Description
A creamy and comforting Chicken and Spinach Casserole made with tender cooked chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese and optionally a crunchy breadcrumb topping, this easy-to-make casserole is perfect for a hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Dairy
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Flavorings
- 10 oz fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 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, enhancing the dish’s aroma.
- Cook Spinach: Add chopped spinach to the skillet and sauté until wilted. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly, preventing overcooking.
- Mix Cream Cheese Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, chicken broth, onion powder, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth to create a creamy base.
- Combine Chicken and Spinach: Stir in the cooked chicken and sautéed spinach into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Prepare Casserole Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly for uniform cooking.
- Add Cheese Topping: In a separate bowl, mix together mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Sprinkle this cheese blend evenly over the casserole surface.
- Add Breadcrumbs (Optional): For a crunchy finish, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the cheese topping if desired.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, indicating the casserole is thoroughly heated and cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and to prevent burns.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken from rotisserie or leftovers for convenience.
- Spinach can be substituted with frozen spinach, just be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture.
- Breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a pleasant crunch.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper, based on the saltiness of the broth and cheese.
- This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; extend baking time slightly if baking from cold.
- For a lower fat version, substitute cream cheese and mayonnaise with lighter alternatives.
