Low Carb Rotisserie Chicken & Zucchini Casserole
Looking for an easy, cheesy dinner that makes the most of leftover rotisserie chicken? This Low Carb Rotisserie Chicken & Zucchini Casserole is creamy, comforting, and packed with tender chicken, fresh zucchini, melted cheese, and savory seasonings. It’s a delicious way to bring a satisfying meal to the table without relying on pasta, rice, or potatoes.
Using store-bought rotisserie chicken makes preparation wonderfully simple. Combine it with sautéed zucchini and a rich cream cheese sauce, add plenty of shredded cheese, and bake until hot, bubbly, and golden around the edges.
Whether you’re following a keto lifestyle, watching your carbohydrate intake, or simply looking for a family-friendly casserole, this easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, and cozy dinners.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy shortcut: Rotisserie chicken saves cooking and preparation time.
Low-carb friendly: No pasta, rice, breadcrumbs, or flour are needed.
Creamy and cheesy: Cream cheese, sour cream, and cheddar create a rich sauce.
Protein-packed: Chicken makes this casserole hearty and satisfying.
A great way to use zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds flavor and texture.
Family-friendly: Comforting flavors make it an easy dinner everyone can enjoy.
Meal-prep approved: Prepare portions ahead for convenient lunches.
One baking dish: Simple assembly and minimal cleanup.
📋 Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Dish, Dinner
Cuisine: American-inspired
Dietary Style: Low-carb, keto-friendly option
🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken and Zucchini Casserole
3 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, skin removed and shredded
3 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
½ cup diced yellow onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup heavy cream
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Topping
¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
A pinch of paprika
Ingredient tip: Choose plain, unsweetened dairy products and check the rotisserie chicken label for added sugars or starches. Seasoning blends and pre-shredded cheeses can also contain added ingredients. For a lower-sodium version, use less added salt because rotisserie chicken may already be seasoned.
🍳 Equipment Needed
9×13-inch baking dish
Large skillet
Mixing bowl
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula or wooden spoon
Colander or clean kitchen towel
👩🍳 How to Make Low Carb Rotisserie Chicken & Zucchini Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Remove the skin and bones from the rotisserie chicken, then shred or chop the meat into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini
Wash and dry the zucchini.
Slice each zucchini lengthwise, then cut into half-moon pieces about ¼-inch thick.
Place the slices in a colander and lightly sprinkle with a little salt. Let them sit for approximately 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
Pat the zucchini dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
This step helps prevent a watery casserole.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until it begins to soften.
Stir in the zucchini and cook for another 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
The zucchini should begin to soften but should not become mushy. Remove the skillet from the heat.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream.
Stir until smooth.
Add the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt.
Mix in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 5: Combine the Chicken and Zucchini
Add the shredded rotisserie chicken and sautéed zucchini mixture to the creamy sauce.
Fold everything together gently until the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated.
Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the chicken and zucchini mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Spread it evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese over the top. Add mozzarella and Parmesan if desired.
Step 7: Bake
Place the casserole in the preheated oven.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, the edges are bubbling, and the center is heated through.
If you’d like a more golden top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching carefully so the cheese doesn’t burn.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley or paprika if desired.
Scoop into bowls and serve warm.
💡 Tips for the Best Results
Remove Excess Zucchini Moisture
Zucchini releases water as it cooks. Salting, draining, and patting the slices dry helps keep the casserole creamy rather than watery.
Use Softened Cream Cheese
Room-temperature cream cheese blends more easily with sour cream and heavy cream, giving you a smoother sauce.
Don’t Overcook the Zucchini
Sauté the zucchini just until it begins to soften. It will continue cooking in the oven.
Choose Your Favorite Rotisserie Chicken
Plain or lightly seasoned rotisserie chicken works well. If yours is heavily seasoned, reduce the salt and adjust the other seasonings after mixing.
Shred Cheese Freshly
Freshly shredded cheddar often melts more smoothly than packaged pre-shredded cheese.
Let It Rest Before Serving
A short resting period helps the creamy sauce settle and makes the casserole easier to portion.
🧀 Delicious Variations
1. Bacon Cheddar Chicken Casserole
Add 4 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon to the chicken mixture. Bacon adds a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with zucchini and cheddar.
