Best Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe

Chicken and spinach casseroles are an excellent choice for those who crave comfort food that’s both healthy and satisfying. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and nutritious spinach creates a dish that’s both rich and wholesome. This particular chicken and spinach casserole recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or even for gatherings when you need something easy but flavorful.

Introduction

Casseroles are one of the most beloved dishes because of their ability to pack a lot of flavors and textures into one dish, while remaining relatively simple to prepare. Chicken and spinach are two ingredients that work particularly well together, with the chicken providing lean protein and the spinach contributing vitamins, fiber, and a beautiful green color. This recipe for Chicken and Spinach Casserole brings these two ingredients together with a creamy, cheesy sauce and a crunchy topping that enhances the overall texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to assemble this delicious chicken and spinach casserole. Follow these step-by-step instructions for perfect results:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Cook the chicken: Begin by cooking the chicken breasts. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until the chicken is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
2. Shred the chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before shredding it with two forks. Set the shredded chicken aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Spinach and Garlic

1. Cook the garlic: In the same skillet, add another teaspoon of olive oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
2. Wilt the spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet in batches, stirring occasionally, allowing the spinach to wilt down. Once the spinach has all wilted, remove the pan from the heat and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Combine the cream cheese and sour cream: In a large mixing bowl, add the cream cheese and sour cream. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend them together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the cheeses: Stir in the shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheeses to the cream mixture. Season with onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Combine chicken, spinach, and sauce: In the bowl with the creamy sauce, add the shredded chicken and sautéed spinach. Mix everything together until the chicken and spinach are well-coated with the creamy sauce.
2. Transfer to a casserole dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or olive oil. Transfer the chicken and spinach mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 5: Add Toppings

1. Top with breadcrumbs: If using breadcrumbs, sprinkle them evenly over the top of the casserole for a crunchy, golden topping.
2. Add extra cheese: For even more cheese, you can sprinkle a little extra mozzarella or parmesan over the breadcrumbs.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

1. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly and heated through.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: Once the casserole is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
2. Serve: Serve the casserole hot as a main dish, or alongside a side salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Flavor Enhancements and Variations

While this Chicken and Spinach Casserole is already full of flavor, there are plenty of ways to customize it according to your taste preferences or dietary needs.

• Add other vegetables: For more texture and nutrition, consider adding other vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or artichoke hearts to the casserole. These vegetables blend seamlessly into the dish and add even more flavor.
• Spice it up: If you like some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle some hot sauce on top of the casserole before baking.
• Use a different cheese: Try swapping the mozzarella for cheddar, gouda, or Gruyère for a different flavor profile. Adding a mix of cheeses can make the dish even richer.
• Swap the chicken: You can easily substitute chicken with turkey or cooked shrimp if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly.
• Make it low-carb: To make this casserole keto-friendly or low-carb, omit the breadcrumbs and serve it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional rice or pasta.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

This casserole is perfect for meal prep because it stores well and can be reheated easily. Here are some tips for storing and preparing it in advance:

• Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freezing: This casserole also freezes well. After assembling, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven until heated through.

Tips for Perfect Chicken and Spinach Casserole

To ensure your casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:

• Cook chicken thoroughly: Make sure the chicken breasts are cooked all the way through and shred them finely for even distribution throughout the casserole.
• Wilt the spinach well: Don’t skip the step of sautéing the spinach. It releases a lot of water when cooked, which could make your casserole watery if not properly wilted.
• Balance the creaminess: If you prefer a less creamy casserole, reduce the amount of cream cheese or sour cream, or opt for lighter alternatives like Greek yogurt.
• Even layering: When layering your casserole, ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed so every bite is balanced.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken and spinach casserole is a hearty dish on its own, but here are a few great ways to round out the meal:

• Side salad: A light, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the richness of the casserole.
• Roasted vegetables: Roasted carrots, broccoli, or cauliflower make for a healthy and delicious side.
• Garlic bread or rolls: For those who enjoy a bit of bread with their meal, garlic bread or soft rolls are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.

Conclusion

This Chicken and Spinach Casserole is the perfect combination of comfort and nutrition. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fresh spinach, it’s a dish that can be enjoyed by everyone, from picky eaters to health-conscious diners. Plus, it’s easy to make, can be customized to your preferences, and works wonderfully for meal prep.

Yield: 6

Best Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe

Print

Chicken and spinach casseroles are an excellent choice for those who crave comfort food that’s both healthy and satisfying. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and nutritious spinach creates a dish that’s both rich and wholesome. This particular chicken and spinach casserole recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or even for gatherings when you need something easy but flavorful.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb or 450g), cooked and shredded
• 4 cups fresh spinach (or 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or heavy cream for richness)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for extra flavor)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
2. Prepare chicken: If the chicken breasts are not already cooked, season them with salt, pepper, and a little olive oil, then bake or pan-sear them until cooked through (about 20-25 minutes). Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks and set aside.
3. Cook vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted (if using frozen spinach, just cook until heated through). Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
4. Make the sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sour cream, chicken broth (or heavy cream), Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Stir until smooth and well combined.
5. Assemble casserole: Add the shredded chicken and cooked spinach mixture to the bowl with the sauce and stir until well coated. Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
6. Top: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top. If using breadcrumbs, sprinkle them over the cheese for a crunchy topping.
7. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
8. Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this hearty, creamy casserole with a side salad or crusty bread!

Notes

Make it low-carb: Skip the breadcrumbs and serve the casserole with a side of roasted veggies or cauliflower rice.

Add-ins: You can add mushrooms, bell peppers, or even a bit of cooked bacon for extra flavor.