Description
This creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a comforting, easy-to-make baked dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned and seared before being layered over fresh spinach, then topped with a rich mixture of cream cheese, sour cream, and garlic. A generous sprinkle of melted mozzarella cheese completes this hearty casserole that bakes to perfection in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Dairy
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and help with easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, paprika, and onion powder to infuse flavor into the meat.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust but are not fully cooked through.
- Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the fresh spinach evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish, then layer the seared chicken breasts on top.
- Add Cream Cheese Mixture: Evenly spread the cream cheese and sour cream mixture over each chicken breast to create a rich, creamy topping.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the entire casserole to create a bubbly, golden crust while baking.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and the dish to set.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken during searing, as it will finish cooking in the oven to keep it juicy.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with frozen spinach, but be sure to drain excess moisture before using.
- For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and mozzarella cheese.
- This casserole pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