2. Garlic Parmesan Version
Replace ½ cup of the cheddar with grated Parmesan and add an extra clove of garlic for a richer, savory flavor.
3. Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Casserole
Stir in 2–3 tablespoons of buffalo sauce and use a little mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese. Adjust the amount to your preferred spice level and check the sauce label for added sugars.
4. Mushroom Chicken Casserole
Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms. Sauté them with the onion before adding the zucchini.
5. Spinach and Cheese Chicken Bake
Fold in 1 cup of chopped fresh spinach or well-drained thawed frozen spinach. If using frozen spinach, squeeze out excess moisture first.
6. Extra-Cheesy Version
Add ½ cup of shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack to the filling for an even cheesier casserole.
7. Dairy-Light Option
Use less cheese and replace some of the sour cream with additional chicken broth. The sauce will be lighter and less rich, but still flavorful.
🍽️ What to Serve With It
This casserole is satisfying on its own, but a simple side dish can round out your meal.
Low-Carb Side Dishes
Garlic butter green beans
Cauliflower rice
Roasted asparagus
Sautéed mushrooms
Fresh garden salad
Steamed broccoli
Roasted Brussels sprouts
Easy Family Dinner Pairings
A crisp cucumber salad
Roasted carrots
Simple tomato salad
Buttered green beans
A small serving of cauliflower mash
For a simple keto-friendly dinner, serve a generous portion of casserole alongside a fresh green salad or roasted asparagus.
🥡 Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator
Allow leftovers to cool slightly and transfer them to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking.
Refrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below and enjoy within 3–4 days.
Freezer
You can freeze individual portions in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that zucchini may soften and release additional moisture after thawing.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Oven: Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm at 325°F (163°C) until heated through.
Microwave: Heat individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring or checking between intervals.
Reheat leftovers to 165°F (74°C) throughout.
📊 Approximate Nutrition Information
Per serving, based on 6 servings:
Calories: 390
Protein: 31 g
Fat: 27 g
Total Carbohydrates: 7 g
Fiber: 2 g
Net Carbohydrates: 5 g
Nutrition is an estimate and will vary depending on the rotisserie chicken, cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, and zucchini sizes. Store-bought chicken and dairy brands can significantly affect sodium and carbohydrate totals.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is this rotisserie chicken and zucchini casserole keto-friendly?
Yes. It uses chicken, zucchini, cream cheese, sour cream, heavy cream, and shredded cheese without traditional flour, pasta, or rice. Check your ingredient labels and serving sizes to make sure it fits your personal carbohydrate target.
Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Any fully cooked, boneless chicken works. Shredded baked chicken, grilled chicken, or leftover roasted chicken are all excellent substitutes.
Do I need to peel the zucchini?
No. The skin is tender and helps the zucchini hold its shape. Simply wash and dry the zucchini before slicing.
Why did my casserole turn watery?
Zucchini naturally releases moisture during cooking. Salting, draining, and patting it dry before sautéing helps prevent excess liquid. Also avoid overcrowding the skillet when cooking the vegetables.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the chicken and zucchini mixture, combine it with the sauce, and store it covered in the refrigerator. Add the cheese topping shortly before baking. For the best texture, prepare and bake within 24 hours.
Can I use frozen zucchini?
Fresh zucchini is best because frozen zucchini tends to release more water. If using frozen zucchini, thaw it completely, drain it well, and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before adding it.
Can I make this without cream cheese?
Yes. You can replace the cream cheese with additional sour cream, although the sauce will be less thick and rich. Add the dairy gradually and adjust the consistency as needed.
Can I add bacon?
Definitely! Cook and crumble the bacon before mixing it into the casserole, or sprinkle it over the top before serving.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The cheese should be melted, the edges should be bubbling, and the center should be thoroughly heated. If using chilled leftovers or refrigerated ingredients, allow extra baking time and check the center carefully.
💚 Final Thoughts
This Low Carb Rotisserie Chicken & Zucchini Casserole is a delicious way to turn convenient rotisserie chicken and fresh zucchini into a comforting, cheesy dinner. The creamy sauce brings everything together, while melted cheddar adds plenty of savory flavor.
It’s easy to prepare, simple to customize, and perfect for busy evenings when you want a satisfying homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Serve it with a fresh salad or your favorite low-carb vegetables, and keep the leftovers ready for another easy meal.