Description
A comforting and creamy chicken and spinach casserole featuring tender chicken breasts cooked with fresh spinach, rich cream cheese, and topped with melted sharp cheddar. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a family dinner, delivering a flavorful, satisfying meal with a cheesy golden crust.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), diced
Vegetables
- 4 cups fresh spinach (or thawed and drained frozen spinach)
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
Dairy
- 4 oz cream cheese (regular or reduced-fat, or vegan substitute)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
- Black pepper to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon)
- Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup cooked ground turkey or beef (optional)
Other
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil (for sautéing)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes until no longer pink inside. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to build flavor.
- Wilt Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet with the chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and tender. If using optional bell peppers or mushrooms, add them here to sauté together.
- Add Cream Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cream cheese until melted and fully combined, creating a creamy mixture with the chicken and spinach.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the creamy chicken and spinach mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole for a cheesy crust.
- Bake Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden brown on top.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts if preferred; they add a bit more richness.
- Frozen spinach must be fully thawed and drained well to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- Optional vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms add extra flavor and nutrition but can be omitted.
- For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and cheese, or try a vegan cream cheese substitute for a dairy-free option.
- Make sure to season the chicken well for maximum flavor.
- This casserole pairs well with a light side salad or steamed vegetables.
