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- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup sour cream - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and black pepper to taste These ingredients create a creamy and hearty dish. The chicken and spinach blend well with the cheeses. Cream cheese adds a rich texture. Mozzarella gives it a nice stretch, while Parmesan adds a salty kick. - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons olive oil Breadcrumbs add a crunchy topping. You can mix them with olive oil for extra flavor. This step is optional but highly recommended for texture. - Salt and black pepper to taste Seasoning is vital for flavor. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. You can also add your favorite herbs for extra taste. This will help make your casserole even more delicious. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, you need to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step makes sure the oven is hot when your casserole goes in. Grab a 9x13 inch baking dish and grease it lightly with olive oil or cooking spray. This helps keep the casserole from sticking. Next, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 cups of chopped spinach and stir it for about 3 minutes. You want the spinach to wilt down and reduce. Once it’s done, take the skillet off the heat and set the spinach aside. In a big mixing bowl, combine the following: - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - The wilted spinach - 1 cup softened cream cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup sour cream - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and black pepper to taste Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to mix everything together. Keep stirring until you have a smooth and well-blended mixture. Now it’s time to transfer your mixture to the baking dish. Pour the chicken and spinach mix into the greased dish. Spread it out evenly to cover the bottom well. If you want some crunch, sprinkle 1 cup of breadcrumbs over the top. This step is optional, but I highly recommend it! Sprinkle ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top. Then, place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for the cheese to bubble and turn golden brown. When it’s done, take it out and let it cool for 5 minutes. This helps the casserole set. Serve it hot, and enjoy your Cheesy Chicken and Spinach Delight! To get that creamy and smooth texture, use softened cream cheese. It blends well with the other ingredients. Mix everything until it is smooth. If you want a crispy top, add breadcrumbs. They give a nice crunch when baked. Fresh herbs can really boost the flavor of your casserole. Try adding chopped basil or parsley to the mix. You can also sprinkle some dried Italian seasoning for an extra kick. These herbs pair well with chicken and spinach. If you're short on time, use rotisserie chicken. It saves you cooking time and adds great flavor. You can also buy pre-washed spinach. This cuts down on prep time and makes cooking easier. Pro Tips Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is a great way to utilize leftover rotisserie chicken, saving you time and enhancing the flavor. Fresh Spinach vs. Frozen: While fresh spinach is recommended for its texture, you can use frozen spinach—just be sure to thaw and drain it well before using. Customize Your Cheeses: Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends, such as adding cheddar or pepper jack for a spicier kick. Make It Ahead: Prepare the casserole a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Just pop it in the oven when you're ready to bake! {{image_4}} You can swap the chicken for other proteins. Try turkey for a lighter dish. You could also use cooked shrimp for a seafood twist. If you want a meatless option, chickpeas or lentils work well too. These alternatives keep the dish hearty and satisfying while adding different flavors. For those needing dairy-free options, you can use vegan cream cheese. This will still give that creamy texture. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you need to avoid gluten. You can also substitute sour cream with a non-dairy yogurt. These swaps help everyone enjoy the casserole without worry. If you love heat, add some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper. Mixing in a teaspoon of hot sauce can elevate the flavors. For a smoky taste, try adding smoked paprika. These additions transform the dish into a spicy delight that awakens your taste buds. You can store leftovers in the fridge. Place the casserole in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to let it cool before sealing the container. This helps keep moisture in check. To freeze the casserole, let it cool completely first. Use a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It can last for up to 2 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheat the casserole in the oven for best results. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Cover it with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until hot. You can also use a microwave, but the oven will give you a better texture. Yes, you can use leftover chicken. It cuts down on prep time. Shredded rotisserie chicken works well too. Just make sure it is cooked and cooled before adding it to the mix. To make this dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Check labels on cream cheese and sour cream. Most brands are gluten-free. Always confirm that your chicken broth or any other added ingredients are also gluten-free. This casserole pairs well with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. Garlic bread is a great side too. It adds a nice crunch and enhances the meal. You can also serve it with rice or quinoa for a heartier option. Yes, you can prep this casserole a day before. Just store it covered in the fridge. When ready, bake it straight from the fridge. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. We covered the key ingredients for a tasty chicken and spinach casserole. You learned how to prepare each step, from sautéing the spinach to baking it perfectly. I shared tips to enhance flavor and texture. Remember, you can mix it up with different proteins or dietary swaps. Store your casserole well to keep it fresh. With this recipe, you can enjoy your meal today or save it for later. Enjoy your cooking adventure and create a dish everyone will love!

Cheesy Chicken & Spinach Delight

A creamy and cheesy casserole filled with shredded chicken and fresh spinach, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's hot and ready for baking.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped spinach and sauté for approximately 3 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted and reduced in volume. Once done, remove the skillet from heat and set the wilted spinach aside.
  • In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, the sautéed spinach, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, mix everything together until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
  • Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with a little olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pour the chicken and spinach mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly to cover the bottom.
  • If you desire an added crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the mixture. This step is optional but highly recommended for texture!
  • Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese generously over the breadcrumbs or directly on the mixture if omitting them.
  • Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye out for the cheese to become bubbly and golden brown, indicating that the dish is ready.
  • Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help it set up a bit and make it easier to scoop out portions.

Notes

Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or basil.
Keyword casserole, cheesy, chicken, comfort food, spinach