Description
This creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for a satisfying dinner. It combines tender cooked chicken, fresh spinach, and a luscious blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and mozzarella, baked to golden perfection. Easy to prepare and ideal for using leftover chicken, this casserole is both hearty and nutritious.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or cubed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
Dairy & Cheese
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Topping
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch or similarly sized baking dish to prepare for baking.
- Sauté Garlic and Spinach: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the chopped spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Combine Chicken and Spinach: Fold the cooked chicken and the sautéed spinach mixture into the cheese mixture. Stir gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. If desired, sprinkle the top with breadcrumbs for a crispy, golden crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is lightly browned.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set for easier slicing and improved flavor.
Notes
- Great for using up leftover rotisserie chicken.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- You can substitute frozen spinach (thawed and drained well) in place of fresh spinach.
- To keep it gluten-free, omit the breadcrumbs or use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
