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Chicken Stuffing Casserole with Zucchini – A Comforting Dish by Julia Pacheco

When it comes to hearty and satisfying meals, few dishes can rival the comfort of a casserole. Enter Julia Pacheco’s Chicken Stuffing Casserole with Zucchini, a delightful recipe that combines tender chicken, fluffy stuffing, and vibrant zucchini for a wholesome family dinner. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also a wonderful way to incorporate vegetables into your meal, making it a favourite among busy home cooks.

Ingredients

To create Julia’s delicious Chicken Stuffing Casserole with Zucchini, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced thinly
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 package (6 oz) stuffing mix
• ½ cup grated cheese (cheddar or your choice)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish will ensure a non-stick cooking experience.

2. Prepare the Chicken: If using leftover chicken, ensure it is shredded or diced into bite-sized pieces. If you’re starting from scratch, poach or roast the chicken, then allow it to cool before shredding.

3. Sauté the Zucchini: In a skillet over medium heat, lightly sauté the zucchini until it’s just tender, about 3-4 minutes. This step enhances the flavour and ensures a bit of bite remains in the vegetable.

4. Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sautéed zucchini, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and seasoning. Stir until everything is well incorporated.

5. Layer the Casserole: Spread the mixture evenly into the greased baking dish. On top of the chicken and zucchini mixture, sprinkle the dry stuffing mix evenly across the surface.

6. Add Cheese and Bake: Drizzle a little extra chicken broth over the stuffing to keep it moist during baking. Finally, sprinkle the grated cheese over the top for that extra cheesy goodness. Cover the dish with foil to prevent over-browning.

7. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

8. Serve and Enjoy: Once done, take the casserole out of the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve warm. This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables.

Conclusion

Julia Pacheco’s Chicken Stuffing Casserole with Zucchini not only delivers on taste but also provides a simple, family-friendly way to enjoy a balanced meal. Its delightful combination of textures, from the tender chicken and soft zucchini to the crunchy stuffing top, makes it a dish that everyone at the table will love.

Whether you are looking for a comforting weeknight meal or a dish to impress during a family gathering, this casserole ticks all the boxes. Plus, it’s a fantastic option for using up leftover chicken and any vegetables you have on hand, making it both economical and versatile.

So why not give this lovely casserole a try? It’s bound to become a staple in your home, just as it is for Julia Pacheco’s many fans. Enjoy!

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