and oats in place of the all-purpose flour. You can also substitute low-fat dairy products for the full-fat versions and use leaner cuts of chicken. To add more vegetables to the dish, you can add diced bell peppers or zucchini in place of the summer squash.

No matter what dietary needs you have, there’s a way to make chicken and summer squash casserole fit your lifestyle. With a few simple swaps, you can make this classic dinner a healthy and delicious meal that everyone can enjoy.

What are the health benefits of chicken and summer squash casserole?

Chicken and summer squash casserole is a nutritious dish that offers multiple health benefits.

  • It is low in fat, high in protein, and contains vitamin-rich vegetables.
  • The combination of lean chicken breast and summer squash make it a balanced meal packed with essential nutrients.
  • The protein in chicken helps build muscle and promotes healthy cell growth, while summer squash is an excellent source of vitamin A, which is important for eye health.
  • Eating this casserole can also provide a boost of energy, as it contains complex carbohydrates which are slowly broken down in the body.
  • It is also a good source of dietary fiber, helping to keep the digestive system functioning properly.
  • A serving of chicken and summer squash casserole is also low in calories, making it a healthy choice for those looking to maintain a healthy weight.

How can a busy weeknight meal routine be simplified with chicken and summer squash casserole?

Simplifying a busy weeknight meal routine with a chicken and summer squash casserole is easy! This one-dish meal is packed with healthy vegetables and protein, making it both nutritious and filling. Plus, it only requires minimal preparation and can be thrown in the oven for a set-it-and-forget-it dinner. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of planning, you can have a delicious and nutritious dinner on the table in no time.

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The key to making a chicken and summer squash casserole on a busy weeknight is to do as much of the preparation ahead of time as possible. For example, you can chop the vegetables and cook the chicken the night before or earlier in the day. That way, when it’s dinner time, all you have to do is assemble the ingredients and put them in the oven.

You can also make the casserole in advance and freeze it for up to 3 months. That way, all you have to do is thaw it and pop it in the oven. You can also double the recipe and freeze half for a later date. This is a great way to get dinner on the table quickly and with minimal effort.

To top it off, a chicken and summer squash casserole is a great way to get in your vegetables. The vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals, while the chicken provides protein and healthy fats. Plus, you can customize the recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables and seasonings.

By doing some preparation ahead of time and utilizing the freezer, you can make a delicious and nutritious chicken and summer squash casserole in no time. With minimal effort and planning, you can have a healthy dinner on the table on even the busiest of weeknights.

What are the best cooking techniques for a flavorful and moist chicken and summer squash casserole?

The best cooking techniques for a flavorful and moist chicken and summer squash casserole are to prepare the ingredients ahead of time, pre-cook the chicken, sauté the summer squash in butter and herbs, and bake the casserole until golden brown.

Preparing the ingredients ahead of time is key to ensuring a flavorful and moist casserole. Start by pre-cooking the chicken until it is just cooked through. This helps to ensure that the chicken is juicy and will not dry out during baking. If you have time, marinating the chicken in a mixture of herbs and oil beforehand can also add flavor and moisture.

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Next, it is important to sauté the summer squash in butter and herbs to bring out its flavor. Sautéing the squash will also help to soften it and ensure it cooks evenly when baking.

Finally, baking the casserole until golden brown is the best way to ensure it is flavorful and moist. If it is not baked long enough, the ingredients may be undercooked and the casserole will not be as moist. Baking it too long can result in a dry and overcooked casserole.

By following these cooking techniques, you can be sure to achieve a flavorful and moist chicken and summer squash casserole. With a little patience, you will be able to enjoy a delicious and healthy dish.

What ingredients pair best with chicken and summer squash casserole to create an unforgettable dish?

When making a Chicken and Summer Squash Casserole, there are a few essential ingredients that will take the dish to the next level. The combination of creamy ricotta cheese, crisp bacon, fragrant garlic, and zesty Parmesan cheese will create an unforgettable flavor.

Ricotta cheese pairs beautifully with the chicken and squash, adding a creamy texture and mild flavor. When combined with bacon, the ricotta cheese’s flavor is reinforced and the richness of the bacon is unmistakable.

Garlic is a must for this casserole, adding an unmistakable aroma and flavor. Fresh garlic is best, but you can also use pre-minced garlic for convenience.

Finally, Parmesan cheese is a must for this dish. Its salty, nutty flavor pairs perfectly with the other ingredients, and its texture adds a delightful crunch.

By combining these ingredients, you can create an unforgettable Chicken and Summer Squash Casserole. The creamy ricotta cheese, crisp bacon, fragrant garlic, and zesty Parmesan cheese will come together to create a flavor that is sure to be a hit with family and friends.

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