Description
This Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a creamy, savory baked dish that combines tender cooked chicken, fresh sautéed spinach, and a rich blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and optionally crunchy breadcrumbs, it makes a comforting and hearty meal perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 10 oz fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: 1/4 cup breadcrumbs for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, to infuse the oil with flavor.
- Cook Spinach: Add chopped spinach to the skillet and sauté until wilted. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly, which prevents the cream cheese mixture from becoming too hot when combined.
- Mix Cream Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, chicken broth, onion powder, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the cooked chicken and the sautéed spinach. Mix everything well to ensure even distribution of ingredients throughout the casserole.
- Prepare Casserole Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish and pour in the chicken and spinach mixture. Spread it out evenly to create a uniform layer.
- Add Cheese Topping: In a separate bowl, mix together shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this cheese mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Optional Breadcrumb Topping: If using, evenly sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese for added crunch and texture.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown, indicating it’s fully cooked and deliciously melted.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to set, making it easier to serve and allowing flavors to meld.
Notes
- For a crispier topping, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; just increase baking time by a few minutes if baking from cold.
- Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the dish gluten-free if desired.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3-4 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
