Creamy Chicken & Spinach Casserole with Melted Mozzarella Recipe

Introduction

This Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are combined with fresh spinach and a cheesy cream cheese sauce, then baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, optional

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: Cut each chicken breast in half horizontally to create four thin cutlets. Pound the thicker ends to ensure even thickness.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes.
4. Step 4: In a skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Set aside.
5. Step 5: Beat softened cream cheese in a bowl, then stir in spinach and 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (and Parmesan if using).
6. Step 6: Optionally, sear the marinated chicken in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side for added flavor.
7. Step 7: Arrange the chicken in the baking dish, spread the cream cheese and spinach mixture over it, and top with remaining mozzarella cheese.
8. Step 8: Bake for 20-30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
9. Step 9: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add sliced mushrooms or diced onions when cooking the spinach.
• You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach—just be sure to thaw and drain it well before using.
• Try swapping mozzarella for Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese for a different twist.
• Instead of chicken breasts, boneless chicken thighs can be used for a juicier casserole.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals to avoid drying out the chicken.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Is it necessary to sear the chicken before baking?

Searing is optional but recommended as it adds a nice caramelized flavor and helps keep the chicken juicy. However, you can skip this step to save time, and the casserole will still turn out delicious.

Creamy Chicken & Spinach Casserole with Melted Mozzarella Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 124 reviews

This Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a creamy, savory baked dish featuring tender chicken breasts layered with a flavorful spinach and cheese mixture. Enhanced with garlic, Italian seasoning, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, this comforting casserole is perfect for a hearty family dinner.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Marinade

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Spinach Mixture

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (optional)

Topping

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare Chicken: Cut each chicken breast horizontally in half to create four thin cutlets. Pound the thicker ends to ensure even thickness for uniform cooking.
3. Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken cutlets in this marinade, cover, and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to infuse flavors.
4. Cook Spinach: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. Mix Cheese and Spinach: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Stir in the cooked spinach, 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese if using, creating a creamy spinach mixture.
6. Sear Chicken (Optional): For added flavor, sear the marinated chicken cutlets in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side until lightly browned but not fully cooked.
7. Assemble Casserole: Arrange the chicken cutlets evenly in the greased baking dish. Spread the cream cheese and spinach mixture over the chicken. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
8. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the cheese topping is melted and lightly browned.
9. Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to set.

Notes

• For a stronger flavor, you can increase the garlic amount to 4 cloves.
• Pounding the chicken ensures even cooking and tenderness.
• Searing the chicken before baking is optional but adds a nice caramelized flavor and texture.
• Feel free to substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard if preferred.
• Parmesan cheese is optional but adds an extra layer of richness.
• Make sure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving.

Keywords: chicken casserole, spinach casserole, cream cheese chicken, baked chicken recipe, creamy chicken dish, healthy casserole