This yummy Chicken Bacon Ranch Zucchini Bake is a perfect combo of juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch, all baked with fresh zucchini. It’s a fun twist on traditional casseroles!
You’ll love how easy this dish is to make, plus it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies! I always enjoy it with a sprinkle of cheese on top—what’s not to love about cheesy goodness? 😋
Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Medium zucchinis are perfect for this dish as they hold their shape well. If you can’t find zucchinis, yellow squash works just as wonderfully.
Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a time-saver for me; it’s flavorful and already cooked. If you have leftover chicken from another meal, use that instead!
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a lovely crunch and flavor. For a lighter option, turkey bacon can be a good substitute, or leave it out for a vegetarian version.
Ranch Dressing: Use your favorite store-bought ranch, or make your own with yogurt or sour cream mixed with garlic powder and herbs. That way, you can adjust to your taste!
Cheese: I love cheddar cheese for its sharpness, but feel free to use mozzarella or a cheese blend for a different taste!
How Do You Prepare Zucchini for Baking?
Preparing the zucchini correctly is key to ensuring a tasty bake. Hollowing them out prevents sogginess and gives plenty of room for the filling.
- Cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise, then scoop out the seeds with a spoon.
- Don’t scoop out too much; you want to keep enough flesh for a sturdy base.
- After hallowing, lightly sprinkle salt on the insides of the zucchinis to help draw out moisture.
This way, the zucchinis bake perfectly, and every bite is delicious!
Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Zucchini Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie or cooked breast)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or shredded cheese blend)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chicken Bacon Ranch Zucchini Bake will take approximately 10 minutes to prepare, followed by 20-25 minutes of baking. So in less than 40 minutes, you’ll have a wonderful meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First things first—preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking. This will help ensure that your dish cooks evenly and comes out easily when it’s ready to serve.
2. Prepare The Zucchini:
Next, slice each zucchini in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and create a hollow center for the filling. Make sure to create enough space without cutting through the skin. You can set aside the scooped-out zucchini flesh for another recipe or toss it.
3. Mix The Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, and ranch dressing. Mix it all together until everything is well coated in that yummy ranch dressing. This mixture is where all the flavor happens!
4. Fill The Zucchini:
Now, place the hollowed-out zucchini halves in your prepared baking dish. Take your chicken and bacon mixture and spoon it evenly into each zucchini half. Don’t be shy—load them up!
5. Top With Cheese:
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over each filled zucchini. The more cheese, the merrier! Season with salt and pepper according to your taste. This will give it an extra layer of deliciousness.
6. Bake Until Perfect:
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the zucchinis are tender and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly! It’s a beautiful sight!
7. Cool and Serve:
After bringing it out of the oven, let your delicious creation cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish is delightful served warm, and it’s perfect as a main course or a side dish.
Enjoy your flavorful, easy-to-make Chicken Bacon Ranch Zucchini Bake! Your taste buds will thank you! 🍽️
Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Zucchini Bake FAQ
Can I Use Different Vegetables?
Absolutely! While zucchinis are ideal for this recipe, you can also use bell peppers or hollowed-out tomatoes for a fun twist. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, since different vegetables may require varying baking times.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat them in the microwave or in the oven until warmed through. For best results, cover them with foil while reheating in the oven to keep them moist!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the zucchini and the filling in advance. Just assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure everything is heated thoroughly.
What Can I Substitute for Ranch Dressing?
If you’re not a fan of ranch, you can substitute it with any creamy dressing such as blue cheese, Caesar, or even a homemade yogurt and herb sauce. Feel free to get creative with flavors!
