Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are smothered in a rich cream cheese mixture and layered with fresh spinach, then baked to bubbly perfection. It’s an easy, satisfying meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, paprika, and onion powder.
3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until lightly browned. Remove from heat.
4. Step 4: In a bowl, mix together softened cream cheese, sour cream, minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon salt until smooth and creamy.
5. Step 5: Layer the fresh spinach evenly in the greased baking dish. Place the seared chicken breasts on top of the spinach.
6. Step 6: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
7. Step 7: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top.
8. Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Step 9: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the cream cheese mixture for a mild kick.
• Substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach (thawed and drained) if fresh isn’t available.
• Try topping with Parmesan cheese along with mozzarella for a sharper cheese flavor.
• Serve with a side of garlic bread or a light salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through to maintain the creamy texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used. They may require a few extra minutes of baking time to ensure they are fully cooked.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

You can freeze the baked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.

Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 109 reviews

Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole is a delicious, comforting dish featuring tender seared chicken breasts layered with fresh spinach and a rich, creamy blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and garlic, topped with melted mozzarella cheese and baked to perfection.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Spinach Layer

• 4 cups fresh spinach

Cream Cheese Mixture

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt

Topping

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, paprika, and onion powder to infuse flavor.
3. Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown but not fully cooked. Remove from heat.
4. Make Cream Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, minced garlic, and salt. Mix until smooth and well combined.
5. Assemble Casserole: Layer the fresh spinach evenly in the greased baking dish. Place the seared chicken breasts on top of the spinach. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
6. Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top to create a bubbly, golden crust when baked.
7. Bake: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F) and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
8. Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and make serving easier.

Notes

• Make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in your mixture.
• You can substitute mozzarella with cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend for variation.
• Fresh spinach works best, but you can use frozen spinach that’s been thawed and drained.
• To ensure chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole, chicken casserole, spinach recipe, creamy chicken bake, baked chicken with cheese